2017 is finally here, signaling the time to begin looking at New Year’s resolutions\u2014not only for individuals, but also for small business owners.<\/p>\n
Even if 2016 was a profitable and positive year for your business, there are always improvements to be made. The time is right to examine such possibilities for even greater improvement and success.<\/p>\n
So what is the best advice for\u00a0setting realistic goals for one’s small business? First, let\u2019s look at what goes into setting goals in the first place.<\/p>\n
Simply put, goals are things one aims for<\/a>. But there\u2019s more to it than that. Goals are considerably more powerful in ensuring that one achieves success in whatever endeavor he or she undertakes. They\u2019re a carrot at the end of a stick, something to be pursued with vigor.<\/p>\n For small business owners, goals enable us to set a framework in order to direct focus in the most productive direction, to establish a workable timeline, and to achieve our ultimate aspirations.<\/p>\n Experts assert that all goals should contain certain key aspects. These include:<\/p>\n Defining business goals is a priority, especially at the outset. According to\u00a0Bento<\/a>, SMART business goals are the way to go in 2017 because of their greater effectiveness over more conventional goal setting.<\/p>\n SMART goals are:<\/p>\n There are several goals which are both common and desired among many small businesses. Here are a few ideas of goals that you can aim for this year for your<\/em> business.<\/p>\n The inability to do so jeopardizes a company’s life force. Suggestions for achieving this include:<\/p>\n With the increase in potential customers and clients relying increasingly on Google and Yelp for local business information, it is critical for small business owners to ensure that potential customers can find them. Tools to increase this presence include developing and regularly updating a website, considering a blog, and investing in online marketing.<\/p>\n Similar to improving one’s online presence, improving your social media presence<\/a> is also crucial. From Facebook to Google My Business to Twitter to Instagram, there are numerous options available. According to\u00a0Statista, nearly 80 percent of the U.S. population frequents some type of social media platform, with many frequenting multiple ones.<\/p>\n Among the most cited reasons for small business revenue struggles is poor expense management skills. Ways to improve these shortcomings<\/a> include:<\/p>\n Regardless of the business’ size, leadership is a key skill. Improving interpersonal and listening skills, updating employee handbooks, re-examining hiring and recruitment practices, ensuring employee morale and productivity<\/a>, and learning how to make better decisions are all necessary and important goals.<\/p>\n According to\u00a0Small Business Trends<\/a>, here are five quick and easy tips for ensuring that your New Year’s goals are met.<\/p>\n For more information on setting and achieving your small business goals for the New Year, including making sure that your company is properly covered with the right insurance, please\u00a0contact us<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 2017 is finally here, signaling the time to begin looking at New Year’s resolutions\u2014not only for individuals, but also for small business owners. Even if 2016 was a profitable and positive year for your business, there are always improvements to be made. The time is right to examine such possibilities for even greater improvement and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":3745,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[191,117],"tags":[181,163,195,444,24,445,399],"class_list":["post-3744","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-business-owner-resources","category-business-owner-responsibilities","tag-advice-for-business-owners","tag-business-owner-tips","tag-resources-for-business-owners","tag-setting-goals","tag-small-business","tag-small-business-goals","tag-tips-for-employers"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n
Setting Your Business Goals<\/h2>\n
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Specific 2017 Goals to Strive For<\/h2>\n
1. Manage cash flow<\/a> more effectively.<\/h3>\n
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2. Improve the business’ online\/digital presence.<\/h3>\n
3. Build a strong social media presence.<\/h3>\n
4. Reduce business costs.<\/h3>\n
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5. Improve leadership skills.<\/h3>\n
Five Quick Tips<\/h2>\n
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