close
 - Copy20181219140119864.jpg)
New Year resolutions, we all love to hate them and this is most probably our fault. Smoking less, leading a healthier life, staying away from trouble or studying Spanish, you already know the list will be long forgotten by January 10th. So how about you choose to focus on your business instead? As an entrepreneur, the New Year is the best time to start good habits that are bound to make this year a more successful one. Here’s our very own roadmap.
Start by planning ahead. If you haven’t been working on regular business plans, now’s a good time to get started. By looking ahead and trying to set a clearer vision of where you are heading with your brand, you will ultimately be more adaptable to changes that occur in the market. This will also help you avoid unnecessary risks and know which actions to carry out for your business to thrive on the long run.
Speaking of long-term growth and how to reach it, let your goals be realistic. The best way to make sure this is the case is to follow the SMART* technique.
While you’re at it, get rid of all hindrance: Whether it’s a product or service that is not adapted to the market and causing you more trouble than actual profit, the need to recruit a new employee to maximize productivity or even throwing out an old printer. Don’t let anything get in the way of that growth prospect you aim to reach. The happier, the more productive; and you’ve known this all along. It is sometimes up to you to ignite the little spark and the odds will be in your favor.
And since we’re talking about creating your own opportunities, you need to promote your brand and / or services whenever you can. This is an absolute must, both online and offline, whether you are using the help of a marketing expert or finding ways to do it all by yourself. You also need to put yourself in situations that let you promote your brand and / or services
So join a networking group and start meeting new people. There are seminars and conferences a plenty that are being held all the time. This will help you get your head off work but stay deeply rooted in your environment and professional life. For there is no better place to network, make new encounters and who knows, maybe meet new partners or collaborators than during these events. How about you head to the next BLC Bank business power session? There’s one being held every month. We bet you will love it and make it a monthly habit of joining us!
Business power sessions, besides giving you the opportunity to make professional connections, will help you learn new skills. And this is definitely something you need to feature on your to-do list for 2017. You’ve been hearing about this great online course for ages and workshops related to any topic or activity you can think of are being organized on a weekly basis. Whether what you learn is related to your work or not, gained knowledge is always sure to come in handy. Even knitting can reveal itself to be a useful asset one day. Or it will help you relax and this is still something you should aim at.
Knitting yes, but also cooking, reading, any activity that keeps your head off work. Dedicate some time to an activity that lets you unwind and come back to the awaiting task with a new and fresh vision. For instance, don’t ever feel too busy to exercise. Work out sessions are the best way to stay in good shape and clear your mind. It also relieves you from your daily dose of stress.
Now that you have taken care of yourself and your business, you should think of giving back to others. This can apply to your community, sure, but it also applies to your team. Organize employee outings, give new perks or just gather around a pizza from time to time.
On behalf of everyone at BLC Bank, we wish you a successful and prosperous year filled with new projects and achievements.
*The SMART technique revolves around 5 pillars. It needs to be:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Attainable
- Relevant
- Time-bound
