With the end of yet another great year it’s time to prepare for the new! January is the ideal time for small business owners to evaluate their accomplishments and set the course for what’s ahead.  Every small business has a slightly different end of year checklist. That said there is definitely a common thread that runs throughout. Some of these points may seem obvious but you would be surprised how many entrepreneurs overlook the importance of small changes and details that can have a big impact. While small, they are still very important and can make all the difference for accomplishing your goals in 2018.

1. Reflect on 2017 With Your Team

Setting and reviewing goals together is essential to teamwork and will set the stage for getting the most out of yourself and your team all year long. The investment of time in your team will always pay dividends and build strategic agility. Reflecting with the team will also allow you to anticipate future needs and build smart growth strategies.

2. Organize Your Books

How can you hit a home run if you don’t keep score? Regardless the size of your team and business you have to know how your business is doing at any given time. This is especially important when beginning a new year. Whether you need a great software system like FreshBooks, QuickBooks^® or a bookkeeper, you will want to start the year with a clean slate and knowing how your business is performing.

3. Plan and Prepare for Growth

The importance of planning ahead and planning to succeed is often overlooked in small business set-ups. If you don’t plan to grow your business by 26% and shift your business practices to allow for this growth, it’s almost certain that the business will not grow. Or if it does, it will cause chaos in your daily operations. Plan and map out your success, talk to your team, build systems and strategies that support the desired growth.

4. Upgrade Technology

Technology is the key to innovation and essential to automating your business. Leveraging technology to positively impact the quality of your service is an intelligent investment of time and money. As a small business owner, your time and resources are often limited. Technology is a great partner for entrepreneurs to stay ahead of the competition and provide a consistent, better client experience.

Wishing you a happy and prosperous 2018!
Its’ a beautiful life, make it count!

Rich