Improved Development

2013 has been thrust upon us whether we like it or not. With the current economic climate still not providing a lot of stability, it’s important that you set goals for your professional career. Rather than focusing on the negative aspects of a professional career, instead focus on the positive one. It’s better to build on what you’re already doing well. 2012 was all about survival in a tough economic crisis. 2013 can be about growth and development, but in order for those two things to be the year’s themes you have to take action at the very start of the year. Here are some good business resolutions for the new year:

#1 – Boost Productivity

Start creating lists for yourself and assigning priority to tasks that need to get finished first.Try to commit to leaving the office at a decent hour so you can go home to relax. The best way to boost your productivity is to take time to rest and reflect. To boost productivity around the office, consider finding ways to reward people for their efforts. It doesn’t have to be a physical reward. Most people will be more productive if they’re told they’re doing a good job or if they learn what they need to do to improve.

#2 – Raise Morale

Take the necessary steps to provide a boost in morale around the office. It doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. In fact, to make an employee feel more comfortable and happy at work, all you have to do is engage in conversation with them. Learn something interesting about each employee and use that to build a relationship. Also consider your management skills and how they’re affecting your team. Try being their coach rather than their boss. You can still get them to do what you need them to do, but try managing them in a more supportive way.

#3 – Develop Marketing Strategies

The old days of relying on print marketing and the occasional email blast are long gone. It’s time to beef up your current marketing strategies and you’d better do it fast. Create a buyer persona for the type of person you’re trying to reach, create content specifically for that person, and generate leads through online offers and social media networking. Take the time to actively pursue new customers by developing an aggressive email marketing campaign that offers something in return for their business. Use these for new customers, but also use them to bring back old customers who may have forgotten about your product or service.

#4 – Build a Customer Base

Consider widening your customer outreach in 2013. Last year was all about trying to please and maintain your customers, but make 2013 about developing new customers and finding innovative ways to provide for your existing customers. Use new lead generation techniques, buy ad space on social media platforms, and turn your leads into customers by spending time and energy into properly training a sales team.

#5 – Develop a Social Media Presence

Sure, you’re probably already posting to Facebook, and you might even be posting to Twitter, but are you taking time to develop a social media presence? In essence, that requires you to actively be involved in what your audience sees, how frequently they see it, and to what extent is it discussed. Take control of your social media presence by responding to every comment or tweet, no matter how small. Even taking the time to thank people for their participation can go a long way. When customers and clients see that you are thoughtfully engaged, they gain a sense of trust. This should certainly be a top resolution for 2013!