As the year draws to a close, every business owner is asking themselves, “how can I do better next year?” Writing New Year’s resolutions is an excellent method of holding yourself accountable. So, what resolutions will help you drive forward toward success?
Every small business owner should have a set of new year’s resolutions to help them maintain momentum. Focusing on social media, listening to your staff more, and finding the right work-life balance are all great examples.
Are you ready to enter the new year with a spring in your step? This guide will provide small business owners with simple New Year’s resolutions to keep them on track for the year ahead.
Develop your online presence
Online shopping statistics showed that over 25% of the world’s population shopped online in 2021. Most of your customers will judge your brand based on your online presence. Keeping your website and social media channels up to date is vital if you want to keep up with your competitors.
Some important factors for creating an effective website include:
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
- Mobile Optimization
- Call to Action
- High-Quality Content
Create a website that works well for your customers and promotes your brand best. Slow and low-quality websites will leave customers feeling frustrated and knocking on your competitor’s door.
Build better relationships with employees
Showing your employees that you respect and value them is an integral part of business success.
Show your employees that you care by giving them time and budget to complete online training to improve their work experience and skills. This could be to improve their area of expertise or to build soft skills like active listening and leadership.
You can also build strong relationships by encouraging open feedback between colleagues, and fostering a transparent environment. Resources such as Kim Scott’s book Radical Candor, can help encourage honesty in your workplace. This will lead to better relationships as employees feel empowered to give and receive feedback.
Play more, work less
A healthy relationship between work and play can strengthen employee relationships and improve productivity. People who enjoy work make fewer mistakes and are less likely to quit.
“It’s important to know when to slow down,” Stephan Baldwin, Founder of Assisted Living, explains, “otherwise, you can work yourself into an early grave. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Take time to stand back and admire the view from time to time. Your business and employees will thank you for it.”
As a business owner, demonstrating a healthy work-life balance will show your team that you value health and well-being over making profits.
Learn a new industry skill
Whether starting a blog or designing a new app for your business, picking up a new skill can improve performance and profitability. Keeping your finger on the pulse of ever-changing industry trends is important to stay ahead of the competition. Developing your industry knowledge will also add value to your products and services.
💡 Check out the elearning trends report for current course creation trends 💡
Establish clear goals
Ask yourself, “what do I want to achieve within a year?” Setting small, achievable goals throughout the year will provide the stepping stones to get your business where it needs to be.
“Every successful business owner has a growth mindset,” explains Anthony Martin, Founder and CEO of Choice Mutual. “Your business needs to grow, no matter its stage. There are always ways to streamline and develop your business further. Setting goals allows a business owner to design a roadmap to success.”
Use the ‘SMART’ acronym to write realistic goals that are within your one-year time frame.
Don’t sweat the small stuff
Running a business can put your mental and physical health at risk. Financial uncertainty, imposter syndrome, and exhaustion can all add to the stress of being an entrepreneur. Is stressing over the little things worth your time and energy? Probably not.
Learn to let the little things slide for the sake of your sanity.
Read more: How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome
Listen to customer feedback
Speaking to your customers is the most valuable measure of success. Their feedback will guide your business in the right direction.
“Happy customers are returning customers,” explains Ben Michael, Founder of Michael & Associates. “If your customers are dissatisfied with the service they received, then you need to find out why. Analyzing customer feedback can help you identify areas that need improvement and retain your customers. Your customers will feel important and cared for when your organization responds to their concerns.”
Use online customer surveys and NPS to analyze your customer satisfaction and act accordingly.
Attend networking events
Create new opportunities for your business by attending the hottest networking events within your industry. Meeting new people can also combat the loneliness of running a business.
“Networking gives you the opportunity to raise your business profile while checking out the competition,” says Colin Parfley, CMO of Crediful. “Observing other businesses and similar organizations can help you identify areas of your business that need work. Other business owners can also offer advice and support to help you move forward.”
Check out the best events in your area and schedule your attendance throughout the year.
Regular networking events will keep your creative juices flowing while staying tuned into the latest industry trends.
Provide employee incentives
Building an attractive incentive plan will help your employees feel motivated to perform their best at work.
“Your employees are often the first faces your customers see,” says Colin Palfrey, “so keeping them happy and healthy should be your first priority. Recognizing the efforts of your team members can improve morale and increase job satisfaction. Asking your employees what incentives they would enjoy is a great way to find out what makes them happy.”
9 out of 10 employees said that workplace benefits (other than their salary) contribute to their overall happiness. Check out employee reward schemes and incentives to reward your employees for their hard work.
Assess monthly goals
Keeping track of your progress is the best way to achieve your goals. Scheduling monthly check-ins to assess your progress will help you stay on track. The best ways to evaluate your progress include the following:
- Creating weekly and monthly plans
- Assigning reasonable deadlines
- Celebrating important milestones
Modifying your business vision along the way is a key part of growing your business. Assessing your progress and adjusting your plans will ensure your business continues to thrive.
Key takeaways
Committing to New Year’s resolutions can be a powerful business tool to help your business grow. It is important to be realistic and write achievable resolutions within the next 12 months. Some things to remember when setting New Year’s resolutions are:
- Use the ‘SMART’ acronym to set achievable goals
- Don’t limit yourself (but don’t over-commit!)
- Have fun and enjoy the challenge
Getting your employees involved in New Year’s resolutions can be an exciting activity that strengthens your team. Start the New Year with a positive outlook and a set of resolutions that will keep the fire of your business burning.
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