Well 2016 is well on its way, but if you’ve been a little delinquent in your business and only now getting back into the grove here are a few tips to help you move forward for the rest of the year.
happynewyear

Step 1: Keeping in Touch

Now everyone knows that keeping in touch during the year is great, but there’s nothing like a New Year’s touching base.
Personally I do it all the time in my businesses and it really gets things going.

Even if you haven’t spoken to that customer for a while, it’s always good to reach out during the “New Year” time frame.
That’s basically up until the second week in January.
But even if you missed it I have sent out greetings as late as February 1st.

The secret to that strategy is that alot of people are playing catch up in January.
Emails can be missed easily in the first two weeks of January, simply because everyone and their cat are doing the same thing.
Touching base, reconnecting, so maybe it’s a good thing if you do this a little after the “New Year Touching Base” Rush.

So if you think you’re late to the game don’t worry. You’re probably right on schedule.

 

Step 2: Review last year’s goals.

 

If you still have things undone from last year bring that to do list to the forefront quickly. See what needs to get done, see what wasn’t really a necessity and get to work.

If you didn’t go through a goal planning exercise for the new year as yet now is thetime.
Don’t allow February to start without planning for the rest of the year.
And if that includes getting some last minute projects from last year done, then get to work fast. The first month of the year is slowly running out.

Step 3: Review successes and failures.

goingroundincircles
What worked well for you last year?
What didn’t work?
What do you think you can do better?
The New Year represents the chance for a clean slate.
Fill that slate with the things that work!

I always like to do this in my goal planning. You want to do more of what you did right and less of what you did wrong.
But you have to sit down objectively and examine your entire past year and be honest.
If you had more failures than successes then you need to figure out quickly a new direction.
Maybe it’s time to get a business coach or join a business mastermind.

Learning from your mistakes as well as other people’s mistakes is one way to get back on  track.

Step 4: Read and learn.

learn-more

Most people say they don’t have time to read.
I say reading and learning is an integral part of your business.
Whether you’re now starting out or have had some experience in business already you need to always put aside time for learning.

Everyday I read for 15 minutes.
So if you haven’t done this as yet, spend a few minutes searching the Internet for lists of “must-read” business books.
Find a couple that look like they’d be a good fit for your business and commit to reading them.
I’ve created a monthly reading plan.

Here are some recommendations if you’re not into searching the Web for books.
1. ‘Think and Grow Rich’ by Napoleon Hill

3. “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki

4. “Motivation Manifesto” by Brendon Burchard

Step 5: Learn a new skill

You may be thinking I’m too old to start learning anything new, but the reality is your business will not grow if you don’t.
Your growth means you learn something new.

So experiment with social media or learn how to manage an online marketing campaign. Learn how to build a website.
Anything to help you develop you and your business more.

 

Step 6: Start tax preparation.

Review your bookkeeping system and make sure everything is up to date.

Now is a good time to meet with your accountant.
Start organizing your files in anticipation of tax season.
If you get organized now, the process will be much easier come tax time.
 
So that’s all I have for you today.
Get going before January runs out on you. Remember the start of a New Year is a the start of a New You!
HilaryDeFreitasProfileImageemp

I’m Hilary De Freitas
The Marketing Mom
My Mission:  to bring as many moms back home and still earning a living!
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I invite you join my newsletter and you will learn how to continue to grow your business online.
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My goal here is to help you learn how to market and build a successful business online around your children
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hdefreitas
hdefreitas

Hilary De Freitas is a wife, mother, engineer and marketer. She is dedicated to helping mothers build a successful online business from their passions, so that they don't have to choose between career and family. Hilary has been involved in network marketing, affiliate marketing and digital marketing consulting for the past 10 years. Some of the links in this post are 'affiliate links.' This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission.

    0 replies to "6 tips to Kick Off Your Small Business in 2016"

    • Nicole Missette

      I am a hairstylist/entrepreneur.

      • Hilary

        Nicole! That is great! Thanks for stopping by .
        Are you considering doing some marketing online for your business? Or just looking to learn general marketing techniques?

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