When a new year arrives, it’s a natural opportunity for business leaders to reflect on what they hope to achieve in the future. Just as people find it helpful to set personal New Year resolutions to help them track progress toward long-held dreams or aspirations, it can be effective for businesses to define their own goals for the year. Here are five New Year resolutions that can help take your company to the next level in 2016:

Start the New Year right!

1. Prioritize business planning. If you want to improve your business in 2016, setting aside dedicated time for business planning—as a regular part of your schedule—is a great way to make that happen. Business plans have a way of gathering dust, but an ongoing time commitment toward spotting your company’s best opportunities and overcoming its trickiest challenges can make a real difference.
2. Set goals for growth. Goals are a powerful motivator, and they can keep you on track as the bustle of a hectic workday returns. If you plan to grow your business in 2016, set specific, realistic targets and deadlines for achieving that growth. Some business leaders find the SMART model helpful for defining goals. Budget time in your calendar to review your progress against your goals on a monthly or quarterly basis.
3. Promote your business. If you want to grow your existing customer base or reach a new market, dedicate some time toward creating a marketing plan for the coming year. There’s a wealth of marketing tips for businesses to be found on the Internet. If you don’t have the time to do the research yourself or if you have specific needs, consider hiring a consultant who can give you some strategic guidance or spot consultation in a certain area.
4. Hire expert help if you need it. If a certain area of your business is causing you stress, consuming too much of your staff time or generating repeated problems, consider hiring someone with the expertise—whether it’s an employee or a consultant—to help you get back on track. In doing so, you can free up your capacity and mental space to focus on what’s most important rather than what’s most urgent.
5. Take care of yourself. Burnout is a very real problem that many business leaders and staff face in today’s workplace. Self-care, and tending to work-life balance, isn’t just a luxury. It’s a key to business success. Depending on what gives you satisfaction and meaning in life, this can take different forms. Take the time to figure out what work-life balance looks like for you and your company; create a plan for making it a reality at your workplace.

What are your 2016 resolutions for your business? How do you hope to grow in the coming year, and what opportunities or challenges do you see on the road ahead? Feel free to share your thoughts and ideas in the comments section below.

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