Here we are again at the
start of a brand new year! And, once again I like many others have made New
Year’s resolutions that are slow to implement! However, I have now decided that
the best time (for me) to make resolutions is at least two weeks after the New
Year has begun. It really helps to take Off the pressure that I put ON myself!
Those first two weeks are really a period of transition coming down from the
high of end of year wrap-ups, holiday festivities and reflection on the past
year. Resolutions are made to be productive and achievable.
So, I recently sat down and
created my list using a few of the suggestions shared below. Some items have
specific end dates others have just a start date! For example, I want to start
back up with Toastmasters so I have added ‘Attend Toastmasters’ to my list to
attend at least one class. That first step can be the most challenging, but
then hopefully will turn into a habitual. And since, realistically, I may not
be able to accomplish everything on my list within a year’s time; I’ll
prioritize them by ease to implement. I’ll place my list in a visible place and
tackle one at a time – crossing out each accomplished task with a big red pen
as a quick visual. Remember, resolutions are not necessarily about breaking bad
habits, but instead consider them tools to aid in an actionable process about
how to use time and talents more wisely. Hope that makes
sense. It made sense in my head!
#1--Refrain from
multitasking. It is so tempting, but multitasking is just not productive. In
reality, your brain can only focus effectively on one thing at a time. Stop
switching back and forth from one task to another. Choose one task at a time to
work on and be sure to turn off any distractions. In the same vein of thought,
don’t procrastinate. Decide on your daily priority and get right on it!
#2--Small business owners
often stand the risk of “burn-out.” Hire extra staff if you are trying to do
everything by yourself. Hire only the very best people and make sure that you
pay them well. Even if you have a small team, delegate and refrain from
micromanaging. If you have hired the right people, you can depend on them to do
it right. This is absolutely worth the effort. If you don’t have the resources
to hire someone, consider outsourcing. It could be less expensive than hiring
an employee and the results can be just as useful. Here are some suggestions:
#3--Limit your emails to no
more than 50 in your inbox. Read each one once and then either act on it
immediately, delete it or put it in an appropriate file.
#4--Review your business
plan weekly and make any adjustments that are necessary. Remember that the best
business plans are“living” documents that are not stagnant. If one of your
business approaches is not working, drop it and replace it with something more
useful. But first make sure that your goals are broken down into manageable
steps.
#5--Make promoting your
business a high priority. Pay attention to your marketing plan and make sure
that you are following it. Use social media for customer relations, not sales.
Start to build prospect lists by utilizing your website. Invite your visitors
to ask questions and develop a dialogue, or create a free special report in
your field or an e-course that requires an email address so that it can be sent
to interested parties. Visitors to your website have already shown an interest
in your business by just stopping by!
#6--Learn something new
that will add to your skills. For instance, even if you have outsourced your
accounting, still learn everything that you can about bookkeeping so that you
will understand the numbers and use those numbers for projections.
#7--Join a new networking
group. Even if you already are a member of several, find a new one to replace
one that hasn’t yielded the connections you had hoped for. You will be
surprised how many fresh relationships will develop and how your visibility
will be expanded.
#8--Find a cause in your
community to support as a volunteer. It will enhance your professional image,
connect you to your community, and bring you the satisfaction of helping
others.
#9--Repair and update your
office equipment environment. You work more productively if you are comfortable
and you are not frustrated by equipment that is not in top condition… and if a
client stops by unexpectedly, the orderly ambience will be a reflection of you
and your business.
#10--Identify your
financial leaks. Take an inventory of your spending habits. For instance, if
you haven’t compared prices on your Internet and phone service recently, do it
now.
My last thought is to
consider keeping an informal journal of the steps that you are taking to keep
your resolutions. It is a way of affirming that you are on track and a reminder
that you are ultimately accountable to yourself!! As your business prospers,
stress will be diminished and replaced by peace-of-mind.
Which suggestion above do
you like? Please share.
FYI – Also, check out a
recent Forbes article about 11 tools that you can use to help keep your
resolutions... including apps. Love apps too!
