Six New Year’s resolutions for small businesses

Big Ben may have already rung in the New Year, but it’s not too late to make some resolutions for your business in 2014.

While others around you may be vowing to quit smoking or lose weight, as a small business owner you have different priorities. So what New Year’s resolutions should you consider making?

1.      Embrace mobile

Mobile technology exploded in 2013 and will only get more popular this year. If you haven’t got a mobile-optimised website, this is something you need to address now. Take a full review of your business IT and look at ways of using mobile technology to market yourself to potential customers, which could include sending text messages, using QR codes or giving customers mobile coupons.

2.      Support other small businesses

Create good business karma and create positive partnerships and links by using local small companies whenever you can. Working with others in your business centre community will not only help you build contacts, but you’ll get a good feeling too.

3.      Delegate more

It is tempting to try and do everything yourself, but as your business grows this can become highly stressful. Resolve to get help when you need to instead of struggling alone. It may be that you need to hire staff or get a virtual assistant. Alternatively, getting a contractor to tackle the task may be the best idea. Try to make sure you are using your time wisely instead of wasting it on jobs which could easily be completed by someone else.

4.      Interact with your customers more

Increase your communications with your customers. Social media is a really effective way of engaging with people and building your brand identity so if you haven’t already got a Facebook, Twitter or Google+ account, this may be the time to get one. You could also start a blog on your website and invite people to comment.

5.      Make sure your website is up-to-date

If your website is looking tired and dated, make it your priority to bring it up to standard in 2014. Many potential customers now visit a company’s website before deciding whether they will use them so a good site, which can compete with your rivals, is essential.

6.      Keep your books in order

If you’re someone who ends up burning the midnight oil to submit your tax return by the deadline, then make it your resolution to keep on top of your book-keeping. Don’t leave it until the last minute to start your tax return, but get on with it as soon as you can. If you find this a struggle, then seek help from an accountant.

7.      Review your IT security

If your business IT systems were compromised, what would the consequences be? This will be different for every company, but could potentially be devastating for small businesses or start-ups. At the very least, ensure that your hardware and business IT systems have passwords that are robust and not easy to guess, but you may want to bring in an expert for a full IT security review.

8.      Make 2014 your year

Focus on your business goals and follow your dreams. Make 2014 the year you move from home working to having your own office, the year you win that big contract, the year you employ your first member of staff. Tell the world about how fab your business is, have confidence in your ideas and go for it!