SEVEN NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS FOR SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS

Posted on January 03, 2011 by Nathan R Mitchell, One of Thousands of Business Coaches on Noomii.

As we get closer to the end of each year, more and more people start to make promises to themselves–promises that for the majority don’t make it past February 1st. I will admit that I’m not one to make too many New Year’s Resolutions. I understand that for some people they really serve as an opportunity to start fresh. On the other hand, they often serve as an opportunity to finally follow-through on something that for one reason or another just didn’t get accomplished the year before. And I guess on some level that’s why I don’t like them. In my opinion, New Year’s Resolutions give people a reason to procrastinate, and to put off something they know could drastically improve the quality of their life or business.

As we enter 2011, ask yourself a couple of questions. First of all, are you going to stay committed to your resolution this year? And second, why have you finally decided to make a commitment to something that you could have started on July 1st, 2010 instead of waiting until January 1st, 2011? I mean really, what makes this date any different? It’s just a day! It has nothing to do with timing. It’s really something deeper–something inside of you that simply holds you back despite your having the desire to be the best you can be. And that’s the point I really want to drive home as we start 2011. Desire is simply not enough. It’s not enough in your personal life, and it sure isn’t enough in your small business. I’ll admit it’s a starting point, but at the end of the day desire is worthless without action and a firm commitment to yourself to follow through.

Here is a short list of seven popular New Year’s Resolutions for Small Business Owners, in no particular order. If you are already doing some of these religiously, good for you. If not, ask yourself why, and then make the commitment to take action and follow through!

1. Make the commitment to learn more this year: whether you decide to enroll in a small-business class, or simply read a different book each month about business, a successful person, or personal development, you and your business will be the better for it.

2. Make business planning and strategy a priority: just because your business isn’t a new startup, doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t spend some quality time planning and strategizing for a successful fiscal 2011.

3. Increase your networking efforts: this is really a no-brainer! If this is on your list for 2011, you must read Jeffrey Gitomer’s book “Little Black Book of Connections.”

4. Better manage your work-life balance: the game of small business and entrepreneurship is stressful at times. Find ways to better manage your work-life balance. You and your family will thank you for it.

5. Find a way to serve, contribute, and give back: isn’t this really what it’s all about anyway?

6. Hire a business coach: one way to improve your business this year is to hire a business coach or seek a mentor. Unbiased, neutral advice from a third-party is really invaluable to you and your small business.

7. Communicate more with your employees: find out the real reasons why they are dissatisfied, and do something about it. They will work harder for you, and be more dedicated to you and your company over the long term.

I sincerely hope for each and every one of you that 2011 is the happiest and most successful year you have had in the game of life and in the game of small business and entrepreneurship.

Keep Winning!

More information can be found online at Clutch Consulting LLC