With the new year coming soon it’s time to reflect on the successes and failures of 2017 and establish a clear plan for business growth in 2018 and beyond. There are several different aspects of your business you should focus on to ensure you strengthen the core of your company. When internal operations move smoothly, it allows time to focus on innovation and growth.

Consult With a Marketing Expert

As a small business owner, you already know that you have to wear a lot of hats. You are usually the first in and the last out and devote countless hours to making sure that your company is operating as efficiently as possible. However, sometimes it is best to seek the advice of an expert who can bring forth fresh new ideas. Even if you already have a marketing plan in place, have it reviewed to ensure that it is as comprehensive as possible.

Employee Reviews

You may not look forward to sitting down with your managers and other employees to conduct their reviews. However, this represents a fantastic opportunity to learn about issues in your company that you may not be aware of. The approach of the holiday season is a great time to hear employees air their grievances and offer suggestions on improvements. After all, you do not want high turnover just when you need your staff the most.

Know Your Niche

Every company needs to know their niche. Do you offer lower prices than your competitors? Are you located in an extremely convenient part of town? Do you guarantee a time limit for service? Make sure to lead with these flattering aspects when conversing with your customers. These days, they have lots of choices and you want them to think of your business first.

Take Care Of Yourself

You need to have a clear mind in order to focus on your growing company. This means that you should already be taking care of any significant issues that compete for your attention. If you have health, family or financial worries, devise a plan to take care of them in a timely manner. Do not let these issues fester and threaten to derail how successfully you can manage your business and employees during this holiday season.

Make Accounting A Priority

You may only see your accountant when it is time to file taxes but keep in mind that accountants have a myriad of small business clients. This means that they have often times seen similar businesses and the best practices that have worked for them. Do not be afraid to ask if they have suggestions or advice that will help. In addition to analyzing your numbers, they can be a great resource for growing your business.

Expand Your Services

To garner new interest from customers, you may need to re-invent yourself and your company. For example, if you are a bakery, consider marketing a delivery service for busy professionals. You could deliver your goods for company meetings and save them the time and hassle of picking it up. Or, if you have an auto body repair facility, you could offer an additional repair service or bring in a new brand of merchandise.

Develop Partnerships

One of the best ways to achieve new business is through word of mouth. So, you need partners who are spreading the word about your company in your absence. Their recommendations should be highly valued by their customer base because of the relationship that is already established. Get out and meet other business owners to see who you can partner with to bring successful business growth to you both.

With over 12 years in the business, Quikstone Capital Solutions has proven to be a trustworthy and knowledgeable lender specializing in small business funding. Over 60% of our clients are renewals looking to continuously grow their business. Whether you need cash for emergencies, improvements or simply to maintain flexibility, Quikstone Capital can help.