New Year’s Resolutions for the Small Business Owner
Posted by Amy Clickner on December 30, 2011
As 2011 draws to a close, 2012 presents itself with new hopes and new challenges. In business, to be successful you must constantly strive to improve. So with the New Year upon us, take some time to consider several New Year’s resolutions that will improve your business.
Just like personal resolutions, business resolutions can be tools to help you accomplish goals throughout the year. Of course, many resolutions are quickly put aside as the calendar changes from January to February. Make 2012 the year you resolve to stay on track. Here are five resolutions for you to consider when thinking about your own business and where you would like to be in 2012.
# 1. Communicate Your Business Plan Last year we dusted off our business plans, thoroughly reviewed them and did what we could to make improvements. This year, it is time to share it with employees and make sure everyone is rowing in the same direction. Make it clear to your staff what the company’s top priorities are. Review with them the company’s performance in 2011 and note the areas where you succeeded or fell short. Remember, the Lake Superior Community Partnership stands ready to provide that annual “business health check” with you.
#2. Develop a Social Media Strategy Social media is not a fad! It has become the largest fundamental shift in our culture since the industrial revolution. As a business, you must adapt to the technology of the times. Social media is easy and inexpensive, and can be a powerful marketing tool. It’s also a great opportunity for small businesses that have not yet developed a Web site.
#3. Make Contacts In-person While social media has turned how the world communicates upside-down, be mindful to use LinkedIn and Facebook as tools to meet face to face, not as an excuse not to. Be conscious to make those human connections. Business is still done with a hand shake, and you can’t shake hands over Facebook. Don’t forget that it is relationships that drive your business. Once a week, take time to drop a handwritten note or card to someone you do business with. The small gesture will be greatly appreciated.
#4. Goal Driven Days Instead of focusing each day on tasks to check off, set goals and accomplish them. Too often we get lost focusing on the trees and not seeing the forest. Take a step back and focus on a bigger picture. Set a goal for each day and accomplish it. Respond to change throughout the day and work as a team to achieve your desired result.
#5. Do What You Say You Are Going To Do Accountability is the most important characteristic a business or business person can possess. If you promise to attend a meeting, be there. If you say you will contact someone, call. Take the old “let’s get together soon” and actually do it. Communicate when you will be running late, if the project will last longer than anticipated, etc. Whatever your stated goals for 2012 are, stick to them!
If you are a business owner, operator or have the desire to become one, remember that the Lake Superior Community Partnership and its strong network of partners and resources are just a click or call away. Let us become your advocate and partner today for a successful and rewarding 2012.
Visit us on the web at www.marquette.orgfor more information on our Business Resources. Or, call 226-6591 to set up an appointment to talk to one of our development specialists.
