Though it's already a week into the New Year, it's possible you haven't thought of your resolutions for 2014. To help you get started, we've provided a short list of excellent resolutions every small business owner should make this year. Let's get started:
1. Create a strategic plan.
Take the time to create a strategic plan for 2014. What are your company core values? What is your brand promise? What are you sales targets? Break down these questions and many more into 90 day/Quarter chunks. You can go further with daily/weekly/quarterly goals.
2. Get Social!
Haven’t gotten around to creating your business’s Facebook page? Now’s the time to do it! Make sure you also have a Twitter account and a LinkedIn company page. Of course, there’s also Pinterest, Google+, Instagram (we have one of those!), and more, so choose which social media platforms will be best for showcasing your business.
3. Create a Content Marketing Schedule.
Establish an editorial calendar and keep to it. Are you going to publish your blog once a week, twice a week, or biweekly? What days of the week will you publish your blog? Tuesdays? Thursdays? What time? 9am? Noon? Answer these questions for yourself, and then write the schedule down. This will help you stay on track even during the busiest weeks.
4. Finally build the website of your dreams.
You may find this hard to believe, but according to a Yodle survey, more than half of small businesses owners (52%) said their business does not have a website. Pretty shocking, huh? If your business falls in that category, then it’s definitely time to jump the bandwagon and create a user-friendly, streamlined site that your company deserves.This also means making it very mobile friendly, since 59% of consumers visit a business’ website via their cell phones.
5. Give back to the community.
This can take on all kinds of forms. You could serve on a committee, be a mentor to another small business owner, or donate your business’s services for a local event. Being the nice guy does pay off.
