1. Reflect on the Previous Year

Did you set goals for 2022? Bring out your list or write down any goals you remember setting for your business and check off everything that you accomplished.

• Analyze- Review your goals and determine what you accomplished, what you started but didn’t complete, and what you didn’t pursue.
• Prioritize- Sort through any aspirations that you were not able to check off. Are these still important to your business? Determine if they are achievable or are they unrealistic? Do they still hold relevance?
• Remove- Get rid of any goals that do not align with your company’s objectives. Resolutions won’t always be easy, but they also shouldn’t be so far-stretched that they hold you back.
• Connect- Attach your previous goals with new ones.

2. Brainstorm

Conceptualize your objectives with a brainstorm. Remember learning how to write a paper in middle school? Yes, that’s what we’re going back to here. Use mini goals to achieve your main goals. Brainstorming is great not only for your resolutions but also for daily tasks. Getting all of your thoughts written down, no matter what they are can help you organize your thoughts and in turn, you will be less likely to forget ideas since you have logged everything. Simply write down or type up all of your thoughts on a subject or if your thoughts get out of order, try the spiderweb method. Write out each major goal in a bubble and web it to other mini goals that will help you to accomplish the main goal.

3. Business Plan

When is the last time you wrote out a business plan? Often times this is done when a company is just starting out, but why not do so at the beginning of every year or when it feels like you need to refresh. If you already have a business plan, pull it out and look it over. If you do not have a business plan, making one can help accomplish your goals by having something to refer to throughout the year. Just search the internet for business plans or use try using this guide by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

4. Get Noticed

How can you get the word out about your business? What forms of advertising are you using? Are they working? If they are, continue what you’re doing. If not, either change up what you are putting out or try a different type of advertising. Most options are free however some will require some payment. 

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• Google advertising
• Your Website
• Email

Don’t forget that not all advertising is done online!

• Printed Flyers (handed or mailed out)
• Posters (advertised in stores)
• Promote on a company vehicle
• Word of mouth

5. Task Management

Get some assistance with managing your to-do lists. Take advantage of applications and websites that can help you get organized. Simply search for task management in your app store or search for something on the internet. Here are some of the top rated apps and websites. ⁴  

(This blog is not sponsored by or affiliated with any of these websites)

6. Equipment and Inventory

New year, new products! Take the time to look over your equipment and go through your inventory. The equipment you use is important if you want to be productive. Is anything broken or not working at its best? Get it fixed or get something new! Spending the upfront costs can be intimidating but in the long run, the right equipment should save you money and make business more profitable and productive. Got boxes of inventory sitting around? Go through everything. The end of the year is a great time to clean out old stock. If you have anything hasn’t sold, have an end of the year sale.

7. Prioritize Workroom Culture

If you run a small business, you likely are around your employees or coworkers a lot. Take notice of how everyone is doing. Do your employees drag there feet when they walk in the door? Are they putting out effort to get tasks done? A well adjusted company culture can improve business all around. Don’t want to put your employees in an awkward position? Put out an anonymous survey to see how your employees see their job and workplace. Incorporate team events, add incentives, give them something to look forward to. Employees will be 125% more productive at work when they engaged, appreciated, and respected ².

8. Work-Life Balance

You can’t spend every moment thinking about work. Dedicate time to take care of yourself. When you are out of the office, don’t work. If you have to do some extra work outside of your normal workspace, make sure to set a time limit. You won’t be able to work at your best if you don’t take the time to relax and recharge. Here are some ways to take care of yourself while at work:

•  Eat lunch away from your desk
•  Take a walk on your breaks
•  Do some stretches, yoga, or a meditation
•  Stop thinking about work when you walk out the door