Well 2009 is just around the corner and if you are like most small business owners, you are still getting over all the trials and tribulations that came your way in 2008. I will also go as far as to say that most small business owners that I have worked with, generally fail pretty spectacularly to plan for their successes in the coming year. "Plan for success!", I can hear the groans now "who has time for that?". Well, if you are planning to have a spectacular year in 2009, it is absolutely vital to plan for the twelve months ahead. I am sure you have heard the business saying " Failure to plan means planning to fail!" So true and yet so often ignored with tragic consequences.
If this is starting to sound a lot like you, I have a nice surprise in store. I have prepared a simple checklist that will help you do a fast review of your business so that you can decide what direction you are going to take in 2009 for a more profitable and less stressful year.
Here goes:
1. Set realistic goals for 2009. Too many times we set unachievable goals for ourselves both personally and professionally and then what usually happens is we get disillusioned and give up our goals entirely. Instead, try looking for small improvements across a range of areas in your business and decide on how you are going to not only implement them but most importantly, measure them! You can leverage incredible improvements buy simply making small but positive changes across the various parts of your business. Just think what a meager five percent increase in customers +pricing + repeat business could end up generating in real profits for you.

2. Stop hogging all the responsibility! Yes - learn the art of delegation and get good at it. Why is it that small business owners think that they are the only ones who can tackle every job and do it successfully? Look for the strengths in your team and delegate work to those people who are capable of doing the job well. Remember, don't just throw anyone into the role because that is surely a recipe for disaster. Choose carefully, train well and communicate clearly what you want the to outcome to be. By doing this, you will not only free up your valuable time, but you will be giving your team the opportunity to grow professionally and personally.

3. Let potential customers know who you are and what you do. All business needs to be marketed. Customers won't just magically appear on your doorstep, so now is the time to think about how you are going to market your business to gain new clients. This doesn't need to be outrageously expensive either. Why not try an in house referral program or a cross promotion with another business who has the kind of clients you would like to attract to your business? Put your thinking caps on and come up with innovative ways to get new people in your door. Oh, and don't forget to make sure you keep the ones you already have!

4. Spend more time working on your business and less time working in your business. This is often the biggest mistake I see small business owners making in their business. If you want to correct your business direction, you need to do it before you get too far off course. If you have a great team, get them involved in a weekly brainstorming session and ask them to bring along their ideas to improve the business. Also, keep tracking your financials. It's too late at the end of the year to find out your expenses outstripped your turnover and you have made a loss instead of a profit.

5. Add something new and innovative to your business. Find out what your clients really want from you and what your competitors are offering and you're not. Customers want to do business with people they believe are up to date with knowledge and technology. 2009 is the year to upgrade both your business and the professional development of your staff.

6. Start networking. Get out and meet new people. There are plenty of opportunities to network either at professional gatherings or socially. Don't be afraid to sing the praises of your business to others and always, always, always carry a good supply of business cards to hand out when you meet someone new.

7. Plan your next holiday. Yes that's right, I want you to plan a holiday and even better, to plan the one after that as well. So often I see major burnout because small business owners fail to look after themselves, fearing the total collapse of their businesses if they were to take a few days off. If your business really can't manage without you for more than a few days at a time, then open your diary and plan four small breaks with your family over the next 12 months. Try and get away for at least four or five days at a time. You will be amazed at how much clearer you can think when you have had a rest and time away from the business. If you don't think this is possible, refer back to point 2!

8. Stop making do. If it's broken or inferior, get rid of it. How can you expect yourself or your team to deliver first class service or products if you are working with run down equipment, crappy product or out of date procedures. Now is the time to do a total review of your equipment, products and procedures and decide what needs to be repaired or replaced.

9. Stop doing what isn't working. Now is the time to review what products or services you are offering to your customers. If they are duds, get rid of them (this might also include some under performing staff members). Everyone is entitled to make a mistake, but only fools keep repeating the same things and expect different outcomes. Streamline what you are offering and get rid of the things that don't make you money, or worse still, don't make you look professional.

and last but not least......

10. Invest in professional help. If you have a great accountant, go to see them more than once a year to find our how things are going. Of course, you always have the option to bring in a great business coach who will work beside you to help you achieve the goals that you have set for yourself. Believe me, the small investment that you make in getting outside help will be returned many times over by the end of the year.

Wishing you a wonderful, healthy and prosperous 2009.

  This newsletter does not constitute advice regarding your business.  For individual advice, please contact Pam at ask@pamstellema.com.au.