Just because it’s the last day of 2013, doesn’t mean you can’t still make a few changes today that will affect your business next year.
Put yourself first.
This may not be the usual advice in business but vow to think about yourself above all others, even if it’s just for today. Taking care of your own needs first ensures that you will be in fighting form to care for your business and therefore look after your customers. Putting everyone else ahead of yourself can lead to burn out and eventually failure. If you’re honest with yourself, you know when you’re working too hard, cutting corners because of exhaustion, not paying attention to your own wellbeing. You are the one who is responsible for the success of your business, so who better to put first than yourself.
Believe in yourself.
A positive approach to your business helps things turn out well. Make your attitude toward your business and yourself your priority. If there’s something you feel you don’t know well enough in your business to do the job properly, learn do to it yourself or outsource it to someone else. Having confidence in yourself and your ability to succeed is a major part of growing your business well.
Don’t be afraid of the next step.
Many business people thrive on risk, not that you should risk everything but taking those small steps that you are afraid to take can make the difference between a good business and a great one. Your goals are meant to be reached one step at a time and you can change them as you go along. Today you can take one little step in the direction you really want to go.
Realize how much value you bring to your customers.
The end of the year is the time to look back and pat yourself on the back for a job well done. A growing business that continues to succeed is one where the customers are satisfied and the owner takes pride in where their business is now. Take the time to make a list of everything you did right this year and keep it somewhere handy. It’s a good reminder during the new year when you feel that the going is rough and at the end of 2014, you can add to it.
Pay more attention to your own ideas.
Remind yourself that your business is built upon your ideas and not someone else’s version of what it should be. If up until now you’ve lacked the confidence to change something that is an integral part of your business because of what other people will think, put other’s opinions behind you and dare to be a little different. Control what you can regarding the outcome and leave the rest.
Just like life, your business doesn’t have to be complicated. Keep it simple. You’re not supposed to please everyone. Keep yourself happy and your customers satisfied. Every day can be your best day.
© Chris Draper, DemGen Inc. 2013
Image courtesy of thehandwrittenlife
