2017 guide to small business success

Is your business prepared for 2017? Find out what you should focus on each month of the year in order to find your small business success in 2017.

January

January marks the start of new beginnings! Before setting any new year's resolutions for your business, take a step back and review your goals. What objectives do you want your company to head toward? Use these goals to underline all content, internal and consumer-based, and services your business provides.

February

Start finding ways to engage with your clients. A great way to do so is to develop some form of content marketing. Write weekly blogs and connect to your clients through your social media platforms. Keep your content targeted to your clients with your business goal in mind.

March

Don't wait until April to focus on your taxes. If you finish in March, you'll have plenty of time to get your books in order. Be sure to check how much money you may get back in a refund and decide how it would be best reinvested into your company. If taxes aren't your forte, be sure to hire a professional to avoid any potential errors or oversights.

April

Once your taxes are paid, take a second look at your budget. Did you get a large refund? Or did you need to pay more taxes than you had originally anticipated? Figure out how your influx (or lack of) money will work into your budget. Maybe you can update your technology, or need to find ways to tighten expenditures.

May

This month, focus on growing your connections. Find networking events in your line of business and build relationships with other experienced entrepreneurs. On the other side of the spectrum, many new graduates are emerging into the work force that could be beneficial to you in the future. Consider setting up a mentorship program. Over time, these relationships may pay off.

June

Allow your creativity to flourish with the start of summer. Spend time identifying areas where innovation could truly grow your company. For example, you could introduce new services or products in your business that better align your company with your overall business goal.

July

Focus on your staff this month. Many people can begin feeling stuck in a rut come the summer months, so introducing new training programs and adding new employees may liven up your workplace. Consider organizing a summer outing or picnic for employees and their families to add a social, fun element that shows you care.

August

Think about your social media! Have you been continuing your content marketing from February? If not, get back into the game with a boost to your social profiles. It's essential to stay responsive to every tweet and comment sent your way to stay genuine.

September

In the business world, the holiday season begins in September. Plan your holiday programs and sales in order to make sure you're a well-oiled machine come December. Create a marketing calendar and stick to it. A great way to plan your social media marketing is to download an app that allows you to plan your posts in advance, up to when and where you'd like it published.

November

Give thanks for growth opportunities and any successes over the last few months. In November, take some time to prepare for Small Business Saturday, which encourages members of your community to shop local the Saturday after Black Friday. Consider hosting an event on Small Business Saturday to celebrate your community—and to gain a more loyal local consumer base.

December

In December, remember that the customer is always right. Make sure you're listening to what your customers have to say. Their feedback can help you align your business goals for the coming year to continue expanding your business. Try setting up an anonymous online survey through social media for customer and client feedback. The honesty that can come from anonymity can open your eyes to problems you may have not noticed otherwise. Ultimately, it's your business. Stay true to the goals you defined in January to continue the growth and success of your business in the image you want.[cite::171::cite] [cite::172::cite]