Video: 20 New Year Resolutions To Help Entrepreneurs Make Real Money In 2020

Let me be the first to wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year! I hope you had fun bringing in the bells and I hope the head isn’t too heavy this morning! There’s nothing like the start of a new year to help you focus and revaluate your goals and aims. I’ve worked out the 20 resolutions that every entrepreneur should stick to. I certainly will, just as soon as I’ve had my traditional Scottish New Year’s Day meal…steak pie, of course!

1. Have A Clear Out

Tidy desk, tidy mind! Get rid of all the rubbish, old files, ancient magazines and newspapers that clutter up your office space and either clean it yourself, or pay a company to do it, and you’ll be amazed at the boost you get. It’s such a simple resolution, but very effective.

Related Content Video: How to Think Out Of The Box

2. Update Your Website

When did you launch your website? Has it been overhauled recently? It’s the sort of job we put off doing because there is never enough time, yet if done properly, it could get your company a whole new customer base. Find a designer you like, who understands your message, and let them come up with some great ideas.

Related Content Video: How to Make a Million UK Pounds

3. Update Your Social Media

Defunct LinkedIn account? Twitter account that was set up in 2011 and hasn’t been looked at since? A blog that you started but never get round to writing now? Well, what are you waiting for? We’re so lucky to live in the social media age, it’s never been easier to promote our business and ourselves. If you don’t have time to do it, pay someone else. Just make sure you are harnessing the power of mass communications that’s at your fingertips.

Related Content Video: How Debt Can Generate Income

4. Embrace New Tech

Are there new apps or programme that could simplify your accounts, databases, HR or how you manage your day-to-day work? Now is the time to bite the bullet and invest. You won’t believe you didn’t do it earlier.

Related Content Video: Make More Money - How to Charge More

5. Trust Your Accountant

Don’t underestimate the importance of a good accountant. Make sure you’re working with someone you trust and who has your company’s best interest at heart. Don’t be afraid to meet a few before deciding on who to go with. When you do employ one, ensure you meet regularly. Recommendations count for a lot as well, ask your entrepreneur pals if they can vouch for anyone.

Related Content Video: Borrowing ￡250m is Easier Than Borrowing ￡20k

6. Get To Grip With Finances

Just because you have an accountant doesn’t mean you shouldn’t know the basics. Set aside some time to educate yourself on expected growth and revenue, expenses, budgets and debt. Keep on top of it. The easiest way of educating yourself surely has to be to subscribe to my YouTube channel.

How to Learn Things Quickly - Improve Your Memory Fast

7. Work On Your Leadership Skills

No matter how long you’ve been a boss, there is always more to learn. Use strategic management to know when to boost morale, delegate and think outside the box. Your employees look up to you. Make sure you earn their respect and use a common sense approach to human resource management.

Related Content Video: Why Cashflow Is So Important And How To Manage It

8. Finish Unfinished Projects

Have you a pile of half-done tasks that you need to get stuck into? Then stop putting it off and do it. Maybe you penned some business ideas then stuffed them in the bottom drawer. Dig them out and have a rethink. Are any of them viable?

Related Content Video: Mastering The Art Of Negotiation

9. Have Empathy

Your PA has asked for a couple of hours off one afternoon to see her child in his school show. Don’t make her feel bad about asking. She’ll never get these precious moments again. Treating your staff well and empathising with their needs breeds loyalty and they will, in return, go the extra mile for you.

Related Content Video: Why Your Business Will Fail

10. Leave The Office

Yes, I know. When you’re an entrepreneur, you live and breathe work. Early morning starts and late finishes are the norm, but are you actually achieving anything that you couldn’t do if you left earlier? Resolve to work smarter, not harder. It will make a huge difference in your life.

Related Content Video: How to Write a Business Plan

11. See Your Friends And Family

Have you got kids? Are you married? Focus on them; don’t let them feel second best to your work. If you don’t have kids or a spouse, I’m positive there will be people in your life that you wish to see more often. Make 2020 the year that you’ll make the effort to see them.

Related Content Video: What Are Assets? Asset Management And Wealth Creation in Business

12. Expand Your Network

Just as you should resolve to see more of your friends and family, you should also make more of an effort with your business network. Are there old contacts you could get back in touch with? Former colleagues, investors or mentors perhaps? Pick up the phone and send an email. You never know if they’ll need your help, or when you’ll need theirs.

Related Content Video: How To Start A Business With No Money

13. Improve Your Health

There’s no doubt that exercise benefits your mind. Your head feels clearer, you sleep better and you’re more likely to make healthy eating choices if you keep fit. I’m not expecting you to go from couch potato to running a marathon, but if you find an exercise or gym you enjoy, you’ll start to feel amazing. Set realistic goals and you’ll become more likely to stick to them.

Related Content Video: Listening : The Secret Sauce in Negotiations & Entrepreneurship

14. Focus On Your Customers

January is a fantastic time to analyse and evaluate your customer base. Who have you lost over the last year and who have you gained? What lessons can you learn? What are they buying? How much are they spending? Identify trends and adjust your plan accordingly.

Related Content Video: Listening : The Secret Sauce in Negotiations & Entrepreneurship

15. Hire The Right People

Entrepreneurs need to be smart when they recruit. Getting the right people, and a good fit for your firm, will bring out the best in everyone.

Related Content Video: Listening : The Secret Sauce in Negotiations & Entrepreneurship

16. Tune Into Current Events

Make it your business to know what’s going on. We all know that the world is a far smaller place these days and you, as an entrepreneur, need to be able to chat confidently about US politics as well as matters closer to home. It’ll give you a better understanding about global markets and you’ll always be able to start a conversation.

Related Content Video: How to Get a Loan – Funding For Business or Real Estate

17. Meet Your Deadlines

It’s common to set deadlines that are too short, and that doesn’t do anyone any favours. The project will be rushed and won’t be done to the best of you or your employees’ ability. Negotiate with clients a slightly longer deadline that’s more realistic. You’re better being honest than trying to cram it all in as the deadline sails past.

Related Content Video: When To Buy & Sell Stock, Shares, Business Investment or Real Estate

18. Find The Right Investor

Are you pitching for more investment? Resolve to accept only what’s right for you and your company. Do you respect the investor, do you like their mindset, do you trust them?

Related Content Video: 7 Powerful Hacks For Buying Bankrupt Businesses

19. Explore The World

I know, you’re an entrepreneur; and you don’t have a chance to take off and go travelling. Trust me, you need to put this on your to-do list. A long weekend away a couple of times a year, or a week’s holiday in spring and autumn will do you the world of good. A break will recharge and rejuvenate you and leave you raring to go.

Related Content Video: How to Sell Your Business

20. Remember Why You Are An Entrepreneur

Here’s a great resolution. Why do you do this and how fortunate you are to be in this position. Sure, it’s hard when times are tough but there will always be more highs than lows. Embrace being an entrepreneur!

Related Content Video: Monetisation Fundamentals

Here’s to a great 2020! And there’s one last resolution you need to make. Remember to subscribe to my free YouTube channel, of course! Right, let’s get to work…