Happy New Year!

Now that 2016 is behind us, it’s important to take the good from last year and apply it to 2017 to learn from the mistakes and become stronger, both personally and professionally.

As you know, managing or running a business is anything but easy. A new year brings more expectations and demand, and that’s why it is so key for you to set goals and plan practically, so that your business can thrive in 2017.

Here are 5 New Year’s Resolutions for 2017 that all of us can aim for to take our businesses to the next level:

#1: I Will Invest in My Company’s Future

Sometimes, we are so consumed in day-to-day activities and meeting quotas that we don’t think about planning for the future. Without the awareness and attitude to plan ahead, our businesses won’t reach their full potential.

That’s why it is so crucial to invest in your company’s future. Do you need to improve your technology and update your hardware and software? Should you dive into social media, create or improve your website, or blog about current trends or issues? Perhaps, an investment is spending more time in front of your customers and clients. Email and phone are great ways to facilitate communication and save time, but there’s still nothing like face to face. It’s the best way to build trust and credibility, providing you the opportunity to take your customer/client relationship to the next level.

Whatever you decide, you must commit to the strategies you choose and regularly exercise them. Otherwise, it won’t work.

#2: I Will Retain My Talent and Keep Them Happy

No matter how brilliant you are or how hard you work, your business cannot function or reach the success you desire without a team around you that is completely committed to your product or service.

It isn’t easy to find the talent who will have your same mindset and work ethic. But, once you do find those people, you must do everything you can to keep them happy and on board. Whether that means a more flexible schedule, more creative projects, fun events for the team outside of work, or even a raise, you must be able to show your gratitude and give them a reason to want to come to work every day and go to bat for you. Otherwise, they will take their talents elsewhere, and perhaps work for one of your competitors.

#3: I Will Get “X” New Customers or Clients in 2017 

Unless you’re at capacity, you’re always looking for new ways to improve your bottom line. In a perfect world, they would just show up at your doorstep, but we both know that this is unrealistic, and without the proper time and effort, they will be at a competitor’s doorstep in no time.

That means that we must all commit to marketing and networking. As mentioned before, social media, blogging, and creating or improving your website are great strategies. It’s all about trying to reach the most people you can through creative content that speaks to how your product or service will benefit them.

A great place to start is with your current customers by asking for referrals. Believe me, I know this can be difficult. Your intuition may tell you to just get them what they need without bothering them for something you need. However, if you have provided them with noticeable and meaningful solutions, along with timely services and care, they will be more than willing to refer people to your services and help your business grow.

Don’t be afraid to ask some of your most loyal customers to Yelp about their experience or simply spread the word to others. Another option is to ask them for a testimonial for your website, describing their experience with you. You’ll be amazed at the kind of impact this can have.

#4: I Will Better Manage, and Understand, My Cash Flow

Many business owners or managers often overlook cash flow, or it simply goes over their head. But, keeping good books and knowing what your numbers mean are imperative to the success of your business. In other words, you must know if you are truly making money; not just what’s in your bank account.

That means discovering trends in your numbers, and making adjustments and assessments accordingly. It’s about determining the reason behind peaks and valleys, and acting upon them.

You may not know where to start with this, but don’t worry because we are here to help! As your trusted advisor, it’s our duty to not only protect your most sensitive information, but also use it to take your business to the next level.

That means taking your data and providing you with real solutions, such as looking at your key performance indicators and providing tools and strategies to turn this data into actionable steps for success. Let us know if you want us to take a look at your current situation, and determine what you can do to take those steps and reach your full potential.

#5: I Will Improve My Work/Life Balance 

This one is as much about your personal life as it is your business. Without a strong work/life balance, you simply won’t be able to live the life you desire. With all the blood, sweat and tears that we pour into our businesses, we sometimes forget about some of the most important things – our health, our family and where we will spend eternity.

The same care and attention that we put into our businesses must also be reached in our personal lives. Missing your son’s baseball game or daughter’s piano recital might not seem like much, but over time, it can really add up and you will regret it in the long run.

So, we must create ways to see the people we love and spend that much-needed time together. That may mean delegating some of the work to the top talent on your team that is capable of getting the job done. It may also mean creating more time in your day by having a tax and accounting professional handle your books, for example. In the end, any of the strategies you choose will create a better life for you, and not hurt your business, if planned properly.

If we apply these 5 New Year’s Resolutions, I believe we will all experience tremendous growth in our businesses and our personal lives in 2017. I would love to get your feedback on these, as well as some of your own New Year’s Resolutions. Contact us today with your input!