Start 2012 off right in your small business

The arrival of the New Year gives small business owners a chance to fix some of the problems that may have dogged them through 2011. Those whose accounting systems or marketing plans were haphazard, should take advantage of the fresh start that 2012 offers.

Getting your business in shape for 2012 now won't take long. And don't wait till your accountant yells at you in March or April. By then the year will be a quarter or a third over and you'll have to backtrack to get yourself organized. It will be a waste of your time.

Some Small Business Tips to Make 2012 a Huge Success
No one could argue that our world isn't changing fast - and we don't mean just technology-wise. Consumers aren't spending like they once did, manufacturing and shipping costs are fluctuating wildly, and the age of the environment is slowly (finally) being ushered in.
On top of that, the Internet has changed the way people shop and buy - not to mention the way we small business entrepreneurs need to market our business.
If you don't change your business, and your marketing, to keep up with changing times you can easily become another failure statistic.
So to help you thumb your nose at all the dire economic news and make 2012 your best ever, here's a list of some things you can do to make it happen.
1) Make a list of what worked and didn't work in 2011.
Those who do not study history are doomed to repeat it, right? So take a step back and look at where you've been. For those initiatives that didn't work, consider why. Was it the right timing, the right offer, the right target market? Could you have done more marketing? Better marketing?
2) Create a marketing plan.
Yeah, I know. You know you need one but who has the time - or know how - to put one together, That's why we advocate writing a 2-page marketing plan. On the first page, list where you are now (gross and net income, numbers of new and repeat clients or customers, amount you currently work and earn, etc.). Then set goals for where you'd like to be in a year for each of those goals.
On page two, choose three marketing strategies you're going to use to achieve those goals (quarterly newsletter, email marketing, direct mail, web promotions, etc.). Include an actual to-do list of steps you need to take to implement each one and the due dates for each action.
3) Focus on helping, not selling.
If your business is solely about making money, you're likely to run into big problems trying to grow. Instead, think about your customer's wants, needs, problems and goals, and how you can help them. Help them achieve their goals, and you'll automatically achieve your own.
4) Update your Website.
The Web is one of the least expensive and most effective places to market your business. But with all the competition out there, you can't just throw up a basic Website and expect it to do much for you. Your site needs to be planned out and built to be an effective salesperson that connects with your ideal client - notjust an online brochure that's all about you and what you do.
5) Look to external partners.
Great businesses aren't built by sitting alone in an office. Any entrepreneur can find someone else to interview, refer clients to, or products and services offers to each other's lists. So seek strategic partnerships and develop a support network of at least one other entrepreneur who's headed in your same direction whom you can go to for advice - or hire an experienced small business coach or consultant. That way you don't waste a lot of time and money reinventing the wheel.
6) Stop doing everything yourself.
As a small business entrepreneur if you want something done the reality is you probably shouldn't be doing it yourself. Focus your time and energy on the things you're best at, and that grow your business and make mioney. Leave the rest to a team of skilled staff / assistants.
7) Have a life.
It's wonderful if you're passionate about what you do. But all work and no play makes anyone unhappy and eventually burned out. Do something you love outside of work, get some exercise every day, and make time for friends and family.

You'll be more successful, and happier!