3 Ways Business Owners Can Be Better in 2017
December 8, 2016
By Jada Willis
Every business owner is being bombarded with the same headlines – “Are You Ready for 2017?”, or “Is Your Business in Shape for the New Year?” It can be a daunting feeling to have the pressure of a new year and so many alleged action items, meanwhile you are still in 2016. Business is booming; customers and employees need our best in December too, right? December gets the short end of the stick.
There are few business owners that say December is their best month. No, it wasn’t the holiday shopping rush or the food at all of the holiday parties. It’s their willingness to start working on the little things that may have slipped through the cracks- the things that may never get attention as the year flies by.
Here are 3 tips that fellow business owners say are making a difference TODAY and will improve their business and themselves in the New Year:
1. Clean out your calendar’s closet. Create a list of all of the professional and social organizations that you and your business have joined or committed to. All of the clubs, groups, organizations, and affiliations can add up quickly! Your time should be spent with activities that are serving multiple purposes and taking you one step closer to your personal or professional goals. Identify the WHY of each organization and if it’s not adding value, then save the membership fees for a night out (or be responsible and save it)!
2. Start enjoying the perks. Almost every local or national membership includes perks upon joining. There may be a variety of member benefits, such as, special travel rates, free virtual assistance hours, or even a free consultation with a career coach. During the holidays most professionals attend fundraisers or charitable events and receive a benefit based on their contribution or attendance. By the end of the night, it’s lost or long forgotten. It’s great to give (keep doing that), but stop neglecting the free bottle of wine or even the silent auction item you bid on at the beginning of the night! By ignoring the perks you’re actually doing more harm than good. You could have just created more work for the coordinator or impacted the report identifying that members are unhappy or unfamiliar with membership benefits. Do yourself and everyone else a favor – enjoy the perks!
3. Create a simple plan for the 3 P’s. Strategic planning is important to the success and sustainability of any business. Some business owners revisit their strategic plan quarterly while others review it monthly. Do what’s right for your business but ensure that the 3 P’s are covered – Purpose, People and Profit. Know why you are in business and what you are ultimately working towards. Is the business internally and externally fulfilling the mission? What goals do you have for yourself and your team? Will you be hiring? Does my product or service need to change to increase sales? It’s okay to talk to yourself as long as it helps to create your plan.
The truth is every human being has the primary goal of being better than they were the year before. We do not have to wait for a new year to roll around to start taking small steps in the right direction…you can start today. Don’t give up on December. Use this time to invest in improving yourself, your family, and your business.
About Jada Willis
Jada Willis is the only HR professional that you’re excited to meet with! Jada is a successful Human Resources Consultant, Trainer, and Talent Finder with Willis Professional Services; an HR Consulting firm that specializes in Professional staffing, Training, and Career Development. She has built a business that has a personal commitment to every client that chooses to partner with WillisPS! Jada spends most of her time helping business owners eliminate headaches by hiring great employees, building a strategic HR plan, and serving as a trusted business partner. Jada has worked with small businesses and Fortune 100 organizations. She is a recognized Forbes Coach, Career Development Facilitator, and an Award-Winning Resume Writer. To learn more about Jada Willis or the services offered by Willis Professional Services, visit http://www.willis-ps.com/
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