Happy New Year!  I’m sure many of us felt like saying “Good Riddance” to 2009. How can we make 2010 turn out a bit better? Starting early with a solid plan is probably the best strategy. Here are 6 useful resolutions for almost every business and business person.

1)      Have a plan.  Before the end of January, document top goals in terms of sales, profits, or other objectives. Keep it posted where it can be seen every day.  You may not achieve everything, but you will achieve more if you have a plan and measure your business against the plan.

2)      Network, network, network.  Investigate new networking groups, whether they are general lead-sharing or dedicated to a type of business or profession.  Attend the same group weekly or monthly. In addition to in-person networking, if you haven’t yet jumped into online or social networking, you are behind the times! At a minimum, you should set up a Linked In account and a Facebook fan page for your business. If you can commit to daily micro-blogging, Twitter might be for you. Here are some social media tips for small business. By the way, we’d love for you to FAN Instant Imprints on Facebook or follow us on Twitter. We share helpful information on marketing your small business, club, or cause.

3)      Increase Your Web Presence.  If you don’t have a web site, get one. A simple site can be developed for as little as $500 to $700.   If you already have a web site, learn about search engine marketing to drive more customers to your site.  If you are a single practitioner, your good name is what you sell. Register your name as a domain name for just $10 at www.godaddy.com.   For a price that low, it’s best to reserve it now, even if you’re not yet sure how you will use it.

4)      Take advantage of low-cost business promotion. Think seriously about putting signage on your vehicle.  Even if you only use a personal vehicle part-time for business, a set of removable magnetic signs on each door can dramatically increase your exposure for as little as $40 per door.  See earlier post for more info on vehicle signs. Put your logo on some shirts or jackets, too.  It will help to “brand” you and serves as an ice-breaker as you attend your networking events.  Of course, Instant Imprints can produce the signs and the logo apparel for you!

5)      Know your top 10 customers. Identify your top ten customers or prospects for 2010.  Make sure you understand their needs, motivations, and tailor your services and sales pitch to suit them.  You will see exponential benefits from this effort, since other customers will have similar needs.

6)      Remember work life balance. It’s not all about work. If you find yourself struggling to have enough family time, spiritual time, or exercise time, make specific appointments on your calendar.  If exercise is a new resolution for you, we can help you commit with a customized T-shirt or personalized towels and gym bags.

To make resolutions work, they need to be tackled immediately and repeatedly.  Carpe Diem! Or, perhaps we should say “Carpe Annum!”