2016 is fast approaching! No matter what kind of year 2015 has been for you and your business, take this opportunity to regroup, re-strategize and cast some new vision. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your next 12 months of being an entrepreneur:
To do: Look back, briefly
All small businesses have a learning curve and it is likely that your startup was met with some challenges and surprises over the last year. Make note of what you learned and how you responded. Gather your team and get input from every perspective.
When you look back you will get a good feel for how far you have come, what decisions catapulted you forward and which ones held you back. Taking this information into the new year means doing an even better job at what you are good at and finding the tools, resources or people you need for the challenges you identify.
To do: Look forward, passionately
All companies need a vision. Decide what you want 2016 to look like for you and your crew. Determine where you want to go, what you want to see happen, and get excited about the possibilities. Don’t worry about logistics, yet, just harness the power of creative dreaming and scheming with your key players.
Vision is a powerful motivating and driving force. Leaders with vision are the keys to having teams with vision and, for the majority of people, having a “why” behind the day-to-day work they are doing is what keeps them coming in to the office day-after-day. Push the envelope and bring your big ideas to the table. Ask yourself: If 2016 is OUR year, what does it look like?
To do: Plan Strategically
Now that you have your vision, make a plan to make that vision a reality. What do you already have in your arsenal to reach your new goals? What do you need to acquire? How will you acquire it? Make your goals tangible and set out milestones and deadlines to motivate you. Don’t be afraid to identify what you need so you can recognize it when it comes.
To do: Get S*** Done!
Get ready to work! 2016 is right around the corner and it can be the most incredible 12 months of your businesses creation thus far. Own it. Set everyone up for success. Plaster your goals around the office and create and ride the momentum forward that is created with this new year.
