New Year, New Habits… Ideas… Needs… Obstacles…
How do you best prepare you and your business for a new year? How do you set yourself up for success? How do you feel the excitement of the new year instead of being bogged down by the last year? Here’s some tips for a New Year Business Tune-Up that can help:
- Identify trends from last year’s business activities and performance. What were customers asking for that you couldn’t deliver? What were your most in demand products or services? Are there trends seasonally? Where/ When were the financial highs and lows? Where/ When were the work flow highs and lows? What do you need to prepare for in the coming year? Do you need more savings? Hands? Ideas? Products? Could it be time for a pivot?
- Review your website. What has changed this year? Did you add new staff, update policies or contact information? Make sure it is all reflected on your website and up to date. Check important links, maps and contact boxes, etc.
- Ensure your data is backed up. Don’t risk losing your valuable business information, contracts, email lists, etc. Prepare for any potential system failures by backing up your data.
- Audit your supplies and inventory. Think about whether your needs are being met. Were your expenditures spot on, or did you have an excess or shortage somewhere? What do you need more of/ less of in the new year?
- Gather up your tax documents and account summaries. You (and your accountant) will be happy to have a head start on this. It also helps to understand your financial position to build a firm foundation for a new year.
- Brainstorm new offerings/ promotions. Give your customers/ clients what they want! Try a SWOT analysis — a review of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats to identify where you are and how to get where you want to be.
- Evaluate your business goals. Consider your achievements from the past year and start to plan how you can push yourself further. Reflect on why you started your business and ensure you are still aligned with those goals and ideals.
- Organize your inbox. Help your business get off to a clean start in the new year by clearing out any junk emails and categorizing important messages.
- Consider your community. How can you contribute and/or fill a need for your community and niche? What needs do fellow business owners in your immediate community need? Do all of that, with a smile.
- Reflect and relax. Don’t forget to plan a vacation for YOU and your loved ones. Build in self-care and time away from your business. And if you just asked “what’s that?” Or, “how do I do THAT?!” then you really need to put some focus here. What kinds of programs or personnel can be put in place to get some relief? Because, I am telling you right now, you’re going to want it at some point, and you will want it to be easily accessed right when you need it. Getting away from your business is key to loving your business. If you feel too weighed down, your steam will run out sooner than later. AND, don’t forget to celebrate all the wins and accomplishments- big and small.
Not sure where to begin? Need assistance? CONTACT ME!