033 Think Big Radio: The Top 10 New Year's Resolutions for Entrepreneurs

033 Think Big Radio: The Top 10 New Year's Resolutions for Entrepreneurs

What’s on your New Year’s Resolution list for 2013?  In this episode of Think Big Radio, Derek and Allison dive deep into what entrepreneurs should put on their New Year’s Resolution list...and how to actually stick to your resolution for more than 2 weeks!  Tune into this episode of Think Big Radio and learn the Top 10 New Year’s Resolutions for Entrepreneurs including:

1. Take more time with your employees
2. Network
3. Set your goals
4. Take a new class
5. Organize
6. Read more
7. Find a mentor
8. Give back
9. Celebrate!
10. Get a life!

Follow Allison! @AllisonThinkBig
Follow Derek! @DerekCOlsen
Follow Think Big! @ThinkBigKC

Top 6 New Years Resolutions for Entrepreneurs

WRITTEN BY LAURA GOEDE, ACCOUNT MANAGER

About this time, everyone starts making idealistic resolutions for the year to come. Many people will promise themselves that this will be the year they give up all junk food, hit the gym 5 days a week and drop 10 pounds. But lets face it, these resolutions hardly ever make it to the end of January. This year, instead of obsessing over your waistline, why not focus our attention on your business' bottom line?

Here are 6 New Years resolutions to help you make the most out of your business in 2012:

1. Promote your business regularly and consistently

Who has time to blog and tweet while running a business? How do the pro's do it? They make marketing a habit. Incorporate inbound marketing into your daily schedule. Social media is a highly effective for of promotion that is economically feasible for even the most bootstrapped business budget. Rule of thumb: Blog weekly, Facebook daily and Tweet hourly.

2. Make business planning a top priority

If you are an entrepreneur, chances are, you are too busy. It is important to focus on your businesses' future success throughout 2012. To actively make business planning a priority, try to plan every morning for thirty minutes or so.

3. Expand your business network

Making business connections is one of the most important parts of entrepreneurship. A strong rolodex of connections is as important to your business as generating new revenue. After all, valuable connections will help a business become even more profitable in the future. This year make it a priority to join your city's chamber of commerce, attend industry-related events and build your LinkedIn network.

4. Set goals (and stick to 'em!)

If you haven't written your business plan, starting one for 2012 would be a great resolution. If you do have a business plan, be sure to stick to your goals displayed in it for 2012. Share you goals with others and set deadlines to hold yourself accountable.

5. Learn to delegate

If you are an entrepreneur, chances are, you're too busy. Learning how to effectively delegate and outsource tasks allows you to spend more time working on your business rather than in your business. Start delegating administrative tasks and daily activities like social media and blog updates to contractors, virtual assistants or full-time employees.

6. Make time for yourself

A healthy work-life balance is critical to a happy life and a successful career. Entrepreneurs who chain themselves to their work risk entrepreneurial burnout. It is crucial that you take breaks from your business to recharge and get a fresh perspective on your challenges an opportunities.

What are you going to do to make 2012 your best business year yet?

Happy New Years from Think Big Partners! As you ring in the new year make a toast to all your hard work and accomplishments of 2011.

Follow Me! @LauraGThinkBig!

Top 10 New Years Resolutions for Entrepreneurs

Happy New Year from Think Big Kansas City!

Entrepreneurs, are you committing yourself to a New Years Resolution in 2011? If you haven't thought of a way to improve your business life, social life, family life, or startup life, then maybe this Top 10 New Years Resolution list for entrepreneurs will help you to see the light!  So let's make a toast- to all entrepreneurs and their dreams.  May you find happiness and prosperity in 2011 and beyond!

10. Survey your employees

Sometimes, the biggest employee dissatisfaction are the easiest things to fix! Know what changes your employees would like to make in their work lives and do your best to increase their quality of work life. In the long run, this can increase your employees' productivity and therefore, help your business.

9. Get to know other 'preneurs!

Meeting new successful entrepreneurs can give you access to mentoring and networking. By joining business networking groups, you will have the capacity to meet dozens of entrepreneurs-from aspiring to seasoned. Conversing with other entrepreneurs will help you feel a sense of community and support to build your business.

8. Set the goals (and stick to 'em!)

If you haven't written your business plan, starting one for 2011 would be a great resolution. If you do have a business plan, be sure to stick to your goals displayed in it for 2011.

7. Attend entrepreneurship classes

When you take the time to learn something new, you are adding value to your business instantaneously. Be sure to check out all of the free online courses that many websites offer. Additionally, check out any classes that entrepreneurial resources offer (for example, business incubators or organizations).

6. Make business planning a top priority

It is important to focus on your businesses' future success throughout 2011. To actively make business planning a priority, try to plan every morning for thirty minutes or so.

5. Open your mind

There are more ways to continue your business learning than just attending entrepreneurial classes. Stay updated on your industry and beyond by reading blogs, books, newspapers and magazine. Other great ways to expand your mind: listen to interviews, turn on an audiobook, and tune into a podcast.

4. Get a business coach

One (almost) sure-fire way to improve your business is by hiring a business coach. Business coaches can help turn your dreams into a reality. Make sure you enlist someone that you can trust to give you objective feedback and create deadlines for your planned successes.

3. Make a toast (Celebrate!)

New Year is all about drinking champagne and counting down with friends.  So why not make a New Years resolution that allows you and your co-workers to celebrate more often?  If you and your team have accomplished something great, celebrate! Carve out time for celebratory lunches, cocktails, dinners and parties with your partners and employees.

2. Give back

Giving back to a community is one of the fundamental New Years Resolutions. There are many different ways to give back to those who helped you succeed and there are thousands of organizations that would love your help. Find a cause that matters to you and devote a couple hours a month. This will help you get your business's name out there and will help you feel good about yourself.

1. Get a life!

Managing your work-life balance is critical to a happy life. It is crucial that you take breaks from your business to enjoy life. Make a resolution to enjoy physical as well as mental vacations from your business every once in awhile. This is not only good for your health, sanity and relationships, but it is also good for business! You'll gain relief from the stresses of growing your business, and once you return, you'll be reinvigorated with a new perspective on your challenges and opportunities.

What are you doing to make 2011 the best year yet?

Written by Allison Way.  Allison is a writer and videographer for Think Big Partners.  Check out more of Allison's work on the Kansas City Entrepreneurship Examiner, Helium, BrooWaha and eZine.

Only one day left!!  What do you want to see from the entrepreneurial community in 2011?  Let us know by taking our poll!