2023 is finally here, and with it comes a great reminder to reflect on the year that has just passed. It is also a welcome opportunity to plan for a fresh start. This is especially relevant for small businesses, who can make the most of this new year by utilizing it as a reset switch (with the help of some inspirational tips for small business owners).
Taking advantage of this clean slate will set business owners up for success beyond just the first few months of 2023. The new year carries countless possibilities and provides a perfect chance for small business owners to get ahead and push toward their long-term objectives.
At Strategy Leaders, we are big believers in creating lists with objectives based on our client’s goals in our coaching calls. We call them “Next Step Lists” because that’s precisely what they are for: to give you, the business owner, a tangible next step with a deadline to overcome so you can meet your goals. These lists are entirely confidential and are a big part of our business coaching program, so if you have any questions about what the program entails, contact us, and we can give you a run-through!
Ready to get started? Dive into these helpful tips and take the next steps for success!
1. Make a list
Start on the right foot by making a list of your current goals, objectives, and plans for growth in the upcoming year. List out what you want to accomplish and how you will reach those goals. Starting the new year with a plan of action is a great way to maximize accomplishments and productivity.
Writing down your goals makes them tangible, putting you in control and providing motivation to take that desired next step. Making a list from the outset allows you to visualize growth plans better and also helps you target specific objectives.
For example, consider breaking daunting projects into smaller tasks or setting both short-term and long-term goals. With proper tracking and accountability, this process can create good habits and prove invaluable for personal and professional development.
Next Step: Block out one or two hours on your calendar (or break it up into different days), preferably before the 25th. Use that time to focus entirely on creating the list of your goals and plans. Once finished, go over the list with your team before Christmas hits, or set up some time to discuss it as soon as the new year starts.
2. Prioritize
Setting priorities when crafting your growth plan is an essential step for success. It is crucial to understand which tasks are a higher priority, as this helps you target specific goals and highlights areas of focus where you can make the biggest difference.
Wisely prioritizing tasks keeps you focused and in control, preventing dreaded feelings of being overwhelmed. Each success encourages further progress along the way, eventually leading to that larger goal – resulting in significant accomplishments over time!
Next Step: Once you’ve made your list, go through and highlight the priorities. Maybe number them from 1-5, 1 being the most important and 5 being the least.
3. Set deadlines
By setting deadlines for each of your growth goals, you are creating a sense of urgency that allows you to stay on track and accomplish what needs to be done in the shortest amount of time. Instead of procrastinating or allowing tasks to fall by the wayside, giving yourself a timeline can help you stay focused and productive.
Deadlines also provide you with something tangible to work towards, and once that deadline is reached, you can feel proud of yourself for achieving your goal. Setting realistic yet semi-challenging deadlines is an incredibly effective way to ensure that you consistently stay on top of your growth plan and can help you reach your goals more quickly.
Next Step: Create a list of deadlines for the entire list, or focus on those five priorities. Be realistic about the amount of time it will take you to do each task well – and always remember that deadlines can be adjusted depending on the task’s priority.
4. Delegate tasks
Delegating tasks can be one of the most essential tools for small business owners. By allowing other employees or freelancers to take on certain aspects of the project, business owners can focus on a more macro level and dabble in broader strategies for their company’s growth plan.
Establishing a specific delegation system is vital for ensuring tasks get completed on time and are as effective as possible. This ultimately allows a special kind of balance that contributes to overall higher productivity, which is invaluable to any small business in its quest for success and growth!
Next Step: Assess your list and determine which employees best suit specific tasks. If you need to outsource, add that in as well.
5. Track progress
Tracking progress during the growth process is essential to help you remain focused. Why? Because you need to monitor what is and isn’t working. Without measuring progress, it’s difficult to assess if changes are improving overall outcomes.
It can also be inspiring to see progress as you reach milestones, whether, through sales numbers, employee feedback, or anything else outlined in your plan. It’s important to consistently analyze these metrics to identify areas for refinement and keep your momentum going.
With a thorough assessment of progress at regular intervals, any problems can be identified early before they become overwhelming and derail your growth plans.
Next Step: Decide how you want to track progress for the items on your list. If you need to set up recurring meetings with employees to get updates, take some time to plan that out on your calendar. Do you have tasks you’re not sure how to keep track of? Maybe you’re not confident you can hold yourself accountable for your goals. Contact us today and see how we can help.
After reading this list, we hope you feel excited and motivated to take on 2023 with a growth mindset!
There’s no time like the present to start making positive changes in your business. If you need help staying accountable or developing a growth strategy tailored specifically for your company, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today. Our expert team is ready and waiting to partner with you to create a stellar action plan to help you achieve your goals this year. Contact us now, and let’s get you on the right track in 2023.
Happy Holidays and happy planning from all of us here at Strategy Leaders! We hope you enjoyed these tips for small business owners. We’ll see you next year.????
