Each new year typically starts with a promise of new optimism, new ambitions and a new attitude. On a personal level, average folk year in and year out pledge to exercise, eat healthy, quit smoking, be a better person, mend relationships and look for a new job.
Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other.
Sadly, as evidenced by gym attendance, many people are finished with their annual resolution by March. But, it’s especially important for small businesses to keep the momentum going for the entire year and we’d like to share some proven methods for success to incorporate into your mindset and blueprint for 2016:
- Get back to the basics:
- Organize. One of the main reasons to get and stay organized is because it is an incredible time saver. Think of how much more productive your day could be when you’re not always searching for this or that. It’s also less stressful if your calendar is accurate and you’re not missing conference calls and deadlines and running late for meetings. Your co-workers will appreciate you more too, particularly if you need them to help you out and you can explain where to find things in your office.
- Put goals in writing. When you stare at goals, they become a part of your core and motivate you. They become your reality and therefore seem more and more attainable and act as a rallying point for others too.
- Provide extreme customer service. Your customers are everything. Treat them as such in words and deeds. They are your current source of income and your future source in the form of referrals. Listen, react and make your clients happy.
- Put your finances in order. Keep your timesheets/payroll, invoices, accounts receivables, expenses, etc. balanced each month. Many small businesses may feel they don’t have the accounting and bookkeeping experience to keep up with these things, but if you are not sending invoices, you are not getting paid – people will not beg you for an invoice, but they will demand payment from you. Don’t wait until it’s time to prepare your taxes to get together receipts and financial documents. You must handle financial matters and it’s much easier to do it along the way and have a routine with it.
- Use free stuff. Not everything costs a fortune and there are some great business resources that don’t cost a penny. We’ve shared many of our favorites resources and in case you missed them, please revisit the Queen of Free posts here and here.
- Don’t get consumed by social media and email. Good social media marketing takes time and if it’s not in your budget to hire a marketing group, make sure you don’t let it take up your day. Use an automated system like Hootsuite or Constant Contact and schedule your posts. And of course you need to check your email, but you don’t need to do it on demand. Come up with a system where email doesn’t distract you from everything else. Some people check it in the morning, before lunch and an hour or so before they leave the office. Find a plan that works for your work style and business.
- Differentiate your business. Decide what you do best and do it better than anyone. Be who you are and use this as your mantra to stand above the competition.
Here’s to your best year ever – welcome 2016. We’ll close with one my favorite new year’s quotes. It’s short, inspiring and says it all.
Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.
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Leisa Chester Weir