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Permalink Reply by Persephone Zill on January 5, 2012 at 1:12pm

Another good list of business resolutions from Zoho Buzz

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Permalink Reply by Barry Kleiman on January 5, 2012 at 2:57pm

Both are good lists Persephone.  It seems in 2011, small business owners focused

on running lean to survive (a carry over from 2010).  I think 2012 has owners focused

on growing again, but through low cost/risk approaches.  Social Media seems to be on 

everyone's list. 

My resolution is to focus on nurturing the sources of my best clients (I see that as a combination of "prioritizing" and "more through less"). 

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Permalink Reply by Persephone Zill on January 5, 2012 at 3:06pm

Yes, who are your influencers and how do you keep them referring folks to you? Sounds like a great goal. Good luck with it and happy new year! 

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WEDC GradPermalink Reply by Elizabeth de Almeida on January 19, 2012 at 10:39pm

I have to say that I am happy to see a list of approaches like "Not getting into the business just to make money, learning as much about filing, sales tax."  Because as a doll artist, I knew I wasn't in the same league as a restaurant or even someone who sells beauty products. My dolls sell at certain times, but it is very unpredictable. And it was not always because of the economy. What I knew for sure, is that business does not come easy; it takes time. My saving grace is, I love it. Because of this, there are sacrifices I am happy to make; like learn how to file sales tax, work on using specific social media appropriate for my business.  

My New Years resolution is to take some risks, step outside the comfort zone, to reach a larger doll audience. Video is one of the ways I want to do this.

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Permalink Reply by Risa B. Hoag on January 22, 2012 at 12:30pm

I have 3 (somewhat similar to below answers):

1) Charging what I'm worth and demonstrating value (the recession is over! Charge what you're worth! That's my motto for 2012!).

2) Defining my 3 most successful clients and seeking to replicate them

3) Identifying and nurturing my 3 best referral sources and seeking an additional 3

And a 4th would be maximizing my networking opportunities. I started that in Sepember and I'm on a roll!

Good forum!

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Permalink Reply by Persephone Zill on January 23, 2012 at 4:29pm

Video is the way to go now. We're even doing it at WEDC. Good luck Elizabeth! 

Elizabeth de Almeida said:

I have to say that I am happy to see a list of approaches like "Not getting into the business just to make money, learning as much about filing, sales tax."  Because as a doll artist, I knew I wasn't in the same league as a restaurant or even someone who sells beauty products. My dolls sell at certain times, but it is very unpredictable. And it was not always because of the economy. What I knew for sure, is that business does not come easy; it takes time. My saving grace is, I love it. Because of this, there are sacrifices I am happy to make; like learn how to file sales tax, work on using specific social media appropriate for my business.  

My New Years resolution is to take some risks, step outside the comfort zone, to reach a larger doll audience. Video is one of the ways I want to do this.

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Permalink Reply by Persephone Zill on January 23, 2012 at 4:33pm

Great goals Risa! Networking sounds vital.

Do you track your progress over the year? Curious...
 
Risa B. Hoag said:

I have 3 (somewhat similar to below answers):

1) Charging what I'm worth and demonstrating value (the recession is over! Charge what you're worth! That's my motto for 2012!).

2) Defining my 3 most successful clients and seeking to replicate them

3) Identifying and nurturing my 3 best referral sources and seeking an additional 3

And a 4th would be maximizing my networking opportunities. I started that in Sepember and I'm on a roll!

Good forum!

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Permalink Reply by Risa B. Hoag on January 23, 2012 at 6:50pm

Hi Persephone, yes, I track all year long. I'm always evaluating and reassessing, double checking and updating! LOL. It's definitely a moving target, but it should be; everything changes as you grow, shrink, find new clients, let old ones go, etc. So it is best to keep a very short check list on your desk so that you can refer back to it often.

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WEDC GradPermalink Reply by Elizabeth de Almeida on January 23, 2012 at 9:05pm

Thank you so much Persephone!

Persephone Zill said:

Video is the way to go now. We're even doing it at WEDC. Good luck Elizabeth! 

Elizabeth de Almeida said:

I have to say that I am happy to see a list of approaches like "Not getting into the business just to make money, learning as much about filing, sales tax."  Because as a doll artist, I knew I wasn't in the same league as a restaurant or even someone who sells beauty products. My dolls sell at certain times, but it is very unpredictable. And it was not always because of the economy. What I knew for sure, is that business does not come easy; it takes time. My saving grace is, I love it. Because of this, there are sacrifices I am happy to make; like learn how to file sales tax, work on using specific social media appropriate for my business.  

My New Years resolution is to take some risks, step outside the comfort zone, to reach a larger doll audience. Video is one of the ways I want to do this.

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Permalink Reply by Persephone Zill on January 24, 2012 at 11:15am

I like the check list on the desk... keeps strategic planning top of mind. Good luck with it all!

Risa B. Hoag said:

Hi Persephone, yes, I track all year long. I'm always evaluating and reassessing, double checking and updating! LOL. It's definitely a moving target, but it should be; everything changes as you grow, shrink, find new clients, let old ones go, etc. So it is best to keep a very short check list on your desk so that you can refer back to it often.

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