Tis the season, you know! As a home business owner I know there are a lot of demands on your time, energy and attention. This is all the more reason to be putting some focus on how to "work smarter, not harder" in 2009.
Many people typically fall into one of two camps regarding New Year's resolutions. There are those who don't even make the effort - usually because they're afraid of failure. You know, "I'm only going to drop them by mid-January, so why bother?" And then there's the firm, consistent, I-even-write-them-down, camp. I have to admit I've been on both sides - and now that I'm working at home, I tend to be more in the latter group!
Here, then, are my top 10 Resolutions for your Home Business...
10 - This year, I will make some Resolutions! "Those who fail to plan, plan to fail." And failure is not an option in my life. Most importantly, I will write them down so I can review, revisit and revamp them (if necessary) throughout the year.
9 - I will spend some time to create a vision for my business. Is this the sole way I support my family financially? Is this a supplement to my spouse's income? Is this a way I use, develop, or build an interest or talent I have that also brings in some money? Take some time to think about how your business fits into the big picture of your family-life.
8 - I will develop a plan of action. What business goals do I have? This includes administrative, financial, creative, productive, etc. depending on what your business is. What will I have to do to reach those goals? Then break it down into monthly, weekly and (if you're really compulsive!) daily goals.
7 - I will get a handle on finances. Take some time to keep track of your money! Set up a simple filing system...establish a spreadsheet...whatever it takes that will make it easy for you to keep track of things. And definitely keep your checkbook balanced!
6 - I will take some time to continue my education. The recipe for success is "brains and motivation". Motivation comes from completing #9, but our brains always need to be developing as well. Are there 2 or 3 areas that would help your business grow by knowing a bit more about? Website development? Keywords? Generating leads? Time-management? Copywriting? There's always lots of potential for improvement in anyone's business. CAUTION: even if you can come up with a list of a dozen items, only pick 2 or 3 to start the year. It is SO easy to get frozen with information-overload - I've been there!!
5 - I will develop an organization system that works for me. Perhaps you're not the "organized type". What does that mean...really? Don't use it as an excuse for laziness! Being organized just means 2 things: you can find what you want when you want or need it, and you can meet deadlines (like bills!). My husband loves his piles, but is very organized. There's tons of help out there (both online and offline) to help you get organized, but if you like your piles this pile cabinet system may be just what you need! See this unique system in action here.
4. This is related to #8, but is much more detailed, and not something you would necessarily do just because you've got a "big-picture" plan of action. Get out a piece of paper and think about all the daily responsibilities you have. Write them all down and block out time for your business as well. Then talk it over with your family, tweak and review, and when you've completed it...post it somewhere that you'll see it!
3 - I will find someone to be accountable to regarding my resolutions. This could be your spouse or other family member, but it could also be a business coach or colleague. And sometimes it's easier to be accountable to someone with whom you have no other relationship, because when you're not quite working "up to speed" it's possible that your business issues can get in the way of those other relationships.
2 - I will try something new in my business. Start a new (free) blog; establish some new business relationships; learn a new skill (article marketing?); start a newsletter; get started on social marketing...the possibilities are endless. Just make sure that your new venture stays in-sinc with your big picture (see #9).
1 - I will do a daily attitude check! There is nothing so attractive to people than gratitude. I always say "If you don't know what to say, say "Thank you"!" - you can't lose. And in this hurry-up society we live in, gratitude and conveyed appreciation are usually the first things to go. So an attitude of gratitude will definitely make you stand out. If necessary, keep an often-updated list for yourself of what you can be thankful for - people, situations, successes as well as challenges, perceived failures and difficult situations or people in your life. We can learn and grow from everything that's put before us - if we allow ourselves to!
So, there you have it! 10 steps to keep your business growing and healthy in '09. Make this year be "the year" for your business by resolving today to put them into action.
Here's to your success!
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