Jump Into 2014 with the Right Resolutions!

The start of a new year is a great time to make changes that will positively impact your business. If you're the resolution making type and need some ideas, read on for inspiration to help you plan your business goals!

Resolution #1: Delegate more. Running a small business requires huge amounts of multi-tasking, flexibility, and crisis-control. To free you up to do more of the things you love and are good at, make a list of tasks you can delegate to trusted individuals. This might mean getting your staff more involved, or hiring a professional for specific jobs.

Resolution #2: Use social media consistently. Inconsistency is the downfall of many social media marketing campaigns, but it can be quite simple to schedule regular blasts of information. First, decide the ideal frequency, whether that's every day or twice a month. Then, decide which channels (tweets, blog posts, etc) you want to use. Then, set aside some time to create the content to use on your social media accounts.

Resolution #3: Get involved in your community. Community involvement can bring a variety of benefits to your business, including increased exposure, expanded networks, and more. Check for local networking events you can attend. Or, look for ways to volunteer and offer a service to a specific population in your community. Can't get out much? Look to online communities for opportunities as well.

Resolution #4: Cut your losses and focus on what works. It is tempting to keep trying new strategies without ever dropping the ones that are not working for you. If a product bombs, it bombs; and sometimes the best thing you can do is make a clean break, learn from your mistakes, and move on. Remember your time is valuable and you want to spend it on what will bring you the best returns.

Hopefully these ideas will help you start brainstorming your 2014 resolutions! I firmly believe that many people fail at resolutions because they neglect to turn them into concrete goals. Once you've “resolved” to do something, create a goal around it so that you'll have a better change at getting what you want. I know how challenging it can be to set the right kind of goals, so remember these simple steps to keep your goals SMART:

• S = specific
• M = measurable
• A = attainable
• R = relevant
• T = time-based

For more tips on business resolutions, goal-setting, and other organizational skills, contact me today!