As you settle into 2011, you may be sighing with relief from the last couple of years.
You may have made resolutions or goals to do things differently for the next 12 months. And for many of you, many of those resolutions will be broken by the end of January.
Understanding that most people break their resolutions is not a good basis for not even trying, is it?
To help you prepare for the year ahead, I’ve compiled 4 tips for 2011 for you to think about:
Focus on adding value
The last couple of years have forced many small businesses to reduce debt, review costs, be more efficient, trim stock levels and much more. Make 2011 a year about adding value to your customers, as well as adding value to you, your family and to anyone else connected to your business. Ask yourself why you are in business and why your company is in business. If you or your business is not adding value, you’re going to find 2011 a difficult year.
Take nothing for granted
I’m certain you already know but the world and the economy are constantly changing. You must be ready to adapt. Becoming complacent by assuming that your customers’ needs are the same as they were a few years ago will result in you being on the scrapheap sooner than you think. You must innovate and be prepared to modify your product or services.
Learn, up-skill and utilise your strengths
Identify and enhance your top 3 strengths. Competition is likely to become even fiercer, so you must find a way to stand out from the rest. Your best option is to review what you already excel at and then build on those strengths
Take a calculated risk once in a while
Entrepreneurs have always taken risks. They just don’t take silly risks or gamble with their livelihoods. Think outside of the square as risk and innovation may mean the difference between success and failure.
For me, resolutions symbolise optimism and goals. I applaud anybody who makes them…and I challenge you to stick to yours! Transformation can occur and often does; it’s achievable for you to stick to your resolutions.
Whatever you choose to do in the next 12 months, I wish you and your families a healthy & prosperous year ahead.
6 Comments
Phil
Hi
Does a limited company have to have its books seen to by a qualified accountant. My business is tiny and I really cannot afford the costs of getting somebody to repeat the information that I already give them and then charge a bomb for it. I could really use the money in my business
mark
Thank you for your post Phil. No, you don’t need a qualified accountant. But both company and tax law can be very demanding and the costs of getting it wrong can be severe and you could end up being on the IRD’s radar. A good accountant should be able to work efficiently, help you to maximise your taxable deductions AND provide accounting and business advisory services to help your business. Not all of us charge a “bomb” and we pride ourselves on fee transparency. Regards, Mark Gwilliam
Sunay
Hello,
The post was really insightful. You shared some really good points for business enhancement and a strategy for implementation as well. It would be great to know these strategies from your end.
And of course, we have one great way to expand by deepening existing customer base further and building strong and healthy relations with existing customers.
Anita Sullivan
Thanks. Your article has inspired me to take action in 2011.