As the holiday season approaches it’s easy to focus on the upcoming year and the changes you hope to make in 2020. While looking ahead is a great way to set goals and start the year off with momentum, you don’t have to wait until the new year to change your business or change your life. You have three months to get a head start on your goals and be a step ahead of everyone else. Here are a few ways you can get started.
Define your goals
You may have already been thinking about everything you want to accomplish in the new year. What are these goals? Make sure your goals are specific and include metrics and timelines so that you can easily track your progress. These goals can be anything that will have an impact on you and your business. Some common goals/improvements for business owners in the new year include:
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Expanding their customer base: Remember that metrics are important so decide what a realistic increase is in your customer base and give yourself a time line.
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Making an addition to their business: This could be an expansion, opening a second location, adding a mobile component, having an outdoor entertaining space etc.
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Losing weight: Not all goals that have an impact on business will be business related. Sometimes making healthy choices for yourself can overflow into your business as well. A common goal for a lot of people, not just business owners is to lose a few extra pounds. Decide how many you’d like to lose and give yourself a deadline
Make a short term plan
With anything, planning can make your life, your goals and your business run so much more smoothly. Now that your goals are set you should have a well-defined path to help you achieve them. What steps are you going to take to grow your customers? This can be anything from simply expanding your advertising efforts or even start a promotion to get people hooked on your product or service. If you are planning on renovating or making some sort of business expansion, now is the time to detail what the cost will be and map out how your intend to execute the expansion. If your goal is losing weight and being healthier, how do you intend on accomplishing that goal? There are a lot of apps and plans that make it easier to get started on losing weight. No matter what your goals are, a well thought out plan will help you achieve them.
Adjust your attitude
Never underestimate the power of your mind. The easiest and most effective way to change your life and your business is by simply changing your attitude and outlook. Not only is positivity (and negativity for that matter) contagious in the work place, but having a good outlook and motivation is what is going to drive positive changes. There is no room for negativity and complacency in small business. You will notice an immediate change in productivity and progress towards goals with a change in attitude.
Work hard
This seems like a no brainer, but not everyone is work driven. While some people stumble into great opportunities that help them become successful easily, there is no replacement for working hard and giving your business everything you have. You do not need to wait until January first to try new things and work your business in a different way. Start today and see how far you’ve already made it by the time the new year is here.
