New Year’s Resolutions for Your Business
By Suzanne Porath, Modsnap Design
Originally Published On: December 18, 2020
Category: Business Tips
We would be lying if we said we weren’t eagerly awaiting the end of 2020 and looking forward to a better year to come. With the outbreak of COVID-19, a lot of things this year have been out of our control. That being said, we want to take this opportunity to focus on the things that we do have control over. The approach of a new year marks a time for self reflection and improvement.
With 2021 around the corner we have decided to extend our New Year’s resolutions to our business. We urge you to also consider these suggestions as easy ways to refocus, regroup, and make the most of your time so you can make the most for your business.
1. Assess, Reevaluate, and Set Realistic Goals
The first step in any sort of improvement is looking inward and taking stock of what you’re doing. Assess your business’s current status and be realistic about what are feasible and reasonable goals for your business. We still believe in dreaming big but if you spread yourself too thin with an unattainable monthly goal, then you are less likely to be productive in a way that helps your business grow.
Now say it with me: Delegate!
This can be one of the hardest things to do that will ultimately make your life infinitely easier! Goals are always easier to achieve when working with the support of others. If you have employees, communicate with them about the what’s and why’s of the goals you’ve set and ask for their help in completing relevant tasks. Then let them complete the tasks without micromanaging (you’ve hired them for a reason! Let them help you!) If you don’t have employees you might consider hiring outside help on an as-needed basis. Maybe this looks like investing in a company that does blog writing, or a part time social media manager…
Make this process of assessing, reevaluating, and setting goals a weekly or monthly task.
2. If it Isn’t Working, Let it Go
Once you’ve reevaluated your goals, don’t be afraid to EDIT. One of the hardest things for people to do when editing is cutting out what isn’t working. When you’ve invested time and money into a certain sales technique or marketing strategy, it can feel difficult letting go. But if the strategy or technique isn’t working the way you had hoped: it is ok (and often a good idea) to drop it.
Trying something out isn’t a waste of time if it allows you to evaluate a strategy/idea and rule it out. Knowing what to focus your energy on is just as important as knowing what NOT to focus your energy on. Sometimes the only way to know these things is through trial and error. Don’t stress, just move on.
3. Make a Schedule… Then Stick With It!
Now that you know what your goals are and what business strategies you want to focus on, schedule time to actually do them.
Ok, we know that sounds simple but this is actually very easy to overlook. Rather than just having a long and daunting to-do list, set aside time for specific tasks. Once the time comes, really focus on that task. We are guilty of letting certain things slip through the cracks and have found this method to be a simple and effective game-changer.
4. Schedule YOU Time and Let Go of the Bad Days
Don’t forget to schedule time for yourself. When you run your own business it can be especially difficult to separate working hours from non-working hours. However, if you aren’t taking care of yourself, you can’t take care of your business. Whether this looks like having a hard out at the end of the day or making sure you’re taking your lunch hour to eat instead of answering emails, make sure you’re setting aside time just for you.
Additionally, give yourself flexibility to have good days and bad days. We all have ups and downs, in business and in life. It is easier said than done, but really make an effort not to linger on the bad days. Try to learn from them but don’t obsess. There is a certain amount of letting go that is healthy. Although it can be a hard task, practice makes it easier every time.
5. Learn to Love Zoom
With many businesses switching over to digital platforms this year, we know screen fatigue is real. BUT we’re here to make the case for embracing the tools that enable us to work smarter, not harder. (Ok, ok, we know that phrase is a little cliched, but it’s a cliche for a reason!)
We believe in the power of Zoom to help your business grow past the pandemic. Its easy to use hosting abilities offer many benefits that address a range of needs, making it a flexible and valuable tool across industries. We especially appreciate that it is an easy way to expand a client base from a local range to one that is unrestrained by location.
6. Reconnect and Renew Relationships
During this time of reflection, take a moment to reach out to and check in on past clients. A warm hello goes a long way to see how they are doing. Perhaps they won’t need your services right at that moment, but reminding people you care about their well being and progress is always good practice. These renewed relationships can generate a renewed interest in your company and lead to recommendations passed along to family and friends. Never underestimate the power of a friendly email.
7. Support Fellow Business Owners
Becoming a part of a community of business owners is a great way to give and receive support. Start by supporting local business owners in your area by referring your customers to those whose services you like. Uplifting the businesses in your area is a great way to uplift your community as a whole.
This can also look like joining a leads group. These are groups of business owners across different industries that support one another by sending referrals without creating competition. Of course, if you’re not able to commit yourself to a leads group, there are many networking resources, such as LinkedIn, that allow you to meet other professionals and develop relationships that will benefit both parties.
… And Don’t Forget to Ask for Help
Whether you follow this list to a T or have your own ideas for resolutions in the coming year, remember that it’s ok to ask for help. If you need assistance reevaluating your business goals, updating your website, improving your SEO ( the list goes on), we are here to help you assess your needs and find the best ways to achieve your goals.
Contact us with any questions, because helping you improve your business is our business.