As we put 2013 to bed, visions of the new year dance through our heads! It's fun to day dream about fantasy vacations, elaborate weddings, and expensive cars. But actually applying thought to goals can seem overwhelming. We all want to succeed and do well in business, but somehow, putting a plan together and sending it into action isn't as much fun as envisioning ourselves living the good life. To live that good life, you've got to have a plan for prosperity, and we've put some tips together, with help from About.com, that will have you meet 2014 head on.
1. Target your audience. You can't be all things to all people!
2. Be different. If your competitor does it, don't do it. Stand out from the crowd.
3. Don't simply hire employees, hire team members.
4. Be fast. Reply to problems as they arise, and show up with what you've promised.
5. Say thank you. A lot. Tell your customers and employees how much they mean to you.
6. Be consistent. Make sure your customers get top notch service ALL THE TIME.
7. SMILE! Your customers choose you because they like you! Celebrate that!
8. Become a fanatical optimist! Your glass is always half full.
9. Sell soft, never hard. Solve problems and satisfy wants. Keep your customer first.
10. Leave your comfort zone. Never accept that a new technology won't work for you.
The coming year holds undiscovered and amazing gifts! If you're really in, all the way, with your business, nothing can keep you from rising to great new heights in 2014, and beyond! Set some fabulous goals and decide you won't stop til you achieve them. Be flexible with your timeline and you won't become discouraged if you need to invest more time to succeed. Nothing worth having comes easily, so dig in and decide 2014 is your year to shine!
