Will 2016 Be Your Best Year Yet?
If you want 2016 to be better than 2015, you have to do something different in 2016 than you did in 2015. It's a simple but profound realization. Change brings the opportunity to make things better; it can be scary yet exciting at the same time. CLARIFY YOUR VISION What does the world look like after it's consumed your product or service? How is the world smarter, more beautiful, happier, healthier, or wealthier after they've left your business? A vision statement helps everyone to see the bigger picture and work towards the same goal. If you haven't written your business vision and mission statement, consider doing so in 2016 since writing it down will help you and your staff to stay focused on what you are trying to accomplish and the steps needed to get there. CREATE NEW HABITS What habits are holding you back? Which ones are propelling you forward? Choose one habit that's costing you the most and make a commitment to drop it from your 2016 repertoire. Conversely, identify the habit that is bringing you happiness and wealth and multiply it. LET GO Sometimes we need to let go before we can move forward. What do you need to let go of in order to allow yourself and your business to move forward in 2016? Are there customers or employees in your life that sap your energy or your bank account? If your energy is focused on the past, you won't be able to move forward. BUILD YOUR SUPPORT STRUCTURE Are you short staffed? The way you manage your time has everything to do with your success or lack of it. If you are taking up your time with a lot of low-dollar tasks, it's going to be difficult to boost your income and get ahead. Surround yourself with support to do everything that can be delegated, including personal tasks such as grocery shopping, housekeeping, cooking, and lawn maintenance as well as tasks such as filing, bookkeeping, appointment scheduling, and routine customer service. Make a list of areas where you could use support, and fill these gaps. In today's world, you don't need to hire full time people to fill these slots; you can simply get responsible contractors, other small businesses, and virtual assistants to build your support team. FOCUS What project or task would make a huge difference in 2016 if you could pull it off? Focus on the high payback projects and commit to one, even though it might be out of your comfort zone. Imagine the difference in your business once it's completed, and get inspired to get started. Growth requires planning and a willingness to change for the better. I encourage you to choose at least one of these areas to start out your 2016 with hope, intention, and excitement!
About the Author - Anne Dalgaard started her career at ECS in 2004 after graduating from Drake University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting and Finance. Ms. Dalgaard's areas of expertise include business consultation, accounting, audit, review and compilation engagements, corporate and personal income tax preparation, and multi-state sales tax, focusing on lease accounting for small and mid-size lessors. Ms. Dalgaard is a licensed CPA in the state of Illinois, and one of ECS' seven Certified Lease and Finance Professionals (CLFP).
