Make it a Happy New Year: Prep Your Business Now

Now is the time of year when you start seeing a lot of articles on preparing for the new year.

Vision boards, budgets, BHAGs (Big Hairy Audacious Goals), resolutions, goals, plans. They all are designed to help you prepare in a way that works for you.

There is something about the changing of the year that encourages us to make changes in our lives and our businesses. A change could be as specific as switching providers (which may make sense for accounting purposes) or a change in your approach could be needed.

Either way, as you prepare to spend your holidays balancing your business and loved ones, you can also take some time to think about what you want or need to do differently next year.
How?

If you have been contemplating switching providers, start researching now. For example, switching payroll providers really makes sense at the start of the tax year, which for most of us, matches the calendar year. You will want to get that implemented before the new year rolls around.

If you are wanting to change your approach, start experimenting with the methods mentioned above to see what really clicks for you.

Vision Boards: Find and paste images of what you want to accomplish or acquire and the board reminds you throughout the year what you are working toward
Budget: Helps you set revenue targets to cover your expenses
BHAGs: Expands your comfort zone to pursue something you did not think possible
SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) Goals: A reasonable and reachable target with an accompanying plan
Theme: Create a tone for the year. A few years ago, some friends and I decided “rally” would be our theme for the year. Every time one of us fell (literally while snowboarding or figuratively in life), we would say “rally” to help each other up.

Take it Step by Step

Try incorporating your ideas into a phased plan. This may help you keep momentum without giving up or getting discouraged. Over the past few years, I have come to realize I do not do well with time-based goals and, like many entrepreneurs, struggle with trying to do too much at once. I came up with a “phased plan” where I pursue one idea at a time. Each “phase” or idea has milestones and when I hit those milestones, regardless of how long it takes, I can move on to the next phase. Whenever I get a new idea, I just add that as a phase wherever it makes sense. That way I don’t feel like I’m missing out on a good idea but I am also not overwhelming myself and the company.

Whatever approach you take, spend some time these last few weeks of the year prepping for the new year. Then when the clock strikes midnight on January 1, you will feel energized and ready to go rather than weighed down or anxious.

Another way to start the New Year right is add some help in achieving your business’ goals. A virtual assistant can add hours to your work week by taking on the administrative tasks that slow you down. Freedom Makers is committed to providing excellent customized service to our clients and believe in giving ongoing support to ensure a successful and satisfying experience. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a business owner of a small to medium-sized firm, or a solo professional such as an accountant or a lawyer, Freedom Makers can fulfill your needs.