With the start of a new year, it’s time to take a step back and think through where you should be focusing your time, energy and efforts in 2017.
This is true on both personal and professional fronts—I took the time to make some 2017 resolutions for myself (like flossing daily and tweeting more!), but have also put thought behind some initiatives that small businesses should have on their radar throughout the year and consciously strive to keep top of mind.
In 2017, small businesses should resolve to:
Go Green: Sustainability is a trend that is not going to go away. Corporations have caught the green fever, and started implementing programs to help reduce their footprint on the planet. Dell has been an industry leader with their sustainable mushroom packaging (you can ever eat it!) and efforts around reducing ocean plastics.
For your small business, consider the changes you could make in your supply chain or office to lessen the burden on Mother Earth. Perhaps you could invest in cups, plates and silverware for the office instead of using disposable items; offer employees incentives to walk, bike, carpool or take public transportation (turn it into a competition!); or make sure you’re using energy efficient appliances, devices and light bulbs. Every little bit counts when it comes to keeping climate change in check.
Give yourself a tech facelift: Is your business customer facing, with various people wandering in and out of your space all day? Are you proud to show off the technology you have running your operation? If the answer is no, consider budgeting to allow a tech facelift and do some research around the latest options for powering your business. Perhaps a new XPS 13 2-in-1 could make all the difference for your programmers, a new ultrathin monitor could speak volumes for your receptionist, and migrating to a revolutionary new cloud platform could make a world of change for the speed and security of your data systems.
Speaking of security, set a goal of checking out your current security system and protocols, with the goal of being more aware of how your data is being protected. In the same way you go to the doctor for a checkup every year, you should be doing the same for your business. Small businesses are the targets of 70 percent of cyber security attacks, and I urge you to learn more about how to protect yourself from them.
Finally, make sure you’re using the most up to date software and operating systems, including Windows 10. I know change is hard, but the newest versions really will give you the most efficient performance. Windows 10 offers small businesses the best enterprise-grade security, touch features, and integration with Office 365 to access data and apps across any Windows 10 device.
Think local: As a small business, you’re a major part of the community you function in. This year, make an effort to think about those around you and engage with them in a meaningful way. Hire locally, source locally, help locally. You can drive business by turning yourself into a larger community player and becoming more visible in your area.
I’m a huge advocate of Austin’s Go Local program, which enables community members to receive discounts while shopping at local small businesses. Inquire if your city has something similar, and if not, advocate to start it!
Even though technology is the great connector, there’s something to be said for in person interactions. Go low-tech by posting fliers, taking coffee meetings, or having your team volunteer at a soup kitchen. As they say, love your neighbor as yourself.
Take some time to reflect on 2016, and set some new goals for 2017—it’s all about having a vision!