Talkin’ ‘bout a resolution

We’re just over half way through January and if your new year has been anything like ours, 2018 is well and truly underway. Mid January may still be the start of the year but it can also mean the abrupt end to New Year’s resolutions.

Business wise, this is great news for gym owners who see a surge in new members this time of year. YouGov estimate that ￡37m per year is wasted on unused gym memberships. Of those surveyed by YouGov in 2017 almost half (48%) said that losing weight was one of their new years resolutions.

Coming third was saving money and in sixth position was the pursuit of a new career ambition. Again, in business terms, this may mean your colleagues come back from the Christmas break somewhat reinvigorated to further their careers and be more careful with their budgets. Conversely, they could also be looking for another job!

Interestingly, only 4% included giving up smoking in their list of resolutions so it’s unlikely you’ll gain any more efficiency through fewer ciggi breaks from your staff!

If you’re a busy business owner (or employee for that matter) you may be among the 14% of people vowing to spend more time with their family. Alternatively, the Christmas period may have put some strain on your family relationships and you have vowed to do quite the opposite!

In terms of keeping these commitments, YouGov surveyed again at the end of 2017 and found that a massive 71% had managed to keep theirs.  

Aside from these popular resolutions here are a few we think should be made by everyone in offices across the land:

-       Stop using the speakerphone – The rest of the office doesn’t want to hear a blaring dial tone followed by tinny hold music.

-       Stop leaving your mug in the sink – What did you last slave die of? Wash it up or put it in the dishwasher.

-       Stop booking meetings without a clear agenda – It’s time to stop the first words of every meeting being “so what are we talking about?” – it’s a waste of everyone’s time.

-       Stop emailing when a phone call would be better – Even emails written by the best wordsmiths can be read wrongly. Make a promise to yourself and your clients to pick up the phone more often and go for the personal approach.

-       Stop using office clichés – Before you say it, ask yourself, “Do I sound like David Brent?”

So you may be thinking “new year, new you” as may some of your colleagues and this could be great for your business - as long as everyone keeps up the good work!

Have you made any resolutions this year? Are they personal or business related? Perhaps the two overlap. Please feel free to comment on this LinkedIn post and share with us.