GET THE YEAR OFF TO A FLYING START!

JULIA’S TOP TEN TIPS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

1. TAKE STOCK – REVIEW THE YEAR, BOTH HIGHS AND LOWS

Time to be honest! You need to do a full analysis of how last year was for you and your business. You’ll need to review any of your business plans, your sales forecasts your marketing goals and yes – look at the bank statements and your accounts! Only by looking honestly at what happened can you decide what to keep, change or ditch, be it people products or customers.

2. DECIDE WHERE YOU WANT TO BE THIS TIME NEXT YEAR

Having a clear vision of where you want to be at the end of the year is vital. Michel Gerber says “Start with the end in mind” and he’s right so it’s time to plan your business and your life for the next year.

3. SET PERSONAL AND BUSINESS GOALS

Once you become clear about where you want to be then you can develop your business and your personal goals. Try to make them specific, consider how you will measure them but don’t make them all safe realistic goals! Dare to dream, push yourself a bit harder and create goals that truly inspire you to keep going through the dark winter months.  (If you can’t do it on your own get a coach – we will be happy to provide you with one-off or regular coaching to help you stay on track).

4. MAKE THE TIME TO WORK ON YOUR BUSINESS – PUT IT IN THE DIARY NOW!

Okay you’ve set the goals but how will you achieve them? We all need time to plan, time to break down goals into clear, simple steps and link them to our diaries/calendars. Remember the quote ‘fail to plan, plan to fail’ therefore get out your diaries now and put aside weekly and monthly planning slots throughout the year.

5. BUILD IN YOUR HOLIDAYS FOR THE YEAR AHEAD

If you are self-employed the chances are you miss out on holidays… unless you plan them into your diary in January for the rest of the year. So now’s the time to block out sufficient time to get those breaks in to keep you healthy, relaxed and stress free.

6. DRAW UP A PERSONAL AND A BUSINESS BUDGET – REVIEW IT MONTHLY AT YOUR PLANNING MEETINGS

No avoiding the tricky subject of money if you want to be successful! Make an annual budget both personally and for your business so you know exactly what your expenses are and how much income you need to generate. Then, as the bills roll in update your spreadsheet to keep on track and to recognise when you need to take action (cut back, increase sales etc). Remember ‘Knowledge is power!

7. THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU CAN DO THAT WILL ADD VALUE TO YOUR EXISTING CLIENTS

Do ALL your customers know about ALL your products and services? Often people know about just one aspects of a business so find innovative ways to introduce your existing customers to the full range of what you have to offer…. Maybe it’s time to create some more great services you can offer them too?

8. DECIDE TO LEARN SOMETHING NEW TO DEVELOP YOUR SKILLS

No standing still, we all need to develop. Review your own skills and knowledge… anything lacking? Do you need to get some training? Read a Book? Attend a conference? What about your staff – do they need something to help them deliver a better service to your customers? Plan some ‘learning’ it will pay dividends.

9. BUILD A GREAT SYSTEM THAT ANYONE CAN FOLLOW

‘The system is the secret’… so says many a business guru but is it true? We usually find out when a key member of staff goes sick and no one else knows how to complete a task. Building a clear systems manual even for a small business is a really important investment – make this the year you commit to doing so!

10. TAKE A GOOD BREAK NEXT CHRISTMAS

If you do all the above you will have earned a good break next Christmas – no time like the present to plan for a well earned rest.

Have a successful year!

Julia