The new year is on the horizon. It’s time to reflect on the past 12 months to see what worked and what didn’t, and it’s possible to look at reinventing the way your company operates so you can find greater success in the coming year.
Experts suggest that we should write down all the thoughts we have regarding what could be accomplished no matter how far-fetched, outrageous, unique, creative, and formidable. These experts also tell us to consider one’s current business model. Is it working in this economic marketplace? Does the company need to be re-energized? Is it time to reinvent the business with different products and/or services? What kinds of new skills and/or knowledge are necessary to keep a company up to date?
I’ve heard from management gurus that smart managers understand the value of goal-setting in steering a business to success. I’m reminded of the great Yogi Berra quote: “If you don’t know where you’re going, chances are you’ll wind up somewhere else.”
Some business counselors suggest setting goals five years into the future, but as business owners we also have to be concerned about right now! So based on the theory that in order to get ahead we need to tend to right now, here are some resolutions that some area businesspeople are sharing that may help all of us in making good personal/business resolutions for the coming year:
- Learn how to delegate, and do more of it. There are so many things to do when running a business, and sometimes not enough hours in a day – not enough time in an hour. Trying to do everything is an invitation to burn out.
- Promote the business regularly and consistently. Making marketing and promotion priorities will keep the pipeline full.
- Do regular business planning. Each week, take stock of what’s worked and what hasn’t so the company can adjust things before it has to put out a fire.
- Stick to the budget. Make certain that sales targets are realistic. Keep a close eye on performance.
- Learn something new. Several people I’ve chatted with are resolving to read one new business book each month.
- Join a business organization or networking group. Local chambers of commerce are very good choices. Get involved. There’s lots of good information exchanged over morning coffee. There’s the opportunity to do some “partnering” with group members. There’s the chance to meet someone who has the perfect idea for energizing and/or revitalizing a company.
- Give to the community. Make a difference. Find a cause that matters to the company and to you and other team members, and become volunteers.
- Don’t make do. Resolve to update and upgrade equipment. Get new “stuff.” There’s no doubt that when times are tough, businesses put off buying anything new. However, if buying new will increase productivity, make a difference in the quality of work, and potentially create a more cost-effective way of doing business, what are you waiting for?
- Upgrade office equipment. As long as we’re on the subject of upgrading equipment, consider the tools right on your desk. Think how much faster you can work if the tools have all the new bells and whistles.
- Drop what’s not working and move on. There are companies that put lots of dollars into trying to make an idea work only to finally come to the realization that no matter how much energy and money they’ve put in – or lost – that project will never work.
- Set realistic goals … make good resolutions. Goal-setting is a valuable habit when the goals are achievable. Pipe dreams don’t count. Resolutions have to be clearly spelled out.
- Get organized. I often hear business folks complain that more time is wasted looking for information or documentation. Getting and staying organized will make for a more productive, more focused, and more profitable company for 2013.
May the new year bring prosperity and abundance for all companies, everywhere. Happy New Year to all!
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