Happy New Year!
I hope you’re all having a great 1st January, and are starting the year as you mean to go on. I am, and that’s why I want to get straight down to business…
No matter how great 2015 may have been for you, 2016 can be even better. If 2015 was fantastic, then you can build on that success. If 2015 wasn’t fantastic, then this is your chance to hit the reset button and start afresh.
A new year is a clean slate, so let’s talk about making it work.
My Top 10 Tips For Making 2016 An Amazing Year:
1. Learn How To Delegate.
Feeling weary? Worn out? You’re probably trying to do too much all at once. Most small business owners try to do everything, but it’s important to be able to let go of a few things. I guarantee you’ll feel better for it.
2. Promote your business regularly and consistently.
Something I see all the time is businesses trying to take care of their own marketing, but it’s often a job that sits low on the list of priorities. Promotion is essential, because no business will grow without new customers. Talk to us at jakinc.uk to find out how we can create an incredible marketing strategy for you.
3. Make business planning a weekly event.
Your business is constantly changing, so it’s always worth reviewing your business growth plan more often than just once a year. A quick meeting can allow you to measure successes and failures, and adapt your strategy to maximise pay-off.
4. Learn something new.
Book yourself on a social media course, or invest in training to hone your business skills. It’s important to stay up to date with current trends and technologies, so don’t put it off until you’re already out of the loop. If you’re struggling for time, try reading a business book or two. A personal favourite of mine is Four Hour Week by Tim Ferriss.
5. Join a business networking group.
Talking to like-minded individuals can work wonders for sparking new ideas, refining old ones, and making important contacts. Whether it’s a group specifically for networking, an organisation dedicated to a particular type of business, or even over the internet, making the effort to be a part of your local business community is crucial.
6. Give something back to your community.
Your business can’t thrive without a supportive community, so do something for it. Consider mentoring, volunteering, or making donations to worthy causes. At Jak Inc, we make these regular practices, and plan to do the same in 2016.
7. Pencil in time for yourself.
It’s important not to take on everything at once. A healthy work/life balance can keep you going for longer. Not only will you be happier, but you’ll be far more efficient, creative, and positive. If you struggle to find the time to switch off, make some ‘you time’ a scheduled event. If you won’t invest time in yourself, then who will?
8. Set realistic goals.
Goal-setting is a valuable habit to get into, but only if you achieve the things you promise to. Instead of making your New Year’s Resolution some unrealistic pipe dream, make it to keep your goals achievable. Avoid the frustration of failure.
9. Invest in new tools for the job.
Is there a piece of equipment in your office that seems to be interfering with your success, or something that only serves to make life harder? Whether it’s an old fax machine that’s long overdue a replacement, or the need for a new employee to lighten the work load, stop putting it off and find what you need to get the job done.
10. Drop whatever isn’t working.
One of the hardest things to do as an entrepreneur is knowing when to give up. It’s in our DNA not to give up, but sometimes there are projects, innovations, or big ideas that need to take a back seat to reality. Never stop exploring new ideas, but also know when to focus on your core business.
And there you have it!
In business, nobody can ever guarantee a successful year, but writing down your goals is a great place to start. This year, begin by coming up with your own Top 10 list. Stick to it, and see what it does for your business.
Here at Jak Inc, 2015 was truly amazing for us. It had its ups and downs, but we’re ready now to hit the ground running this year. 2016 looks to be our most exciting year yet, and we can’t wait to get started.
If you’d like to talk to us about how you can grow your own business, you know where to find us. You can even send an email direct to me at a.knowles@jakinc.uk, and I’d be more than happy to talk you through the amazing services and packages we offer.
Have a fantastic 2016, and I look forward to working with you.
Anything is possible,
Andy Knowles
Managing Director
