Plan Ahead: Set your Business Goals for 2015

Posted in Goal Setting | 7 comments

As a small business owner, what are your goals for your business in the coming year?

The end of the year is the best time to analyze the progress of your business over the past months, and define your goals for the New Year.
Some companies create their goals during the last quarter of the year, while others do it in the first week of January. Some start new projects, create new business units or organizational structures, and put key people as part of their business goals.

Now, ask yourself –

• What goals did you reach?
• What business objectives did you meet?
• What were your missed opportunities?
• In what aspect did you fail or need to improve on?
• Did the results match the projections you’ve set?
• What do you want to achieve for your business next year?

Here are some best practices that you can add to your list to become more productive and successful, and even enjoy your life and your family.

1. Join business networking groups, masterminds or organizations

Meeting and learning from other business people is important for you and your business. It increases both your professional and personal network, giving you more opportunities and ideas. When you make connections, you increase your brand and visibility in the industry

2. Learn something new

Have the passion to learn something new. You can attend conferences or online webinars, sign up for a course, enroll in a class or buy a book. Increasing your knowledge and adding skills will surely benefit your personal life and your business as well.

3. Learn to delegate more

Trying to handle all aspects of your business is not healthy ; consider delegating more tasks to your people. You can keep your focus on the major tasks and important aspects of running your business. Do what you are brilliant at, that only you can do and delegate everything else.  You can choose to outsource administrative tasks, or hire a specialist to handle the bookkeeping and legal paperwork for your business.

4. Set aside time for yourself

As a small business owner, finding that work-life balance seems to be a challenge. This year, make it a point to make time for yourself. It can be a few minutes each day, or taking the weekend off to be with your family. It can be going to a gym, having lunch outside your office or even turning your devices off for a few minutes each day. Doing this will recharge your batteries and will keep you motivated to work.

5. Give something back to your community.

Make it part of your goal to make a difference in your community. Find a cause that matters to you and give what you can. You can volunteer, support a worthy cause, or get involved in community service projects. You can also offer your expertise in non-profit institutions. Donating goods and sponsoring a community event or a sports team are good ideas as well. Not only does it boost your reputation, but it also feels good to be able to do something that brings significant changes.

Starting your new year with a set of goals will give you a sense of direction.

So instead of making a resolution, focus on achieving your goals for the coming year. Creating business goals and working to achieve them will surely help your business succeed.

Interested in learning more about setting and achieving your business goals? Pamela Finnesand, The Business Maximizer, can assist you. Schedule your free Business Breakthrough Strategy Session today!