New Year’s Resolutions for Your Business
So you’ve got a business in Huron County and you’re looking ahead to the new year. This is a great time to evaluate how your business did last year, and plan for increased success in the year ahead. Typically we think of resolutions for personal growth, but it’s just as important to resolve to grow your business as well. A resolution, after all, is a decision to do something differently to bring about positive change. The end of a calendar year is the perfect time to analyze every aspect of how your business has performed over the previous year and identify areas for growth and improvement.
We’ve organized a couple of ideas below to help you get started thinking about some resolutions for your small business as we head into the new year:
Work Life Balance
A small business is often a direct reflection of its owner and leadership. It’s important to recharge and refresh yourself; your small business will perform better when you are at your best mentally and physically.
If you struggle with making time for yourself outside of your business, resolve to schedule some down time on your calendar and stick to it. Make time for activities and hobbies you enjoy, or simply being with yourself without focusing on your business.
Join a Business Organization or Networking Group
The old saying “it takes a village” isn’t just for raising a family. Business success relies on a network of individuals championing the same goals. Other business owners can help you with new ideas, refine current ideas, and grow your contacts in your field or your community. Whether it’s a local chamber of commerce, young professionals network, or an online forum of individuals related to your business, communicating and networking with other business people can take your business to the next level.
Promote your business consistently
Do you want to attract new customers in the new year? Consistent promotion is going to be key, but often falls to the bottom of a to-do list. If you want new customers, promotion should be a top priority in your New Year’s Resolutions. If you cannot resolve to create a marketing plan to consistently promote your business on your own, consider hiring a marketing expert to assist you.
Charge what you are worth
Many service oriented small business owners struggle with charging what they are worth. If you feel you are underpaid or undervalued in your business, the new year is a great time to raise your rates to accommodate the value you bring your clients. Many consumer services raise their rates with the new year, and many customers anticipate an increase in rates at this time.
Give something back to your community
While it’s better to give than to receive, those that give also receive. There is a plethora of worthy organizations in Huron County that make a difference in the community. The best way to create goodwill and a feeling of positivity in your business is to give back to your community. Giving doesn’t have to be in the form of a financial gift; consider serving on a committee, being a mentor, or volunteering with an organization in your community.
Drop what’s not working for you and try something different
All ideas aren’t going to be perfect performers, all products aren’t going to be best sellers. Some suppliers and contractors may simply not be ideally suited for your business. Take some time to evaluate these sectors of your business and resolve to stop using ineffective products, tactics, or business relationships in the new year. Your energy is valuable to your small business, so quit trying to make the unworkable workable, and seek out something better for you and your business.
What are your business resolutions for the new year?
