New Years Resolutions for Your Business in 2010

We already discussed the importance of setting goals. Now, let’s talk about making realistic New Years Resolutions for your Business in 2010.

It is pretty much a staple that with the coming of each new year, resolutions must follow. We have this innate need to be better and do better. Because of this, when a new year arrives, we want to try harder and plan for success…again. However, what is the point of resolutions if one does not keep them? I say, no point at all!

2010 is special. It is a new year and a new decade. We have an opportunity to grow as business owners and achieve a new kind of success in an ever changing world.

How can a business set resolutions? Simple. Sit down. Take a long hard look at how your business is doing and what areas can use improvement. Set goals. Change. Do. Follow though!

Ten Resolutions for Any Business in 2010

• Better Customer Service. If a business lacks good customer service, they are doomed to failure. The customer is the most important aspect of any business.
• Budget. Every business needs a budget. If setting a budget sounds scary or is not something your business has, I encourage you to sit down with an accountant or someone who has money knowledge. Set a realistic budget and resolve to follow through with it. How the money is spent will affect the ability to promote, grow and provide for the business. Have a clear money resolution. Stick to it.
• Competitive Pricing. When setting prices for services and products make sure they are not the lowest or highest. It is important for the overall market that pricing is competitive. It there are businesses offering lower than reasonable pricing, they are not helping the over all market for the business they represent. It should not be the goal to crush competition. There are many customers out there and plenty of business to go around. Be competitive. However, do not ruin the market.
• Marketing. There must be a doable plan to get the word out about your product or service. Think about what forms of advertising and PR you will use. Include marketing in the businesses budget.
• Use the Internet. Having a website and/or blog is a vital ingredient in the technology crazed world we are in. Find a good web designer and create a web presence for your business. Getting on the web will give the business more opportunities for growth. If your business already has a website, consider freshening it up!
• Stick with One Niche. Focus on what your business offers. When a client sees your product or service, they should have a clear understanding of what you offer and what your company is all about. Stick to what works.
• Social Networking. Some people say this is a new form of promoting a business. However, I disagree. Social networking has been around since business began. Think about it. Word of mouth has always been a great way to get the word out about a product or service. The only thing that has changed is the method. It is better in today’s world because of the powerful Internet.
• Plan for Success. Growth should be the goal of all businesses. Think big and dream bigger. Never limit the possibilities. PLAN for success. Do what it takes to make a mark for your business. Keep a positive focus and clear strategies for how you can make success a reality for your business.
• New Products and Services. Consider adding new products and/or services that are still within the main niche of what your business has to offer. Set your business apart. Also, plan the year for specials. Use holidays and seasons to help create special promotions and freebies with purchases. It is always a good thing when a business has a special promotion. Doing this will keep customers coming back for more.
• Stay in Touch. Create a customer list. Send them postcards or emails to inform them of current sales. Use lists to stay in touch with customers and help find new ones. Offer them a special discount on their birthday. Be personal. It is always nice to be personal with a customer. It makes them feel special and sets your business apart from others.

These ten 2010 New Years Resolutions are useful for any Business. Use them to help your business start the new decade off right!

Here’s to your success in 2010…and beyond!

Copyright © Lara Velez, All Rights Reserved

New Year. New Decade. New Business.

2010 is here and an opportunity to start a new decade filled with new goals and a strong business plan. Let go of the past and press on to the future. It is a fresh new year and decade filled with opportunities for growth and success in business.

There are certain steps that are important for all businesses. Today, let’s look at goals…

Setting Business Goals.

Goal setting in business…actually in many areas of life is vital to success and proper growth. There must be a clear plan and focus so that business owner and client can see a future.

Step by Step.

First, a business plan should be made. Ask yourself the following questions:

• What is the purpose of your business?
• What do you want to accomplish in the next year, five years, and even decade?
• What is your main focus?
• How do you plan to achieve it all?

Once you have clear answers, use them to create a plan and strategy for your business. Be purposeful. Take one step at a time and start small. Set mini goals to get you started with medium and long term goals for a broader focus.

Setting goals and planning your business’s future will not only help your business succeed, it will relive stress and give you something to work towards.

Set the Goals.

It is much easier than you think to set business goals. Below is an example of goals that can be set.

Short Term Goals

• get a website, logo and brand for my business in 2010
• work on gaining at least 1 new client a week.

Medium Term Goals.

• Turn a profit within 3 years.
• Expand.

Long Term Goals.

• Double current income by 2015.

This is just an example. When you sit down to focus on what you want for your business it will be different. Also, please note: you must be willing to do the work to accomplish the goals you set. They will not just happen. Put action behind the goals.

Copyright © Lara Velez, All Rights Reserved