Did you make any resolutions for your business this year? It is very common for us to reflect on the past year, then make our personal resolutions at the start of every new year. Many of us write these individual resolutions down, and some of us do a good job living them out through the year. However, I wonder how many of us as business owners and employees really focus on establishing resolutions that directly impact our business success? If you haven’t done this yet, it is not too late to get started. Here are some thoughts as you identify items to focus on for your business:
Company Mission and Values – As a business owner, you should never stray too far from your core business strategy. Make sure your resolutions address your short-term goals, and also align with your company mission statement. If you are an employee, make sure you understand what the company mission and goals are before you establish your personal resolutions. If the employee goals are not in sync with those of the company, this builds barriers to success.
Adding Value – Every business owner and employee should always be asking, “How can I add value to my company?” As an owner, you may want consider more employee meetings focused specifically on this topic. You should also benchmark your competition and your market, and highlight areas where you need to improve your value proposition. In doing this, you may also recognize areas where you need to change some employee responsibilities to be better able to achieve these goals.
Have Some Fun – The last few years in our industry have been tough. With signs of things improving these last several months, it is time to start having some fun again. Those of us who have survived this recent recession have proven our worth. Business owners need to make sure they are creating a positive work environment every day. Make sure there is open and two-way communication. Find ways to properly reward employee contributions. Celebrate the company wins as a team.
The start of a new year is usually a very exciting time, one that can be filled with hope and optimism. Don’t let this time pass without defining what you want to see happen for you and your company.