Business Resolutions -- It's Not Too Late!

Im not usually a fan of New Years Resolutions. In fact, Ive been known to break them even before the New Year starts. But as we ease into January, dont miss the opportunity to set some annual goals for your business.New Years Resolutions have long been a staple at small businesses, just as they are popular with individuals. According to a survey by American Express, some 69% of small companies make resolutions, with 56% connected to boosting profitability. Just over a third make resolutions around topics like being a better boss, getting to know customers, or improving work/life balance. Other popular topics include getting outside help, going green, and establishing a disaster-preparedness plan.

But like personal resolutions, business resolutions often end in disappointment rather than success. An estimated 75% of businesses resolutions fail, which actually seems low to me. Heck, I dont know anyone who manages to follow through on their resolutions.

Apparently, though, Alice Bredin does. Interviewed by Ilana DeBare for the San Francisco Chronicle, Bredin offers some good suggestions for making business resolutions work:

-- Limit the number of resolutions you make. -- Set specific goals. -- Write down the steps and timetable needed to reach those goals. -- Don't let your business and personal resolutions contradict each other. -- Share your resolutions with someone else. -- Get key employees involved. -- Review your progress mid-year, and change course as needed.

So go ahead, its not too late, make some business resolutions this year. Mine is simple, and this time Im pretty confident about it:

To make bMighty.com an even more useful resource for small and midsize companies

Need help thinking of resolutions for your business? Check out these links:

Bill Colliers Small Business Resolutions for 2008

Seeds of Growth: Making New Years Business Resolutions That Stick

Smart Marketing Works: Small Business Resolutions For The New Year

Big List of 2008 Predictions and Resolutions