At the start of the year, many people tend to make their personal resolutions. This could be saving more money, getting fit, starting a new course, or taking up a new hobby. However, businesses also need the same level of attention to become more successful. If you are a business owner, you may need to consider the following New Year resolutions for your business:
1. Learn Something New
The world around us is ever-changing. As a business owner in the pet care industry, learning something new will add your skill and expertise. This could be related to your business, managing your time better, or achieving a healthy work-life balance. It’s also an opportunity to meet new people and grow your business network. Consider attending educational courses at one of the many pet care expos around the country.
2. Learn to Delegate More
With so many things to handle when running a small business, it’s easy to overlook certain tasks or feel that you need to do all of them yourself. Letting someone else take charge of some of the tasks will free up more time for you to work on other important aspects of the business.
3. Set Realistic Goals
Your business needs a direction. Setting realistic and achievable goals is an important step towards the success of your business. If you’re not sure where to start, map out a formula and implement the SMART goal setting criteria.
4. Plan Your Business Weekly
Your business is as good as your plan. If you want to run a healthy and growing business, learn to plan as often as possible. Not only will you avoid costly mistakes or losing track of your business, but you will also feel more focused and relaxed.
5. Promote Your Business More Regularly
The task of promoting a small business often slips to the bottom of the to-do list. You may be dealing with other tasks that feel more urgent but maintaining customer relationships and managing your online presence is crucial. With the start of the new year, make a habit to promote your business more regularly and consistently. Add marketing tasks to your weekly schedule. You can read about some tips and tricks for marketing and communication in one of our other blog posts here
6. Join a Networking Group or Business Organization
One of the best ways to spark new ideas, refine existing ones, and grow your business is by joining networks of other business owners. You could join an organization dedicated to the pet care industry, or a group specifically designed for networking. Facebook is a great resource for finding groups filled with other owners and managers of pet care facilities.
7. Put Time for Yourself on the Calendar
Business owners often struggle to find time for themselves, and this can be a recipe for physical and mental disaster. To keep yourself in check, set aside time for yourself and stick to that commitment. Relieve yourself of your business duties during this time and allow your body and mind to cool.
8. Give Back to the Community
Your business can make a lot of difference by giving back to the community. Find a cause that matters to you or reflects your values and give what you can. You can be a mentor, serve in a community committee, make regular donations, or simply volunteer.
9. Listen to Your Employees and Customers
Learning to listen to your customers and employee will enable you to achieve more. You will know what they like, what they don’t, and the best way to bridge that gap. Remember you are a leader and following through with what your followers need is integral to your business success.
10. Maintain Healthy Relationships with Your Employees
It’s no secret that small businesses have been struggling to find employees. Reduce burnout and turnover by making sure that your employees feel valued and acknowledged. Consider implementing a monthly staff get-together, providing a place for suggestions/feedback, or simply making an effort to verbally acknowledge staff members for their achievements and hard work on a consistent basis.
