4 Small Business Resolutions

Resolutions are something we make each New Year. But when it comes to optimising your small-sized business, the hectic demands of day-to-day operations often mean that the most reasoned and well-intentioned resolutions take second stage.

Here are 4 promises you can make to your small business without losing your mind in the process.

1. Update your online presence

Maybe you’ve been putting off that website update or neglecting all those social media platforms. Now’s a good time to make the commitment to those projects. Check your website. Does it provide an accurate picture of what you can offer? Does the design reflect who you are and not who you were when you built it?

How’s your social media presence? Can potential clients find you on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Google Maps? And if you’re on these social media platforms, are you taking a few minutes each day to engage with your followers and friends? Maybe to answer inquiries or promote a new service?

All these are great investments in your small business and can be done in those free moments when you’re not facing a big deadline or managing a crisis.

2. Reduce needless downtime

Time is among the most precious commodities in a small business. Chances are you don’t have a large staff to help troubleshoot problems. So take some time to look at the aspects of your business that could use a little time management TLC. Where could time be better spent?

For example, are all members of your team able to communicate effectively when not in the office? With many workers doing their jobs remotely, communication is essential. Be sure everyone is on the same page. That means ensuring device and software compatibility, maintaining efficient IT troubleshooting strategies and keeping invoicing and bookkeeping operations running smoothly. It may not be glamour work, but it pays dividends in the long term.

3. Maintain a quality staff

A business succeeds or fails, ultimately, because of the people involved. One way to increase your odds of success is to maintain a valued and motivated staff. Are you training your employees in the latest tech they’ll need to stay at peak performance? Are your workers incentivised to succeed? Are you making them feel important to the goals and mission of the business? People work best when they work well together. Creating a culture of cooperation — especially in a small business environment — can translate into growth.

And what about new hires? Be ready for growth when it happens. Be sure you’re staying connected with the most talented people in your field. You might want them on your team.

4. Learn what works and why

The best way to choose a forward direction can be by looking at what worked in the past. Take a moment to review your recent triumphs — the clients you gained, the campaigns that rocked — and look for patterns. What worked, and more importantly, WHY did it work? Try to translate those successes into a template for future efforts.

Don’t be afraid to look at the failures either. They might not be your best moments but they can be powerful teachers. By understanding why an arrow missed the target, you can improve your aim the next time.

SOURCE: 99 Designs