December is the ideal time to set the goals you want to achieve in the new year. With proper planning, you can make resolutions you’ll actually keep. Embrace these three changes to achieve your business goals faster and make the new year your most successful one yet.
Use technology to increase productivity
Heard of the saying “work smarter, not harder”? You can do both by harnessing the benefits of technology in the workplace.
Mountains of paperwork and unruly filing systems have no place in the 21st century workplace. Think of the tasks that are important to your business and assess if it’d be more productive to shift them online.
There is a suite of online tools to take advantage of that make manual tasks easier to complete, like CreditorWatch’s ApplyEasy. ApplyEasy offers an online credit application process for customers, eliminating the need for paper forms that slow down approval and decision making.
Technology integration will also streamline processes and help speed up communication between suppliers, customers and other stakeholders. Integrating important documents and reports online allows knowledge to be shared across multiple devices at once, ensuring everyone in the business are on the same page.
Take the time to upskill
January is not the time to rest on your laurels. Kick-start the year by identifying your new business goals and what you need to do to achieve them. Seek new training methods, workshops and development opportunities that will introduce you to new skills and ways of working.
Regular training and upskilling is integral for your ability to perform and strategise in new and diverse ways. Search for seminars and training days held by an industry leader in your city and offer the opportunity to your staff to attend. It will boost team morale and motivation, which are just as important as technical skills themselves.
If you’re short on time, opt for online video material that you can access where and when it suits you. CreditorWatch provides a wealth of online resources to help businesses protect their cash flow, including webinars held by company leaders and industry experts.
You’ll have the chance to ask questions, watch product demos and build your knowledge on timely topics all from the convenience of your home or office.
Maintain a work-life balance
If you’ve ever felt stressed and overwhelmed at work, you’re not alone.
A 2019 survey of 200 legal professionals by Meritas Australia and New Zealand revealed 85% of participants have experienced anxiety in their career. Achieving a work-life balance (and sticking to it) is key to keeping burnout at bay.
Learn to prioritise your time and keep your schedule organised so you’re aware of what’s coming up in advance. If you’re juggling multiple tasks at once, consider delegating and automating your manual processes where possible.
It’s easier said than done, but try to stick to your designated work hours so you can truly switch off in your downtime. Find your favourite way to unwind, like spending time with family, dabbling in your passion projects or exercising.
A happy home life will pay dividends: you’ll be more positioned to run your business smoothly, and most importantly, enjoy it.
While these tips will help kick-start your new year, introducing positive changes to your business doesn’t strictly have to be an annual event.
At the end of every month or quarter, reflect on the changes you’ve made so far to see what’s working for you and if any further iterations need to be made. This will help keep you accountable and focussed on setting achievable goals. For industry insights and more tips on how to improve your business and cash flow, check out CreditorWatch’s blog.