(Newswire.net — December 9, 2019) — The new year is looming on the near horizon, and it’s time to start thinking about how you’re going to improve your life in 2020. When most people think about their New Year’s resolutions, they think about personal issues, usually involving leading a healthier lifestyle and getting rid of bad habits and relationships. Business and career concerns aren’t necessarily high on the list. But how many things have more of an effect on health and happiness than running a thriving and successful business?
Small to medium-sized service contractors already operate in a tough and competitive world of ups and downs and times of feast and famine. But there are plenty of ways you can make your business better, most of them free or low cost. Here are six New Year’s resolutions that will help you improve your small business in the coming year.
6 New Year’s Resolutions For Smaller Contractors
- Improve your marketing strategy. Most small to medium-sized business owners use the traditional marketing methods of signage, newspaper and yellow pages ads, flyers, business cards, and word-of-mouth referrals. That’s great, and a necessary part of any marketing plan. But it’s easy to get stuck in those and neglect the digital marketing opportunities that are available today. You should certainly have a website, one optimized for local SEO and for mobile devices. If you’re not listed in business directories, especially Google and Yelp business listings, you need to be, and if you are you should check to make sure your business info is up to date and accurate. You should also consider direct-mail and email marketing campaigns.
- Increase your social media presence. Maybe you’re on Facebook, but you should also be on other platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, Ello, YouTube, and even Instagram. All have proven to be effective marketing tools, and there’s plenty of information online on how to use them effectively. You might also consider starting a blog on your website. People appreciate advice and tips from a professional. It takes time and effort to keep them updated with fresh content, but it’s worth it.
- Renew your certifications. You probably have several certificates for skills in the industry you work in. Make sure they’re not expired or getting close to the time for recertification and take any training or refresher courses that may be necessary.
- Cut costs where possible. Take a close look at your books for the last year with an eye for expenditures that can be reduced or eliminated. And while you’re at it, start preparing to pay your taxes now rather than waiting until the last moment.
- Hire more help if you need to. If you’re finding that you often have more work than you can handle on your own, an enviable situation, it’s time to stop thinking you have to do everything yourself and start looking for help.
- Take time off to relax and recharge. Running a small to medium-sized contracting business is often stressful and time-consuming. Don’t get so caught up in work that you start making mistakes and becoming irritable, which is a sure way to lose customers and cause family issues. Make sure you have enough downtime in your life.
The small business that can’t find ways to be better is a rare thing. Make 2020 the year your business will reach new heights of success