Time to Ring in the New Year & Make Resolutions

Ready for the New Year? If you are a small business owner, you know how important it is to have a business plan and to always be looking ahead. Planning New Year’s resolutions can help you start off the year right. When you hear the phrase, “New Year’s Resolutions,” you probably think about losing weight, quitting smoking and vowing to enjoy life to the fullest. These are all very common personal New Year’s resolutions, but resolutions are not confined to our personal lives. You can also create impactful resolutions for your small business. A resolution, after all, is a decision to do something differently to bring about positive change. So, if you are ready to make some powerful changes in your small business, here are seven possible resolutions you should set this year from our friends at www.thebalance.com.

1) I will learn how to manage my cash flow more effectively. This is a great resolution for small business owners who have drastic ebbs and flows in their cash flow, have been unable to create enough capital to invest back into the business, or those who don’t really understand the day-to-day finances of the business. 2) I will take steps to improve my digital presence. If it’s been more than two years since your site has been updated, if you haven’t done anything to make your web presence mobile-friendly, or if digital isn’t a component of your marketing plan, it’s time to add this resolution to your list. 3) I will finally get social in my small business. Have you been putting off social media, not even starting to explore which network is the best platform for your business? Have you talked about starting a business blog, but haven’t had time to work on a content strategy yet? If so, this is the perfect resolution for your business. 4) I will get focused and become more productive. This is the perfect resolution for those of us who often waste time on social media or find ourselves succumbing to other distractions that get us off-track, then end up wondering where day went because we still have a handful things left to complete. 5) I will charge what I’m worth. Do you often feel underpaid and undervalued in your business? If so, then this resolution will help you market to the right audience, revamp your strategy and raise your rates to accommodate the value you bring to the table. 6) I will grow my team and delegate more. If you have more work than you can handle and no time to focus on growing your business, it’s time to stop wearing all of the hats in your business and start bringing in others to pick up the slack. This resolution that focuses on building your team and learning how to delegate effectively is right up your alley. 7) I will become a better communicator. Frequent issues with misunderstandings among your employees, lack of employee morale and consistently wasting time repeating the same information over and over is a sign that you are communicating ineffectively. This resolution will help you focus on becoming a better communicator in your business.

We wish you all a safe and prosperous New Year. See you in 2017!

Montrose-Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce: Your source for all things local! Our mission is to actively support and enrich the community, vitality and pride of Montrose, to help preserve the historic district and small town atmosphere, to promote economic stability and positive, productive relationships within Montrose and the surrounding communities.

Upcoming Events

February business mixer on Wednesday, Feb. 1 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Rest Farmhouse Inspired, 2420 Honolulu Ave. in Montrose.

Installation And Community Awards Dinner on Thursday, Feb. 16 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Oakmont Country Club, 3100 Country Club Dr., Glendale 91208.

  melinda clarke