Dec 2020, Guide

Goal Setter, Goal Getter

December 1, 2020 | by LNE Magazine

5 tips to help you amp up your biz in the New Year

It’s time to start brainstorming your goals for 2021! For some, this year’s goals might even roll over to January. Although we often think of goal setting as something we do at the start of every year, the truth is that it is extremely important to work on your business goals all year long.

Goal setting is one of the most important things you can do for your small business regardless of what you sell or how old your business is. Goals pave the way and set the stage for success. Use this year’s setback (COVID shutdown time) for the greater good and base your goals on what you were trying to accomplish this year. Maybe you are already ahead!

You should be setting goals multiple times each year, tracking your progress, and refining the strategies you follow to achieve your goals on an ongoing basis. When setting goals for your business, always remember to set a date. A goal without a deadline is a wish. A goal with a date written down is a plan.

Let’s start planning! To make your new year plan as productive as possible, it is always recommended to make a list. Don’t know where to start? We’ve made a list of things you can use because there is always room for improvement, especially when running a small business.

“Don’t be intimidated by technology and use it to your advantage. There are so many productivity and workflow platforms out there, and a lot of them are FREE.”

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THE LIST:

1. Reduce ongoing business expenses

This is a task everyone should review quarterly. In a time where recurring payments are so easy, it is good to review what you are really paying for and look over your finances closely. Look into apps, subscriptions, fees, interest rates, and eliminate what is not working for you. You would be surprised at how much money you can save just by doing this a few times a year!

2. Amp up your productivity

Don’t be intimidated by technology and use it to your advantage. There are so many productivity and workflow platforms out there, and a lot of them are FREE… Yes, I said FREE! Boost your team’s productivity and eliminate distractions with one of the many great programs out there. This is another excellent place to keep the goals you have set and track your timeline.

3. Improve your customer service

Like we’ve said before, there is always room for improvement. Set a goal that focuses on making your customer service exceptional, handling customer complaints more effectively, or incorporating customer service into your social media practices. And don’t forget about the power of asking your customers for feedback to identify what your business can be doing better. Using surveys or questions on social media can be very helpful when looking into client feedback.

4. Marketing and branding through social media

Many of you have told us you are intimidated or do not have time for social media. That can no longer be the excuse! Social media is like free advertising… Imagine being able to put a billboard up on the most popular street in your city and not have to pay for it. That is social media marketing! Set the goal to educate yourself on social media practices to elevate your brand and grow your business. There are so many tools and ways to teach yourself how to do it.

Follow @lneonline & @estheticianedit on Instagram for more social media industry advice!

5. Finding new networking opportunities

If you are not actively networking for your small business, then that should be one of your goals for this year! Expand your business network by attending conferences and events (there are digital options, too)! Amp up your LinkedIn profile and get to know more people in your industry. You never know who you can meet and what they can bring to the table. Networking events in the spa industry are especially great ways to meet new people.

2020 will go down in history as a year marked by disruption and change and now is your chance to turn it around. Plan and set goals with a deadline so that you can track your productivity. Let’s start the new year on the right foot and get started on goal setting for 2021!

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