Top 10 New Year’s Resolutions for Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners

Entrepreneurs, are you committing yourself to a New Years Resolution in 2011? If you haven’t thought of a way to improve your business life, social life, family life, or startup life, then maybe this Top 10 New Years Resolution list for entrepreneurs will help you to see the light.

10. Survey your employees.

Sometimes, the biggest employee dissatisfaction are the easiest things to fix! Know what changes your employees would like to make in their work lives and do your best to increase their quality of work life. In the long run, this can increase your employees’ productivity and therefore, help your business.

9. Converse with other entrepreneurs.

Meeting new successful entrepreneurs can give you access to mentoring and networking. By joining business networking groups, you will have the capacity to meet dozens of entrepreneurs-from aspiring to seasoned. Conversing with other entrepreneurs will help you feel a sense of community and support to build your business.

8. Stick to your manageable, reachable goals.

If you haven’t written your business plan, starting one for 2011 would be a great resolution. If you do have a business plan, be sure to stick to your goals displayed in it for 2011.

7. Take small business and entrepreneurship classes.

When you take the time to learn something new, you are adding value to your business instantaneously. Be sure to check out all of the free online courses that many websites offer. Additionally, check out any courses that entrepreneurial resources offer (for example, business incubators or organizations).

6. Make business planning a priority.

It is important to focus on your businesses’ future success throughout 2011. To actively make business planning a priority, try to plan every morning for thirty minutes or so.

5. Keep learning.

There are more ways to continue your business learning than just attending entrepreneurial classes. Stay updated on your industry and beyond by reading blogs, books, newspapers and magazine. Other great ways to expand your mind: listen to interviews, turn on an audiobook, and tune into a podcast.

4. Get a business coach.

One (almost) sure-fire way to improve your business is by hiring a business coach. Business coaches can help turn your dreams into a reality. Make sure you enlist someone that you can trust to give you objective feedback and create deadlines for your planned successes.

3. Celebrate!

If you and your team have accomplished something great, celebrate! Carve out time for celebratory lunches, cocktails, dinners and parties with your partners and employees.

2. Give back.

Giving back to a community is one of the fundamental New Years Resolutions. There are many different ways to give back to those who helped you succeed and there are thousands of organizations that would love your help. Find a cause that matters to you and devote a couple hours a month. This will help you get your business’s name out there and will help you feel good about yourself.

1. Get a life!

Managing your work-life balance is critical to a happy life. It is crucial that you take breaks from your business to enjoy life. Make a resolution to enjoy physical as well as mental vacations from your business every once in awhile. This is not only good for your health, sanity and relationships, but it is also good for business! You’ll gain relief from the stresses of growing your business, and once you return, you’ll be reinvigorated with a new perspective on your challenges and opportunities.

What are you doing to make 2011 the best year yet?

Written by Allison Way. Allison is a writer and videographer for Think Big Partners and bizperc, two of Kansas City’s newest entrepreneurial resources. Read more about this and other subjects on the Think Big Kansas City blog.