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!

25 Things I Wish I Would Have Known Before 25

If you were to go back and do it all over again, what would you do differently?

Would you have planned better?

Would you have spent your money more wisely?

Would you have drunk more coffee?

Most entrepreneurs wish that they would have known more before they started their businesses.  A few minor tweaks before launching a business can define a business’s success or determine its failure. 

New entrepreneurs, pay attention.  Check out the 25 things entrepreneurs wish they would have known at age 25, before starting their businesses.   

1.  I wish I would have…saved more money

2.  I wish I would have…researched more about entrepreneurship

3.  I wish I would have…realized how important a partner or co-founder is

4.      I wish I would have…thickened my skin, fast

5.      I wish I would have…known that whacky is good

6.      I wish I would have…known to focus on changing the game, not competing

7.      I wish I would have…been more patient with my business

8.      I wish I would have…not second guessed myself

9.      I wish I would have…known that friends don’t always make the best partners and employees

10.   I wish I would have…explored more capital-raising options

11.   I wish I would have…known that test runs are critical

12.   I wish I would have…marketed my business by assuring clients “I can help you with your problem”

13.   I wish I would have…gone to a mentor when I was frustrated or needed advice

14.   I wish I would have…been warned that some people will let you down

15.   I wish I would have…learned the importance of a work-life balance

16.   I wish I would have…known the real secret to entrepreneurship: coffee

17.   I wish I would have…kept up to date with technology and software

18.   I wish I would have…built a stronger brand from the start

19.   I wish I would have…read more

20.   I wish I would have…known that being shy is a waste of time

21.   I wish I would have…focused more on what the people want, not what I want

22.   I wish I would have…known that life isn’t fair

23.   I wish I would have…networked my butt off

24.   I wish I would have…continued to take classes and attend seminars

25.   I wish I would have…known what I was getting myself into

What do you wish you would have known when you were 25? Comment below and let the world know!

Written by Allison Way.  Allison is a writer and videographer for Think Big Partners, Kansas City's mentorship-based business incubator and startup accelerator.  To read more of Allison's work, check out the Kansas City Entrepreneurship Examiner as well as her articles on Helium, BrooWaha, eZine and Newsvine. 

5 ½ Characteristics of Martin Luther King, Jr. and How They Can Help You as an Entrepreneur

In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, which is to be celebrated on Monday, January 17^th, 2011, I wanted to pay tribute to the great man who fought for equality even when all odds were against him.  Much like many of you entrepreneurs out there, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “had a dream.”  Nothing could stop him from achieving exactly what he wanted to achieve—even if it meant going to jail, being hated or going against people’s wishes.  MLK’s famous speech, “I Have a Dream” has touched the hearts of millions of Americans throughout the years and goes to show that with hard work, bravery, persistence, and many other qualities, anything can happen. 

What’s your dream?

There are many ways to achieve it.  But what’s more important is who is achieving it.  If you uphold important entrepreneurial qualities, many of which Martin Luther King, Jr. possessed, you will have a greater chance of success.  Below are five of MLK’s traits that made him the great man that he was—do they match up with yours? 

Patience: It wasn’t one speech that put an end to segregation in the United States.  It wasn’t one march, one demonstration, one sit-in.  It was multiple attempts on various accounts that finally got the message out there.  Martin Luther King, Jr. had to have patience throughout this time if he truly wanted to succeed.  He knew that things wouldn’t change overnight—and you need to know this, too.  Be patient with your startup—let it grow in increments each and every day.  You will achieve your dream, it just takes time to get there.   

Bravery: Obviously, it took mass amounts of courage to stand up to thousands, even millions, of people and proclaim his dream.  But Martin Luther King, Jr. made it known that what he wanted was equality and that he would fight till the end to see it through.  Have courage and faith in your startup business—let it be known that this is what you want to do and that you are passionate about seeing it succeed. 

Leadership: MLK was the one that took the leadership position during the fight for equality.  He was the one that stepped up to the plate when no one else would and found the answers to everybody’s questions.  As a successful entrepreneur, you have to take on the leadership position of founder or CEO of your company, and with that, you have to know how to manage people, make decisions, and plan for success. 

Persistence: Even from the confines of Birmingham Jail, Martin Luther King, Jr. did not stop fighting for what he believed in.  When the world was against him, he didn’t take breaks.  As an entrepreneur, you must be prepared to work persistently under various circumstances. 

Trustworthiness: Those who followed Martin Luther King, Jr. trusted him with every bone in their bodies.  They had full confidence that he would be the one to put a stop to discrimination and segregation.  Business owners and leaders much have a trustworthy quality so that they can develop their own “followers”—coworkers, partners, sponsors, employees, clients, family and friends. 

As an added bonus—Martin Luther King, Jr. knew how to captivate an audience.  Be sure that you can grab people’s attention the moment you walk into a room.  If you haven't already seen it, watch MLK’s “I Have a Dream” speech, and you will know exactly what I’m talking about:

Allison Way is a writer and videographer for Think Big Partners, Kansas City’s mentorship-based business incubator and startup accelerator.  To read more of Allison’s work, check out the Kansas City Entrepreneurship Examiner as well as her articles on BrooWaha, eZine, Helium and Newsvine. 

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! 

In 2011, What Can Think Big Partners Do For You?

The New Year is quickly approaching—and with a basement full of presents to wrap, a tray full of cookies to devour, and a refrigerator full of champagne to pop, we are asking for one tiny favor from you. We need you to answer one simple question as you ring in the New Year: What do you need to help you succeed in 2011 as an entrepreneur or small business?

Although we may not be able to make the Royals win the World Series or change Sporting Kansas City back to the “Wizards”, we can help change the entrepreneurial and innovative community here in our beloved home of Kansas City. So what do you want from us this coming year? We want to know what your dreams, hopes, wants and expectations are. 

Whether it be access to capital, more business events, or updated news and insights, we want your opinions!  So jump for joy, spin in circles, and start Thinking Big! This is your opportunity to tell us what you want to see from Think Big Partners in 2011.

Take our poll featured above and tell us what you want in 2011.

Or, if you're thinking even bigger...

Leave a comment below and tell us what's on your business wish list.

If commenting isn’t your thing, shoot us an email at away@thinkbigpartners.com.

Thanks for your input—we wouldn’t be able to Think Big without contributors like you!