New Year’s Resolutions for Small Businesses
Posted by Lake Superior Community Partnership on December 22, 2014
It’s that time of year again, the time of year when we close out and take stock of what we’ve accomplished over the past twelve months and set lofty goals for the next. For 2015, we’ve compiled a list of New Year’s Resolutions your small business may want to adopt.
Get your team involved: There is no doubt that your business is just that, YOUR business. At the end of the day it all comes down to you and your risk, but by involving your employees in the setting of goals and strategy for the New Year, you’ll ensure buy-in and get outside perspective.
Keep your eyes on the prize: Once you and your team have set your strategy and goals, keep them in front of you at all times. Constantly measure where you are so you can course correct along the way.
Adopt a marketing plan, not lower prices: When it comes to bringing in revenue, quickly one of the first reactions is to hold a sale. Temper this urge and focus instead on creating a strategic marketing plan that will in time bring in the appropriate price for your goods and services.
Get in some face time: In today’s world it is easy to drop an email, pick up the phone or send a quick text, but none of these can ever be a substitute for a face to face conversation and a handshake. This goes for employees, customers and vendors.
Get up to speed on your industry: Commit to attending at least one major event for your industry. Be it a trade show, convention or association meeting; spending time networking with your peers, finding out what is new and upcoming in your industry and getting your business out to a larger audience is well worth the cost and will give you a leg up on your future.
Commit to your numbers: Vow to review and understand your financial statements every month. Your numbers tell your story, know it well.
Set aside time to work on your business: You work on your business all day, most likely every day. Set aside time for strategic planning, growth projections and research. That is also working on your business and your business will be stronger for it (you will most likely find that it will make the day to day run a lot smoother).
Set aside time for yourself: With all of the working on and in the business, it can be hard to find time for yourself, but you must. Your business will not be better if you don’t have time to decompress and focus on yourself and family. Find time to unplug, turn off the ringer and work on you.
We realize as a business owner, your job is never easy but by following these resolutions you will make your business stronger. Lucky for you there is always help available. The Lake Superior Community Partnership and Small Business Development Center are standing by to help you through the next year. Add us to your team and together we will celebrate a prosperous 2015. Contact us at 906.226.6591 or lscp@marquette.org or visit our website at www.marquette.org.
Amy Clickner, CEO, writes a bi-weekly column in the Mining Journal.
