5 New Year’s Resolutions You Should Set for Your Business

The new year is almost here, and the past one has no doubt been a challenge. However, 2010 gives you the opportunity to revamp your mission and refresh your procedures. Now is the time to re-evaluate your business and decide which new goals you should set in order to strengthen your operations and become more profitable.

Here are five New Year’s resolutions you can make to ensure 2010 is your best year yet:

1. Embrace energy-efficient technology
“Going green” has been a major trend for a long time now, but it’s one that benefits your bills as well as the environment.  

Of all the major trends in 2010, Tom Dieck, owner and chief designer of TRD Designs in Katonah, N.Y., says the green trend will be stronger than ever.

“If it’s in the ‘green’ industry, jump on board before the boat passes you by,” he says.

Keep in mind, though, that taking energy-efficiency measures requires time and consideration to make sure you’re spending your money wisely and on the right things. Mark Mayoka, author of Financial Crisis Planning for Small Business, emphasizes the need for researching where you need energy efficiency the most.

“Establish a monthly budget for the use of energy throughout your facilities,” he says. “Look to be innovative and assess your energy needs on a monthly basis.”

Read up on trade publications and network with experts to find small innovations you can make in your office and on site to ensure you’re using your electricity, natural gas and water efficiently.

2. Amp up customer service
With the economy the way it is, it’s easy to become too focused on the internal operations. However, it’s your customers that make your business, and you need to remind them that they come first.

“Set your company aside from others by offering the best customer service possible,” says Dieck. “Return every phone call within a day and be on time for all of your appointments. That alone will separate you from your competition.”

Todd Brown, general manager of Fockele Garden Company, in Gainesville, Ga., says he believes his employees go the extra step for his customers because his company goes the extra step for them. Fockele Garden Company gives their employees competitive benefits and the proper tools and vehicles to do their job. In addition to training and a positive work culture, the company shows their appreciation through employee get-togethers and events.

“Providing these things helps support our staff in their day to day work and helps them want to go the extra mile when the job calls for it,” he says. “And with cost cutting and keeping expenses down, we want to make sure that we don’t damage our relationship with our customers.”  

3. Brand your company
If you haven’t already, increase your marketing plan so that you can develop a strong brand. Having a company logo will increase awareness of your company in your community even more than word-of-mouth.

Dieck agrees and says that having an “outstanding” Web site will increase your sales and save you time from making presentations.

Brown says that re-branding his company was one of the best decisions they ever made, and they plan to keep their brand fresh in people’s minds by sending regular press releases and newsletters, by using new marketing materials and by changing uniforms with a new logo.

4. Anticipate changes and keep an open mind
As the last year and a half has shown, the business world can be unpredictable. This means staying on your toes about changes in the industry. Reading trade publications, going to market shows and networking with peers will keep you on top of trends. The new year should also inspire you to think outside the box when it comes to establishing profit-earning measures. Dieck says it can really benefit your business to examine projects you’ve looked over in the past, because they could offer unseen opportunities today.

“Adapt the policy of looking at every project that is put in front of you,” he suggests. “Large or small, do not close the door on meeting new clients. If you treat them well, that will lead to friends of theirs who may have larger projects.”

And remember that your existing customers are affected by the economy too and are likely evaluating all the services they’re contracting out. Make sure you’re checking in with them to let them know how much you care and to remind them that you’re providing quality work they can’t get anywhere else.  

5. Make team appreciation a focused, regular occurrence
Expectations are up when business is down, so your team has probably been working harder than ever. Brown says it’s critical to reward your team on a regular basis, and it doesn’t have to take a lot of planning or money. His company has a quarterly cook-out to allow everyone to relax in a more laid-back and social setting.

“I think it’s just so easy to get focused on work, work, work,” he says. “It kind of gives us the time to unwind and get to know each other personally. I think people appreciate that. It contributes to the family atmosphere in our business.”