If one of your New Year's Resolutions is to start your own home-based business then listen up! No matter what type of business you start these top ten resolutions can get you thinking in the black and work towards making 2006 a banner year!
1. Got a Business Plan? Get one! You need to know where you are, where you want to be, and how you are going to go about getting there. You can't beat strategic planning baby!
2. To Market We Go! You need to promote your business all year long not just every once and a while. Stay in your customer's field of vision through multiple advertising methods.
3. Light A Fire Under 'Em! If you have employees you need to keep them motivated. Include them in creating their own action plans, recognize their efforts, and reward them for a job well done. They are what stands between you and your customers. If you are your only employee do the same! Set your goals and reward yourself.
4. Check Your Customers' Pulse. If its weak you need to know and get working on resuscitation before they flat line! Survey to find out your weaknesses, ask for feedback at POS, and ALWAYS listen to every complaint!
5. If It Ain't Broke.....It Could Be! Don't wait until something goes wrong to fix it. Keep evaluating your processes, employees, suppliers, and practices to see what can be improved on, added to, or in any other way fixed before its broke.
6. Kill A Report and Save A Tree. Just run the reports that really help you get a grasp on how your inventory, finances, etc. are doing. Not only will you save a tree (or some bytes) but you'll also save yourself time, which we all know is priceless.
7. Talk Taxes. Get with your accountant or CPA and find out what new tax laws will affect you and your business. Stay ahead of the IRS board game and you can pass go AND collect your $200.
8. The More The Merrier. If you haven't already join a business support group. Look for local groups as well as nationwide chapters. You'll get feedback and ideas that will make you and save you thousands of dollars.
9. Don't Sit On Your Laurels. Have you had a great year? Well, don't rely on that to happen again....make it happen! Look into new products, services, and markets and see if you can one up yourself. Don't make a "Coke" mistake though and abandon your bread and butter core products.
10. Party Like There Is A Tomorrow...cause there always is. Enjoy your success, pat yourself on the back, reward yourself and your employees and then get back to work. The way to stay on top (or get there) is to work hard and smart and keep thinking. Happy New Year and may the bird of paradise fly up your nose. (I heard that's good luck! If not, my bad!)
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