Once
again, Happy New Year folks. If you have'nt done so already, it’s the
time to start thinking about setting resolutions that we’ll work on
in 2016. Entrepreneurs
must also set New Year Resolutions for their businesses. It helps you
to stay focused and to keep things in perspective. It can also be a
valuable tool for breaking down your long term goals into annual,
monthly and weekly goals for your business, thus helping you to keep
track of your success.
Here
are 8 New Year’s Resolutions that every entrepreneur should
consider as they begin this new year.
1. Be More Social
If
in 2015, you underrated the impact of Social media, you need a change
of heart.. Social media is one of the best ways to engage and
interact with customers, spread brand awareness and connect with
influencers and investors in your industry. If you have been inactive
or minimally active on your Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Blog or
LinkedIn account, spend the next year being active and making the
best use of your social media channels.
2. Be More Healthy
You
need to be mentally, physically and emotionally healthy to run and
grow a successful business. How do you expect to run a productive
business if you’re constantly sick and exhausted. Eat more healthy,
exercise more, boost your immune system and take out time to rest.
When you are more healthy, you are more productive and happier.
3. Revisit your Business Plan
Whether you just drafted it last month or it's been two years, go back to your business plan and see where you've succeeded, where you haven't, and re-draft it to reflect your current situation. If you don't have a business plan yet, the first quarter of 2016 is the time to get on it. If you need help, get professional help.
4. Mind your cash flow
If in 2015, you operated your business as a typical one man business with no proper record and monitoring of your cash flow, you need to have a re-think in 2016. You need to manage cash flow like water from the Sahara. This is important to entrepreneurs because cash flow management is a vital aspect for the growth of every business. Cash is king in business and positive cash flow management will speak volumes when presented to investors, customers, and partners.5. Make New Friends
Every
Successful entrepreneur understand the importance of networking. It
is often said that “you are four people away from meeting who you
really want to meet”. Network with smart and accomplished people in
your industry. Identify who you need to help grow your business and
strategise on how you can get closer to them. Send them an email,
offer to buy them breakfast or dinner. In all you, make sure you are
networking with the right person.
6. Know Whats'up in the news
Paying
attention to the news keeps you well informed and current about
happenings in your environment and industry. It helps entrepreneurs
to gain insight about what is going on in their so that they can make
more informed decisions. Keep in mind that we live in a small and
connected world now. What’s going on around the world impacts your
business. Being well informed is also a great conversation starter
for when you are networking with other professionals in your
industry.
7. Identify a Business Book and Read it..
Entrepreneurs are typically very busy people, dealing with a whole lot of different issues and challenges. However, the New Year offers the perfect opportunity to broaden your knowledge base by reading relevant business books. Set aside time to read business books as they will help you to consider the bigger picture and be harmed with more knowledge as you manage more challenges that impacts your business. There are huge numbers of business books available at any bookstore and some will naturally be more relevant to you than others.8. Always remember why you became an entrepreneur.
To wrap this up, as an Entrepreneur, you will be faced with myriads of challenges and also beautiful and profitable moments. Regardless of whatever situation you find yourself at any point, good or bad, never forget why you became an entrepreneur in the first place. For most of us, we had an idea to make the world a better a place through our products and services. Take the time this year to remember why you embarked on this entrepreneurial journey. Let that be your propelling force.Cheers to an amazing 2016!!!
