The holidays can be a challenging time of year for small business. Especially for small business providing services. It can get pretty slow.

We all seem to recharge every year. Whether you have personal goals or professional ones, this time of year is perfect for making some decisions and sticking with them. I use this time of year to evaluate my business and see what I can change for next year that will improve my customer relationships, my packaging, and my marketing. Below are a few ideas for you to consider for your business.

1. Get organized. It is so easy to get bogged down searching for things instead of just being organized and know ing exactly where your files are. There are many ways to get organized.

• Financially—make sure your receipts, accounts payables and receivables are all ready for tax time.

• Email—Make it a point to reduce the number of incoming emails that hit your computer a day. Make sure you unsubscribe to the spam and move on.

• Customers—Your customer contacts are invaluable. Make sure you have all your emails and addresses correct and entered so you can utilize that list for your marketing efforts this year.

• Marketing—Make your plan for the new year. Fill in your yearly plan, with budget, so you know what needs to be done. Marketing with no plan is super expensive. Get your website and social networking sites updated and make sure you are in the mobile business listings.
  

• Equipment— Make sure you are on top of your equipment. Computers, phones, fleet tracking, etc. Update it. Don't show up to a meeting with an antiquated clap trap of a computer, it's not a good representation of your business or you.

2. Get your goals back on track. Take a look at what your goals were last year and see what you missed or what was successful for you. Then adjust. Make yourself a list and stay focused on what you want to accomplish. In order to be successful, they need to be realistic goals. Make sure you look at that list everyday to keep it at the top of your mind.

3. Learn to delegate. It is hard for us business owners who want to do everything so it gets done right. But you are only one person. And if you are already working many hours during the day, you will have to make some choices. Either work harder and more organized or delegate some of your tasks to someone else. It's that simple.

4. Find one new way of connecting with your customers. Whether you choose to go mobile, social networking or joining a local organization, they are all successful. It is because people like to know exactly who they are doing business with. If you're out and about, even online, meeting new people, you are going to gain awareness.

5. Give back to the community. This is one of mine this year. I have a goal of volunteering at 4 events in our city this year. You should pick where you want to make a difference and really give it your all. But again, make realistic goals. Or you will just disappoint yourself.

6. Time for yourself. Make sure you have time to recharge and refresh. Whether you need one day monthly or a couple of hours weekly. Do what you need to do to stay smart and healthy.

7. Drop what fails. If you have something that is holding your company back, an employee, procedure, product, etc. Get rid of it and make the change to something successful.

8. Shop small. You are a small business. You want people to shop your small business. So shop theirs. Buy local and shop in the small local businesses in your town. You will find the practice reciprocated.

9. Waste Less. I keep this one on the list, because it is so easy to control the waste. Get your statements and bills sent electronically. Reuse items that can be washed.

I hope you are inspired to make positive changes in your business this year. Happy New Years to all, may all your hard work pay off and fill you with warmth and prosperity!