The Oxford English Dictionary defines 'resolution' as:
· noun: 1 a firm decision. 2 an expression of opinion or intention agreed on by a legislative body. 3 the quality of being resolute. 4 the resolving of a problem or dispute.
It's the new year and by the time you read this, how many of your personal resolutions have been made and already broken?! I tend not to make New Year resolutions. The idea of 'cutting out carbs,' 'drinking less', 'exercise more,' when the weather's grim, it's dark for more hours than it's day-light and you're stressed from entertaining in-laws doesn't make much sense to me.
But on a professional basis, this really is a good time to set resolutions. At this time of the year, my workload is small and I have quite of bit of time for introspection. It's important to remember that implementing resolutions are great for businesses as they are about solving problems, overcoming hurdles or re-evaluating your business plan, rather than goal setting and what you hope to achieve. You may also consider 'filling your bucket'. Making a list of all the things, professionally and personally, you'd like to achieve before you 'kick the bucket'. This year may not be one where you learn to hanglide or take that trip to Peru, but it could be one in which you keep up contact with friends and family or spend less time at your desk and more time with someone you love.
So here are my top 6 Business Resolutions for Red Box in 2009.
Resolution #1 Learn something new.
I want to learn some new software, whether that is a CRM program, accounting software or some graphic design program, I'd like to expand my skill base. This year I learnt that I'm not as au fait with some programs as I could be and it has been the cause of much frustration and time wasting.
Resolution #2: Backing Up My Data.
Backup, Backup, Backup. I have a reminder set up on Outlook, my phone and in my diary, but do I remember to back up? And what happened when my computer crashed and the local IT guy was away on holiday? Yes, I panicked. There went my accounts, invoices, emails, forms and website information, let alone everything I stored for my clients. This year I am going to take advantage of the great technology that's available that allows you to back up off-site. There are many companies that offer such a service, so if you have a recommendation, please let me know .
Resolution #3: Become a Marketing Wizz.
This year I am going to become better at networking and marketing for Red Box. It's an area that scares me senseless; afraid that I come across all desperate; "like me, like me," I do very little in this area and I feel it's restricting my business growth. I shall be taking a few hours each month to put together a list of marketing resources available online, as well as tapping into my local networks and then will take action! After all, nobody is going to use me if they don't know about Red Box!
Resolution #4: Network More
This resolution follows on nicely from Resolution #3. I am asked on a regular basis to attend events, social/business drinks and breakfast meetings with local and not so local organisations. In 2008 I said I would attend more of these events, but for reasons too dull and numerous to mention, did not. In 2009 I WILL ! I know where I will be living for at least the next six months, I can afford to travel to meetings and have the offer of overnight accommodation should I need it!
Resolution #5: Evaluate and Consolidate Networking Forums
I don't know about you, but I seem to belong to just about every on-line networking forum under the sun. I join a networking group, but never have the time or inclination to use these groups/forums to their full potential. Then I feel guilty that I'm not putting time and effort into my on-line networking, spend a week catching up with everyone and then letting it slide again. And so the vicious circle continues. So I shall consolidate my presence on forums on which I have had a positive experience and say 'adeus' to those that haven't reaped any rewards.
Resolutions #6: Don't make do; get a new one.
As highlighted in Resolution #2, I've had some tech trouble these past 12 months. I resolve to fix this situation by upgrading my desktop, adding more memory to my lap top and buying a battery powered back up system. While I'm no longer in the sticks, the power supply to the flat's not that great and I've had a couple of near misses thanks to the local electricity supplier! If you know where I can get a battery back-up in Portugal, please let me know .
I hope that my resolutions for Red Box inspire you to think about your own plans for 2009. And if you have set personal resolutions and have fallen off the wagon already this year, don't worry. There's always 2010!