We’re already half way through February of 2015. It is amazing how quickly times flies. As you settle into the new year and the business goals you set for 2015 it is time to ask yourself one question. Are you sticking to your plans?
Most business owners like to kick off the new year with the best of intentions: set new goals, gain a clear vision for your business, and restore that motivational spirit to help you achieve it all. But if you’re finding that your once-clear vision is beginning to blur at the edges, don’t worry. It happens to the best of us.
Fortunately, it is possible to create a resolution and maintain it. Here are four tips to keep you and your small business focused over the next 12 months:
1. Stick to Your Mission & Goals
As the year goes on always ask yourself if the project you are working on aligns with, or helps further, your mission and goals. This will ensure that you don’t end up devoting your time to projects that aren’t helping to move your business forward.
Write down your goals and tape them to your computer monitor to help keep them in your mind and in focus.
Pro Tip: Set a calendar alert for a day in March to review your goals and the progress you have made. Sometimes interrupting your workday is the best way to jolt your memory and encourage you to take action.
2. Delight Your Customers
“Happy customer, happy life” might not have a nice ring to it, but business owners can learn a lot from the old marital motto.
No matter what plans you have to grow your business your success lies in the hands of your customers. So the next time you have a planning session, always keep the customer in mind.
There are many opportunities that can open the door for enhancing your customers’ experience. If you are already doing something, such as creating valuable content, sending targeted emails, or boosting your activity on social media, that’s great! Take a chance and host a fun event to build a deeper connection.
Pro Tip: When was the last time you sent a handwritten note to a customer? Surprise loyal or inactive customers with a personal note – not only does this show you took the time to tend to a single customer, it’ll make them feel incredibly valued as well.