HomeNewsHow to get your business back on track for the year ahead
How to get your business back on track for the year ahead
January is often a month full of contradictions! On the one hand, it’s seen as the perfect time to set new intentions, make new goals, and begin the year with new opportunities. On the other, it can bring challenges with post-holiday blues, cold dark evenings, and the arrival of the Christmas credit card bill.
But what a break over the holidays gave you time to realise you’ve lost sight of your business direction? If so, you’re not alone.
If you feel like you spent the last year running on auto pilot and now want to pause, take stock, and reset, keep reading. We’ll be exploring ways to clear out what’s not working, do more of what is, and set yourself up for a strong start to the year.
Key takeaways
Why pressing reset on your business can help you reconnect with your big reason why.
How setting clear goals will prioritise what matters for the year ahead.
Why the new year is a great time to make a fresh start, but it can actually happen year round.
Why pressing reset can re-energise your business
Life is busy and running a business often means spinning plates while juggling a dozen other things. It’s easy to fall into routines that keep you caught in a cycle of working hard but not seeing the results you want.
Sometimes, it takes stepping back to realise your business isn’t delivering the dream you started with, and it’s no longer fun. If that sounds like you, pressing reset can make a big difference.
While January may seem like the obvious time to make a fresh start, you can do it at any time of year. It could be a business anniversary, the end of the financial year, or just when you feel like it. You can decide to stop and pause whenever you want.
Read on for some practical steps to help you get started.
How to press reset on your business
Pressing reset doesn’t mean tearing everything down in your business. Instead, it’s about reconnecting with your dream and making tweaks, so it works better for you.
Here are ten steps to guide you through the process:
1. Look at the big picture
Start by reminding yourself why you started your business in the first place. Was it for growth, financial freedom, more flexibility, or a personal passion?
Your ‘why’ influences your goals and strategy. Without a clear sense of this, it’s hard to know what the next year, let alone the next week, should look like. Reconnect with your big picture vision and let it guide your plans.
2. Reflect on the last year
Take a moment to look back over the last year. Make a note of what went well, what you achieved, and what you can build on. Then celebrate your successes – it’s easy to forget how far you’ve already come.
It’s also important to consider the challenges you faced. Think about the lessons you can take from them to grow and improve for the year ahead.
3. Set clear goals
Where do you want to be this time next year? Think about what really matters to you, then set clear, actionable goals to get there. Make sure they mean something as that will help keep you motivated when things get tough.
Break your goals into smaller steps that you can then track throughout the year. And remember to make them SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Timebound.
4. Identify your biggest challenges
Make a list of whatever may be standing in the way of achieving your goals. It could be anything from finding customers to scaling production, or even issues like staff morale.
Once you know your challenges, you can start planning how to tackle them. You could look at new strategies, contingency planning, or finding external support.
5. Watch for market changes
The world moves fast and keeping an eye on market trends can help you stay ahead. Check whether there are changes in customer behaviour, technology, or the wider economy that may affect your business.
Next, think about how you can adapt. It might be introducing new products, expanding into a different market, or changing your services. Take these ideas and link them to your business goals so you’re on track with where you want to go next.
6. Refresh your marketing
The start of a new year is the perfect time to rethink your marketing strategy. In late 2023, a study found that over two thirds of retail shoppers carry out online research before buying.1 With this kind of online activity, your website and social media are crucial for marketing.
You could update your branding, refresh your website, or optimise your site for SEO. Video advertising, especially on mobile devices, is growing massively in the UK so you may want to experiment with that.2 Whatever, you choose, check it aligns with your goals and will resonate with your customers.
7. Focus on your team
A good team of people will help you achieve your goals, whether it’s employees or other external support. Check on your existing skills to see whether you need to recruit, train, or outsource.
If you have a team, look at staff morale and whether they feel valued and motivated. Simple things like celebrating wins or giving rewards, can help build a positive culture. You could introduce something as easy as buying pizza for everyone when they hit a sales target.
8. Check your mindset
Running a business can be tough and your mindset matters. Having a positive attitude and sticking with things, even when challenging, can help you stay focused and moving forward.
When setbacks do happen, think about your long-term goals and remember why you started your business. A positive, determined mindset can make all the difference.
9. Think about your customers
Your customers are at the heart of everything – without them, you don’t have a business. So, it’s vital to understand their needs and deliver great customer service.
Carry out market research and keep an eye on customer feedback. As many people check online reviews before buying, it’s important to read and respond to both positive and negative comments. This shows you value their opinions, helping to build customer trust and loyalty.
10. Manage your time well
Your time is important! Start each day by reviewing your priorities and focus on the tasks that will deliver results. Stay on top of financial reports and remember that cash flow is essential for paying the bills, so introduce systems to ensure you get paid on time.
Where you can, delegate smaller jobs and avoid getting caught in the trap of being busy rather than productive. Having a plan will keep you on track and make the year feel more manageable.
Final thoughts
Taking the time to step back, reflect, and reset can breathe new life into your business. By clearing out what’s not working, and doing more of what is, you’ll be in a strong position to achieve your goals.
But remember that resetting doesn’t have to wait for January. Whether it’s mid-year, or even mid-week, every day is a chance for a fresh start.
If you’re feeling stuck, try getting others involved. A team brainstorming session can spark new ideas and build a shared commitment to your plans. For solo business owners, a networking group or coaching programme can offer support and encouragement.
No matter where you are right now, it’s never too late to pause, reflect, and reset.
To chat with us about how The Business Village can help, contact Kevin Steel, Business Development Manager via:
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