As a business owner, the beginning of the year is an exciting time. It brings an opportunity to reflect on what’s worked and what hasn’t, and resolve to make improvements to set your business on a path to success. We’ve compiled some resolutions to help you increase your business success this year.
Let Go of What Isn’t Working
Do you have a product or service that isn’t selling? Have you been sinking a lot of resources into marketing and sales efforts that aren’t yielding any results? If there’s something in your business that’s not working, commit to letting it go. Even if it means dropping a product or service, or changing your marketing or sales techniques. Your time is too valuable to get sucked into fixing something that is ultimately unworkable.
Work on the Business, Not Just in It
It’s easy to get drawn into the day-to-day tasks of running your business. But, it’s important to make time to work on your business, not just in it. Commit time each week to reviewing your business’ performance, identifying adjustments that need to be made, and planning for the future. Making time each week to plan your business will help you stay on track and feel more confident about the direction of your business.
Put Your Business Out There
Get more proactive about putting your business out there. Improve your online presence by launching your website or giving your website a fresh look. Identify ways to successfully promote your business online, and start executing on them. And, don’t forget that it’s still important to get out and promote your business in-person. Commit to participating in relevant networking events, trade shows, and other in-person activities that can help you meet potential new customers and partners.
Stop Doing Everything All the Time
There are so many things to do in the business every day. And, we might think we need to do everything ourselves, leaving us tired and stressed out. Find ways to automate some of your business processes, such as scheduling your social media through Hootsuite or Buffer or automating email campaigns with MailChimp or Constant Contact. Also, start bringing on independent contractors or employees to share some of the work so you can focus on growing the business.
Make Time for Yourself
You work hard to make your business successful. At the same time, it’s important to take time to recharge. Make time for life outside of work – spending time with family and friends, taking up a hobby or passion project, rejuvenating through self-care, or anything else that supports you to feel well-rounded. When you feel like a whole person, you bring your best self to your business.