The start of a new year is always a time to reflect on the past and plan for the future. As you are going over the events from 2014, there are probably a few things that you hoped to accomplish, but didn’t manage to get done. Now is the perfect time to plan out your resolutions and goals for 2015, in order to ensure you have a successful year filled with accomplishment.
If you are having trouble coming up with the right resolutions, try adding these to your list – they are perfect for nearly all entrepreneurs.
Clean Up Your Social Media Profiles
Let’s face it, social media is a great way to connect with others. Your profiles represent you as a professional in the online world, which is why you should always keep them at their best and up to date. This is easier said than done, which is why it’s time for you to clean up your profiles.
Whether you participate on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus, or any other networks, make it a goal to update your photos and all the information on your pages. It will pay off, especially if you are looking to network with other professionals.
Network with Others in Your Industry
Being an entrepreneur, it’s easy to become isolated in your own world. But to be successful, this isn’t the way to do things. Use everything to your advantage – social media, email, phone calls and conference calls, in-person meetings, introductions from friends, and more – to get acquainted with and meet other professionals in your industry.
The people you meet and talk to will have a big impact in both your work and personal lives. Networking can inspire you to be a better entrepreneur, teach you how to grow your business, and inspire you or give you the advice you need to carry on. Who knows, you might even find a great friend from it.
Learn to Manage Your Time for Increased Productivity
Time management starts with goal setting, and ends with taking action. Set daily, weekly, and monthly goals and stick to them. This way, you will be able to gauge where you should be at any point in time. Setting goals for specific time periods will also help you to be more productive, especially if you actually give yourself less time to do each task.
Expand Your Education
Education doesn’t just come from school – you can also learn from others in your industry, watch videos or tutorials about the different platforms you use, and read articles on industry statistics or improving skills that will assist you in being a better entrepreneur. Like Richard Branson said, “I see life almost like one long University education that I never had – everyday I’m learning something new.”
Maintain a Good Work/Life Balance
If you are an entrepreneur, then you know what this means – sometimes it’s easy to get carried away in your work and forget the importance of spending time with yourself, your family, and your friends. Instead of devoting all, or even most, of your time to your work, try maintaining a good balance of business and personal time this year. This also means focusing on a few personal and family goals. In the end, your business will benefit from this as well.
So, what are your resolutions for 2015? Did any of these make your list?
By Samantha Haupt
