5 New Year's Resolutions for Micropreneurs

I know what you're thinking: Resolutions for micropreneurs? Oh, jeez, not another business resolutions post. I'm so over resolutions.

Hear me out. I'm actually a huge fan of resolutions because I consistently accomplish mine. What's my secret? Making them:

• Specific
• Measurable
• Actionable
• Realistic
• Timely

You might have heard of this SMART method for setting goals. A resolution is essentially a goal; it's just wrapped in different packaging and set at the start of a fresh year.

So rather than saying "I want my company to increase sales," you have to say how much you want to increase sales by. Keep your goal realistic; if you made $10,000 in this year, you probably won't hit a million next year. Look at what sales were this year so you can measure against results at the end of the new year.

Well, that was easy to explain. How else will I fill up this blog post?

Business Resolutions for Micropreneurs

Let me set you off on the right path with your resolutions, as these are some I think we could all benefit from.

1. I Will Delegate More

Just because you've identified as a micropreneur or very small business doesn't mean you have to keep it that way. I'm willing to bet there are tasks that you hate doing, or that take time away from other areas of your business. I'm the same. You've got to get out of the rut of thinking that you're the only one who can do everything, and that you can't afford to hire help.

Start by identifying those tasks that really don't have to be done by you. Those could include marketing, accounting, and admin. Now look for solutions. You don't have to hire a full-time marketer; you could simply hire a marketing consultant or freelancer to help you write your content or manage your social media. You just pay for what you need, and trust me: that investment will be well worth what you can do with your extra time.

2. I Will Be a Better Salesperson

If you're like me, you don't identify as being a salesperson. The word evokes something slimy and offensive for many. But realize that as a small business owner, there's nobody else selling your products or services. It's all you, baby. The sooner you embrace the fact that the success of your company depends on your ability to be a confident salesperson, the sooner you achieve that success.

So this year, get some confidence around selling. Read up on how to close a deal and better qualify your leads sooner. Attend sales seminars or webinars, if that helps you. Pay attention to what works and what doesn't, so you can use that moving forward.

3. I Will Get Out of My Bubble

Working from home doesn't help this problem, at least for me. Try as I might, I can't cotton to working from Starbucks. But when I begrudgingly accept a lunch invite from a colleague, I'm so glad I went, since I always come back with new ideas to work on for my business.

Getting out of your bubble also means taking your focus off of working in your business and seeing what's going on in your industry. What are your competitors up to? Are there new technologies that threaten to change how you do business? Taking in the external world helps you strategize to remain competitive.

4. I Will Get Out of the Office More

Whether it's a two-week jaunt to Italian wine country or taking Friday off to stay in your footie PJs and read books in bed, understand that you're not shirking work when you take time off. Running a business (on your own, no less) is hard work, and sometimes your brain and body need a break. Ignoring this will only harm your business, not to mention your body and soul.

Start planning a bigger vacation this year. Even if you don't have the money to go anywhere, plan to shut down work (or automate it in your absence) and spend some time with your family. But also build in those one-offs, like taking off early on Tuesday to hit the mall before the crowds. It adds up, I assure you.

5. I Will Work Harder to Keep Existing Customers Coming Back

This is one of my personal resolutions this year. We've all heard the stat about how much cheaper it is to get an existing customer coming back rather than attract a new one. Yet I realized I was putting way too much focus on new business. In reality, I adore my client base and want to do more with them. You should, too. Loyal customers that buy and buy from you are the ones that send you new business.

Find ways to attract those who have bought from you before to come back for more. Implement a targeted email campaign for them, and create content they want.

What business resolutions will you add to this list?