2021 brought many of the same challenges business owners faced in 2020. Regardless, it's still important to prepare for a better 2022. Consider these ten recommendations if you are not sure what resolutions should make it to your list.

1.  Review Your Business Plan

If you have just one resolution for the new year, it should be to create or review and update your business plan. Your business plan should be your roadmap, overall vision, and strategy for the future. The coming year is sure to be filled with more unique challenges, making it even more important to put your plan in writing and adjust as needed. If this seems daunting, download our business plan template.

2.  Build Your Brand

Too often, the task of promoting your business falls to the bottom of the to-do list. But if you want to grow, you must make promotion a top priority. This doesn’t have to be costly. Google and Yelp offer free business profiles. Everyone searches for businesses, products, and services online, so make the Internet work for you.

3.  Set Realistic Goals

The emphasis here is on the word realistic. Goal setting is an ongoing process and a valuable habit. Make sure the goals you set are achievable. Remember the adage, “When everything is a priority, nothing is.”

4.  Dump What’s Not Working and Move On

If a strategy, product, or business relationship isn't working for you, stop using it. Don't invest your energy into trying to make the unworkable work. Move on. Go back to your business plan and make some adjustments. Be open to new ideas.

5.  Promote Your Business Online (and stick to it)

Building a solid social media presence is one of the more essential strategies you can implement. Be selective and prioritize the networks your customers are already using. Start with Facebook and Instagram. Build your following on these platforms and then, if you feel comfortable, branch out to Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, or YouTube. There's a minimal cost if you do it yourself or consider outsourcing to a social media marketer. It will take time and effort to grow and engage your audience, but ultimately you will reap significant rewards.

6.  Review Your Website

Whether you run an eCommerce business or have a brick-and-mortar shop that your website helps promote, you've got to keep your site up to date and working well. After all, your website is the primary way people interact with your business online.

If you haven't had a website redesign for some time, you need to review your website thoroughly. Test out how it works both on a desktop and on mobile. Look for issues like broken links or images that no longer show up.

7.  Learn to Delegate

There are so many things to do when you're a small business owner; it's easy to think that you must do them all by yourself. Be realistic and let your employees take on some of your tasks for a change. It will help them grow, giving you a healthier work-life balance.

8.  Listen to Your Customers and Employees

The old saying, “the customer is always right,” means that if your customers provide feedback about a product or service, you should seriously consider it. The same goes for your staff. They are on the front line and may have valuable customer suggestions and their own experience. Commit to making customer feedback and outreach a priority in the coming year and put specific plans in place to make it happen. Your business will only get stronger and more prosperous for putting customer and employee experience first.

9.  Attend Networking Events – Get Involved in Your Community

Suppose you make a new connection once a week or once a month? In that case, you increase the odds of finding a new business lead, learning some valuable intel, or building a solid professional relationship. The more you network, the more results you'll see. Also, consider getting involved in a local non-profit or volunteer organization. You'll not only build goodwill, but you could also expand your customer base.

10.  Take Time Out for Yourself (and your family)

Setting clear boundaries, knowing when to take a break, and learning when to ask for help are important ways to keep a healthy work-life balance. We all have different thresholds for how much we can work and varying methods of coping with stress; make sure you're running your business in a healthy way for you.

We want to help you grow.

Let's face it - running a business requires you to be goal-oriented, self-reliant, and flexible. But no matter how budget-minded a business owner may be, there comes a time when you need cash - fast.

That's where Quikstone Capital comes in.

Quikstone Capital has been in business for 16 years, and we're in it for the long haul. We partner with our merchants to achieve success, and their success directly reflects on us. Our product is designed to help a merchant’s business grow and increase sales.

We fund from $5,000 to a maximum of $250,000, depending upon your average monthly sales and the strength of your business. Your business may qualify for more than you think.

Please make your first 2022 New Year resolution to contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.