How's Business Going?

How’s Business Going?

Any time I see someone, this is usually one of the first things they say to me.  Measuring the success of your business can be a difficult thing, unless you have defined what you want to achieve.  If I want to be grossing a million dollars in sales a year, well then business is not going well.  But, if I have met or achieved my weekly sales goal, then things are going great.  

I think it is important that you set sales goals for you business and monitor if you are reaching those goals.  Owning a business can be overwhelming and sometimes you get caught up in the day to day operations that you don’t take time to step back and see how business is really going.

If you’re not meeting your goals, don’t throw in the towel just yet.  Sit down and see what you can change and make those changes.  Ask an outsider for their perspective, their ideas and advice.  A great way to get advice is by asking your indirect competition.  If you’re in an industry where your customers are a local demographic, contact a business owner in the same industry, but different geographic area and ask their advice.  Some won’t want to share, others will, but it never hurts to ask.

The Company's New Year Resolutions

Not all New Year's Resolutions have to be about losing weight, especially when they are being set for a business.  Here is a list of goals that Branch of Success would like to continue to achieve through 2011:

• Participate in at least 2 trade shows this year
• Attend 2 networking events a month
• Ensure that the blog is updated every other week
• Speak at one professional event on the importance of having and maintaining a business plan
• Write the first 3 chapters of my book about starting a business
• Support 2 marathon runners by sponsoring them for each event

What are some of the resolutions you have set for yourself?  Have you set any resolutions for your business yet?  No resolution is too big or too small.  The worst thing that happens is you fail, but you are that much closer to achieving that goal.  Good luck to everyone in 2011!