Winter Garden Magazine January 2015 | Page 14

business recap: steps to get your business off the ground at beginning of year Reflecting on 2014 • What has worked well in your Business? • What achievements did you have at work? (new products, sales targets, business wins, staff success, other) • What did you learn this year? • What did you do that was innovative, spontaneous and exciting? • What lessons did you learn when things didn’t go so well? • What wins did you have with your business finances? • What are you happy or unhappy about in relation to your business? • What positives have you drawn out of your business relationships? • What obstacles have you overcome? • What did you enjoy doing more of last year? • What did you enjoy doing less of last year? • On a scale of 1 to 10 where would you rate your business performance in 2014? When it comes to looking back at your business in order to develop and implement a Move-Forward Plan, it is often easy to become obsessed with improvement, moving at faster paces, and thinking critically. We sometimes forget to see the positive – celebrate even small successes and enjoy your achievements along the way. Your business is an extension of yourself. If it thrives, you thrive. Your business is an extension of yourself. If it thrives, you thrive. If it hits a rough patch, you feel the pain. If it hits a rough patch, you feel the pain. Take a deep breath. Slow down and really think about these questions. Taking your time forces you to reflect and take stock of what has happened in the major areas of your business. Whether you are pleasantly surprised or even if you are disappointed, this will help you get a handle on achievements and help you to reassess and plan for the upcoming twelve months. Looking Ahead to 2015 • Set Attainable Goals - Look back over your prior year goals and see what needs to be revisited. • Develop a Budget - Your year-end report is a great place to start your budget planning for 2015. • Marketing Matters - Review your marketing plan and enhance it for the new year. • Become Involved - Get your business noticed by joining industry associations and your local Chamber of Commerce. • Outsource - Your time is precious. See what aspects of your business can be outsourced. This will free you up and may save you money in long run. 14  |  WINTER GARDEN MAGAZINE  |  JANUARY 2015