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New Year’s Resolutions That Are NOT For You
Happy New Year! It’s that time of year again when we all make idle promises to ourselves that we’ll quit smoking, start dieting, exercise more, and so on. But what about our business?
While many businesses have strategic goals, long-term plans, mission statements, and exit strategies perhaps it’s also time that we started making new year’s resolutions for our businesses. Most business owners make a budget for the next year. But why not also use this time to critically evaluate the work-flow process and make any necessary changes that help improve efficiency, customer service, and best of all – profitability.
Think of something in your own business that did not go as smoothly as you hoped in 2007. Decide what you will do differently in 2008 to improve that situation and achieve the desired outcome. Then jot down a quick list of reminders and things to do to make sure that happens.
If the problem is inherent in your way of doing business, perhaps it’s time to review the overall process. One quick and easy way to do this is to create or update an existing Gantt chart. You can make these charts as elaborate or simple as your individual needs require, for instance Microsoft Project is a nice piece of software but I’ve found that you can open an empty Microsoft Excel or other brand of spreadsheet and label and shade the boxes to create the same basic chart once printed.
If you personally are the roadblock to your own company’s success, consider finding a coach or a mentor. This doesn’t have to be something formal where you hire one (although you certainly can), it can be a trusted friend, a former industry professional that is now retired, and even some colleges offer coaching services to alumni.
Regardless whether you have a short list of things that you keep in your pocket or you decide to rethink your mission statement and supporting goals, these new year’s resolutions are not for you, they’re for your business.
All the best to you and your business ventures in the coming year!
Thomas Goodwin is an Ohio licensed real estate agent (Realtor) and insurance agent. He is the Founder and CEO of Northern Pine Properties, Inc., a real estate investment, development, and management company in Cincinnati, Ohio.
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