Hello 2026 – Let's Go!
- Caroline Bowers-O'Donnell
- Jan 1
- 4 min read
As we step into 2026, like many other business owners, I am feeling a mix of excitement and pressure: a brand‑new year, a clean slate, and a long list of ideas waiting to be turned into action.
For the first time in a long time, I'm energised by the new year and not feeling the dread of going back into a corporate (remote) office. The challenge for me this year isn’t a lack of ideas for my relatively new freelancing business, it’s figuring out where to focus, what to prioritise, and how to build momentum without burning out by February.
I've started by refreshing my business plan and my mission statement so that I can clearly show you what to expect from CBO consulting in 2026.
The CBO Consulting mission in 2026
In an ever-changing digital landscape, my mission is to provide strategic marketing direction for both global and local Northern Ireland businesses. This year, I’m focusing on what I do best: helping purpose‑driven small and medium businesses grow with clear messaging, digital savvy, and practical marketing that will drive growth. My services continue to be focused in channel marketing, digital marketing and copywriting. Learn more about my services >
My 5 business values
My work is guided by the following key values that shape how I manage projects with clients every day:
Strategy: Strategy is at the core of this consultancy and guides everything I do from projects to promotion. I like to start with understanding the big picture in order to directly connect marketing efforts to business goals, ensuring the day-to-day tactics are serving a clear plan.
Collaboration: I believe great results come from true partnership and to do this I work with closely with my clients to align goals, share insights and build solutions together.
Balance: I believe that for my consultancy and for my clients to grow sustainably, there needs to be balance. This includes balance between work and life as well as only booking a slect number of projects each month in order to deliver quality work.
Adaptability: The world changes fast, especially in the digital marketing landscape. I stay flexible and ready to adjust a project's approach to meet any new challenges.
Communication: Clear, honest and prompt communication is essential to my work. I like to maintain transparency through every stage of a project from the delivering a proposal to reporting results so that our expectations are aligned.
Lessons I'm carrying forward from 2025
Even though CBO Consulting only officially launched in October, those first few months taught me more than any amount of planning ever could. Soft‑launching turned out to be one of the best decisions I made — instead of waiting for everything to be perfect, I gave myself permission to start, learn, refine, and grow in real time. That nerve-wracking beginning created space for clarity, confidence, and a business that feels aligned with how I want to work.
What surprised me was that I had this incredible professional network and I didn’t even realise it. The support, encouragement, referrals, and genuine belief from the people around me reminded me that you don’t build a business alone. Those early conversations, collaborations, and small wins showed me the power of community and the value of all the relationships I’d built over the years.
What you can expect from me in 2026
The marketing landscape is noisier than ever. Trends come and go in weeks. Algorithms shift overnight. New platforms, new tools, new “must-do” tactics appear constantly. But growth rarely comes from chasing everything new. The businesses that thrive are the ones who understand what actually moves the needle and commit to it consistently.
So, what this means for my clients:
I write marketing copy that speaks clearly to the right audience, not everyone.
I prioritise digital channels that align with real customer behaviour, not trends.
I help build systems that support your long-term growth, not short-term spikes.
Here's what is coming soon through my website and my social channels:
NEW Service Bundles!
I am delivering some of my core services in bundles designed to make your experience smoother and more effective.
Marketing Essentials Bundle (£599) - Ending on 31st January 2026
The marketing essentials bundle is designed to give small businesses the digital marketing and copywriting support they need to attract customers, grow their brand, and make 2026 the strongest year yet. Book now >
Partner Success Bundle (£999) - Officially launching on 5th January 2026
The partner success bundle delivers a ready-to-use marketing campaign that engages your partners, activates them quickly, and drives demand through their customer base. Offer valid until 28th February 2026. Take a sneak peek here >
Practical marketing insights!
I will be sharing my knowledge and practical tips through the new resources assets, blog, posts, newsletters and my social channels.
New blog posts on AI in marketing, effective webinar strategy, reviews of useful marketing tools and more! Read more >
Follow me on instagram for quick marketing tips and behind the scenes updates. Follow me >
Follow me on LinkedIn for TBD Follow me >
New free resources will be available on my website including checklists and training videos. COMING SOON!
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