Singapore
Singapore
A new year provides the opportunity for businesses to start with a clean slate. We recommend some practical goals that every business can set and follow through for the new year.
It’s easy to get caught up with the business of the new year, but it is important to set aside some time to plan ahead. Start by reviewing past goals and updating them to reflect current business needs. List key milestones to attain and be specific about them. In addition, identify current and future obstacles wherever possible, so that you can better predict and avoid potential risks.
Delegating can be hard when you are used to being in control of everything, but it is a necessity if you want to grow the business. Delegating allows you to see the bigger picture and identify key areas where your personal expertise is required.
To effectively delegate, train your employees well enough till they can take over some of your tasks. Make sure you clearly communicate your objectives too so that they can carry out your instructions correctly. Once you have done so, trust your employees to make the decisions pertaining to their area of responsibility – avoid micromanaging!
This is especially important for SME business owners who may a lot on their plate, and overlook the importance of marketing. The first step in a consumer journey is awareness – simply put, people can’t buy or use what they don’t’ know about in the first place.
Set aside time to establish a proper marketing strategy. Otherwise, engage a marketing expert or agency to provide advice and devise a solid plan to act upon.
Upgrade your hardware if necessary. Don’t let slow internet speeds and faulty machines hold you back from achieving more out of your business. Change old devices if you need to, and make sure to update your existing software for enhanced security.
Do proper research as well and tap on the wide bank of applications and services online to simplify your business processes. This will save you much time, effort, and money in your work.
For businesses, it is one thing to make money, but it is another to know where the money is spent on. Is it time to change some vendors or suppliers? It is important to constantly review your past expenses and shed the excesses for your company to maintain good financial health.
One useful method is to create a financial plan for the year ahead with monthly cash-flow projections to avoid cash shortfalls. Doing monthly updates to compare your projections and spending will help you track your cash flows and keep to your budget too.
Paying back to the community is a good business practice that is often overlooked despite the slew of benefits that come with it: enhanced corporate image, more social connections, which translate to better business prospects.
Consider donating to a cause that aligns with the values of your company. If money is an issue, you can also be a mentor and share your professional knowledge freely with others. Every little action counts and it is simple to start being socially responsible.
Start off 2018 on the right foot by trying out some of these resolutions. Once you get into the habit and commit to them, your business is poised for success. Here’s to a fruitful year ahead for your business!
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