DECISIONS not RESOLUTIONS for the New Year!

Have you developed business resolutions for 2017? Regional Director, Susan Jerke, suggests making DECISIONS, instead, to achieve your goals!

The new year is already underway! Now is the time that many businesses look ahead and make plans for the coming year. We all are familiar with traditional New Year’s Resolutions, but I recently read an article in Forbes that compared resolutions, goals and decisions to grades of beef…and how likely you are to follow through with each. The more specific and measurable your New Year’s goals, the more likely you are to achieve them:

Beef Baloney – 10% follow through on RESOLUTIONS

Hamburger – 30% follow through on business GOALS

Grass-Fed Steak – 90% follow through on business DECISIONS

Truly, if you examine your business and identify real problems and make DECISIONS to implement real concrete solutions, your results will ultimately be more successful and long-lasting.

 

Here are three DECISIONS that can make 2017 a great year for your business!

 

 1. Polish Leadership Skills.

Professional development is critical to keep abreast of changes in technology and regulations. Where would you like to be more effective in your organization? What workshops can help you, either online or live in-person? Browse your local college classes and investigate the world’s wide array of webinar opportunities. And note, despite current economic challenges, the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services still offers grants to help with training yourself and your workforce through the Workforce Training Fund.

 

2. Keep your Employees Engaged.

Consider professional development to keep your employees on the cutting edge of your business. They are often the first people who work directly with your customers, so help them prepare. Also, include your employees as you plan the year and invite their participation. You can all work together to increase efficiency and explore innovative ideas.

 

3. Re-examine and Focus on Customer Needs.

Take some time to review your brand and examine what worked last year…and conversely, what did not work. Is your online presence up to date with accurate information on your website? (You might consider having our market research team review your site!) Do you post regularly on social media to inform your customers on new products and services? Are your printed materials and signage fresh and current? If you blog, do you regularly provide timely, informational content? Finally, get out of the office and go visit with your customers. The most important contact is personal, face-to-face interaction to learn what is on their mines and what they need!

 

The Wyoming SBDC Network wishes you a happy and prosperous New Year. Remember, you don’t have to “go it alone” as an entrepreneur. We are always here to help you with your business needs and look forward to seeing you in 2017!

 

We’d love to learn about specific business decisions that you’ve developed for your business. Please share them in the comments below!