How to make 2015 the best year for your business
With so many things to consider in business, where do you even start when planning for the new business year? Perhaps the ideal starting point might be to firstly review what was accomplished in the year that was. Upon reflection, it is important for a business owner to firstly determine which goals and targets were achieved in the past year and which were not. No matter what the targets were, a business owner needs to conduct a thorough ‘stock take’ of the current business situation so that the business can be steered forward in an improved direction.
By analysing the highs and lows of 2014, the owner will be able to determine if it is needed to revisit and re-clarify activities and gain an understanding of the reason why certain goals weren’t achieved so as to set corrective measures in place. Once the current situation is defined, the next steps can be taken to move forward as standing still and stagnating should never be an option.
For the business owner who wants to improve their business and prosper in 2015, here are a few pointers:
1) Set realistic goals
Even though goal setting is a valuable habit - if the goals lead to distress rather than success you are setting yourself up for failure. Goals need to be realistic and attainable. The easiest guide to follow is by setting SMART goals – goals that are Simple, Measureable, Attainable, Realistic and Timed. Goal setting will be the first step to achievement so take the first step wisely.
2) If it’s slowing you down, it has to go
If there are areas in business that are holding you back and impacting on your productivity and growth why keep utilising them? Assess what needs to go, why it needs to go and how big an impact it will have on the business when it does and if you can cope without it – let it go. You will never move forward if something is holding you back. Sometimes, in order for something to grow better, a little pruning is needed.
3) Be a better boss
Unless you choose to be a ‘one man show’ you will always be dependent on your staff. If you do not treat them with loyalty and respect they will only return the favour. If you truly want to start turning things around in your business, start investing more in the people who are working in the business to make it work. Initiate plans to encourage staff to grow, both within and outside the business, and assist them in reaching these growth points as best you can. The only way to ensure a return on investment when it comes to employees is by investing in them to begin with.
To make 2015 your best business year yet, it is vital to put you plan in motion as soon as you can. Stop procrastinating as time waits for no man. Upon reflecting on the year that was, make the changes that need to be made as soon as you can and embrace the new possibilities with an open mind.
It might very well be the best thing you can do for your business.
Comments
Post a Comment