5 Small Business Resolutions for the New Year
No one could have foreseen the kind of impact 2020 would have on small businesses, or the world, but now we are ready to put that year behind us and move on to the future. While you may not have been able to meet many of the goals you set for your business this past year, you can prepare for a better 2021.
If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve put together a list of new year’s resolutions to take your business to the next level.
Find Ways to Improve Customer Service
You probably already know this, but providing excellent customer service is essential to a successful business. While you may think your customer service is great, you can always find new ways to keep your customers happy. In the online age we live in, consumers have come to expect 24/7 customer service. That’s why many businesses have implemented chatbots on their websites to answer common questions and respond to customers right away. It’s not only important to communicate with customers through your website but social media pages as well. Social media allows you to strengthen your relationship by engaging with your customers online. Take time to make a few connections by responding to comments on your posts, thank a customer for leaving a nice review, and ask for feedback on products or services to avoid negative outcomes in the future.
Network, Network, Network!
This year, make a resolution to attend a few networking events or join an online professional group to meet fellow small business owners in your area. Talking with other business owners is a great way to generate client leads, find collaborators, and spark new ideas. It’s also a good way to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and technology in your industry.
Be Vigilant About Cybersecurity
A cyber attack be disastrous for a small business. Hackers, phishers, and other assorted online evildoers are everywhere, and if they get access to your customers’ information, it’s bad for business. According to Small Business Trends, 43% of cyber attacks target small businesses, and 60% of those businesses have to close for good within six months of a cyberattack. That’s why you should make sure your employees are trained on your cybersecurity procedures, regularly update your antivirus software, and invest in Cyber Insurance.
At GTS we can offer Cyber Insurance to our customers through The Della Porta Group. For more information, check out our previous blog.
Get On Board with Outsourcing
This resolution can be difficult if you are used to managing everything on your own, as most entrepreneurs take on every role in their business. When it comes to outsourcing, start by taking a look at the tasks your struggle with most. Do you spend too much time on small administrative work that an assistant or even software could handle? Are your financial accounts being managed correctly? Is coming up with new marketing campaigns keeping you up at night? Your time is valuable, and hiring extra help or investing in digital tools can free up your schedule and improve your efficiency.
Embrace New Small Business Technology
Ask yourself if you’re using technology to its full potential for your business? Slow internet speeds, outdated operating systems, and inadequate tools can eat up valuable time and slow down productivity. You may even want to look for areas in your business that can be automated. Investing in software that can make processes like invoicing, inventory management, sales, bookkeeping, and more. Adding automation can cut down on manual errors and free up time to take on more important tasks. We hope these resolutions help you feel motivated to improve your small business in the new year. If you need help achieving your goals, give Grand Tech Solutions a call at (904) 606-6011 or email info@helpgts.com. We’re here to listen, and we’re here to help!
