As we enter a new year, it’s a great time to sit back and consider your plans for growth over the next 12 months. Where do you want your business to be by this time in 2021? And how are you going to get there? No matter what your business is, there are a few simple strategies you need to put in place to help you drive success… 1. Set goals that push you mentally and physically Set long and short goals that push you outside your comfort zone. Break them down into action points and assign a timeline by which each action needs to be achieved. Be sure to check in on a regular basis to see how far you’ve progressed and what you need to do to step up the activity. 2. Commit to professional development Regardless of what you know today, there is always more to be learnt. Start your new year by committing to invest in your own professional development – seek out professional networks, industry education sessions, TAFE courses and online courses. Even courses that don’t directly relate to your field of work can inspire new ideas and expand your knowledge. 3. Be prepared to delegate As your business grows, think carefully about systems you can implement to streamline processes. Are there software programs available that can help you gain efficiencies day to day? Do you need to engage external resources that can take care of the boring aspects of your business, or the areas in which you don’t have the necessary expertise? Outsourcing essential tasks that take you physically and mentally away from the main earning game will free your mind and re-energise you to focus on your business. The Ayers Group, for instance, can assist you with payroll and contract management. We can also put you in touch with experts in accounting, novated leasing and finance so that you can put your energy and expertise where it counts. 4. Choose your clients wisely then look after them whole-heartedly If you’ve got too many clients stretching your capacity, it’s time to start whittling them back. Choose the most consistent, rewarding and best-paying clients to focus your attention on and be prepared to let the lesser ones go. The better the quality of work and customer service you provide, the more likely you are to successfully grow your business through word of mouth. 5. Invest in marketing Keep up to date with the latest opportunities to promote your business online – whether your customers are on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook or any other social media site, be sure to build and maintain your presence with uploads that inform and add value. Research the latest opportunities for search engine optimisation and don’t be afraid to test new marketing strategies. Whatever you do, make sure you note details of the campaigns implemented and measure the results – this will enable you to incorporate your learnings into future winning strategies.