In hectic December, I always forget just how quiet my business goes in January. So I intend to use that slow start to the New Year to good effect, tackling those things I keep meaning to do, but never get around to. In my office hangs a sign: "If I were organised, I’d be dangerous". So in January, join me in becoming dangerous - in a business sense - by doing the following:

• Pull out your Business Plan.  Review its aims and objectives to see if they are still current.  If not, update it.
• Set some new targets for the year.
• Write a Marketing Strategy.  Ask yourself how you can expand business with existing clients, or find new markets.
• Review last year’s activities to see if there are any testimonials that might be of use in promotional material.
• Review office procedures to see if they can be improved.
• Take a critical look at your website to see how it might work better for your business.
• Clear old e-mails from your PC and archive all out-of-date paperwork and files, including those on the computer.
• Contact all the clients you haven’t heard from over the Christmas period to catch up.

Of course, it’s not just you who may be quiet in January.  Everyone else could be too.  So it’s an ideal time to seek help and advice from your peer group, perhaps on areas of your business that you know need work.  Consider a training course, such as the ones we run through LearnDirect at Enterprise House.  Or book in for some one-to-one business Counselling with one of our industry specialists.  Our professional expertise could come in handy as you plan your new ‘dangerous’ existence!

Last updated 9 March 2010