by Marilyn Miller
For six weeks every year many of us eat too much, spend too much and rush around too much. We spend hours in search of the perfect gifts and travel far and wide to spend time with family and friends. We rarely think of the holiday season as an opportunity to give our own small business a gift. However, since we are already in gift giving mode, here are 7 gifts you can give to your business that could help you grow and prosper in the coming year. Some are free, all are relatively inexpensive.
1.
Hire a Cleaning Service
My partner recently hired a service to clean our office. I was opposed to it. I saw it not only as an unnecessary expense, but as a reflection on my inability to keep my own space tidy.
Was I wrong! It only took coming home once after the cleaning crew had finished to become a believer. In a cleaner, clutter-free space, I work more efficiently and the creative juices really flow!
2. Update Your Website.
How easy is it for customers to find you? Once they find you, how easy is it for customers to use your website on a mobile device?
3. Improve Your Social Media Presence.
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Pinterest – decide not only which sites are best for your business, but set up a schedule so that you use social media regularly.
4. Start a Blog.
Original content is the best way to make sure you get found on the internet. You do not have to be a professional writer to blog. The key to successful blogging is to provide meaningful information to potential customers and to do it regularly.
Have a visual business, or craft that you can easily demonstrate? Try a video blog, or vlog. Use social media to spread your blog far and wide.
5. Set Goals.
Set specific, measurable and attainable goals. Write them down. Review them often and adjust them when necessary.
6. Work of Work/Life Balance.
Find “that thing” that refreshes and restores you and put the same passion into it that you put into growing and managing your business. Try something new. Smell the roses. A healthier, happier business is more likely to succeed.
7. Plan a Vacation.
Marilyn “Mara” Miller
Don’t have time to take a vacation? Make time! Getting away gives you the perspective you need to move forward. You do not have to spend a great deal of money to have a great vacation. Even a great day trip works wonders.
Most of all be gentle and kind with your business, just as you are gentle and kind with yourself.
Marilyn “Mara” Miller
Marilyn is committed to small businesses. She is founder of M3 Consultants, which helps small business owners improve their cash flow through better credit practices. If you have comments or ideas for future issues please email Marilyn at m@m3lp.com.
