Small Business Corner: 4 Resolutions To Help You Improve The Effectiveness Of Your Business In 2013

Whether you make any personal resolutions or not, consider making these four resolutions that could help you improve the effectiveness of your business in the coming year:

1. Ask those who know your business for their advice.

If your staff, your suppliers or your clients have issues with the way you’re running your business, you should listen to their concerns. These people aren’t very likely to criticize your methods, however, unless you seriously and repeatedly ask for their input, so resolve to ask those who work for and with your business how you could be doing better. Then, look for patterns and take corrective action, if necessary.

2. Network better online and in person. 

You can drive yourself crazy trying to communicate on multiple Internet platforms and in person too. Try taking a more organized approach to networking in 2013. Keep up with one or two social networking websites and attend only a couple of in-person mixers per month. Resolve to focus your approach so that you don’t waste your time with websites, events or organizations that provide little to you in return.

3. Plan how you want to grow your business.

Perhaps it’s nearly time to add an employee or find a bigger location, but you’re not quite sure. This year, resolve to stay ahead of the game by planning your business growth rather than reacting to it. That may mean more deliberate growth of your customer base or simply keeping a more careful watch on your numbers so you can predict your needs further in advance.

4. Spend some time with your banker.

Schedule lunch with your banker sometime in early 2013. You may not necessarily have anything specific that you want to discuss, but a banker can work for you more effectively if kept up to date with your business plans and challenges. When you resolve to keep your banker in the loop, you’re putting yourself in a better position to leverage his or her network of contacts too. You’re also strengthening your relationship with your financial institution if you need financing later in the year.

By making these four small business resolutions now, you can approach the new year with new energy and a renewed commitment to helping your business succeed.