7 Steps To Boost Your Business
If there is ever a perfect time to reboot your business and clean up your bad habits, it would have to be now. Considering the dramatic changes we have faced over the last few years, now an excellent time to work on your business resolutions.
In the new year, you have the benefit of hindsight.
Most of us have access to cutting edge tools and technology, software solutions, information at our fingertips, plus help and business support only an email or a phone call away. Business foresight has never been easier! There are potentially more than seven steps to boost your business, but some are easier to implement than others.
According to a survey conducted by MYOB, the top priority for SMEs is to improve their systems and processes. The survey was conducted on 200 small to medium sized business and here are the results.
| Improve my systems and processes | 51% |
| Increase the time I spend working on my business rather than in it | 35% |
| Increase my customer acquisition activities | 32% |
| Increase my product/service range | 25% |
| Increase my customer retention activities | 25% |
| Increase my prices | 21% |
| Start a succession plan | 20% |
| Increase the geographical areas I service | 18% |
| Increase my number of staff | 18% |
| Increase my online marketing spend | 17% |
To help you out, here are 7 steps to boost your business this new year.
It all starts with a plan
You may have a clear plan in your head, but you need a clear plan on paper. Write a detailed, forward-looking plan that covers all key business facets. Review and update your plan this month and take into account any new developments or opportunities found last year and those you expect to work on this year. This could be investing in growing your market share, improving your market intelligence so the business is more competitive, or it could even be as simple as setting sales targets.
Seek professional advice
If you’re overwhelmed with business commitments such as compliance, accounting, payroll or export rules, get professional help. Meet up with business advisors such as accountants, business coaches or consultants and get their advice. It’s also a good time to delve into your contacts list and see what opportunities they think are on the horizon.
Review your supplier base
Another way to boost business performance is to review your current contracts and suppliers, to see if you’re getting your money’s worth. Research your suppliers’ competitors to find out their service offering, prices and the discounts they’re prepared to offer for placing regular bulk orders, referrals, or ongoing loyalty to their business. Look at whether you can carry out your outsourced services more cost effectively internally, or whether you can consolidate your suppliers
Diversify your range
Find the courage to trim away any non-profitable activities and back the profitable winners. Then you can start innovating your products and services to stay well ahead of the competition. Talk to a professional who can help identify what strategies, products and services that can deliver the healthiest returns. Remember to re-evaluate your margins and benchmark your performance against similar businesses.
Spruce up your systems and processes
New year, new budget… so get your systems and processes right first. Acacia offers a range of business management solutions can help make business life easier. Build a comprehensive operation manual or fine tune the one you have, and then get your staff on board to discuss how to improve the way you work.
Be where your customers are: online
With more than 80% of consumers researching online prior to making a purchase, being online offers a huge opportunity to connect with more customers. The latest MYOB Business Monitor survey revealed SMEs with a website were 53% more likely to experience a revenue rise over the last financial year. Is your website working for you?
Re-engage your team
It can take some time to get back into work mode after a relaxing holiday, so consider ways you can reignite staff motivation. Perhaps organise a kick-off strategy meeting to run through plans for the year ahead. You could also have one-on-one meetings on how individual goals relate to these plans, so your staff understand their roles. Getting your team fired up about projects is a great way to get them back on track and fend off the post-holiday blues.
If you would like to discuss your plans for the year ahead, we have experienced business and technology consultants, plus the knowledge and expertise with powerful software solutions available to take your business to the next level. Please Contact Us – we would love to help you boost your business.
