Top 5 New Year’s Resolutions for a Profitable 2010
As the clock creeps closer to the new year and we are able to put another economically frustrating year behind us, you are probably hoping 2010 will have a brighter outlook than the past couple of years. Although you can’t 
change the current treacherous lending environment, you can change the way you do businesses and the way people or consumers view you or your company.
The best way to start off 2010 is with a positive outlook and a revived energy and dedication to your business. Here are my top 5 suggestions for New Years Resolutions that are sure to bring positive change and increased profits to your business.
1. Maximize Social Media
To put it bluntly, unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard of Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn as tools to promote your services and products online. These tools are free and usage continues to grow each day. You are doing your company a disservice if you are not optimizing these tools to help build your brand.
2. Read More
And I’m not talking about the sports section. Brush up your knowledge on small business success and discover new approaches to sales and marketing. Become an expert in your field.
3. Follow-up and follow-through…as quickly as possible
It is simple. If a customer writes a comment on your blog, follow-up. If a customer leaves you a message, follow-up. If you promise your customer a return phone call at a certain time, follow-through.
4. Listen more, talk less
Usually the quietest person in the room is also the smartest person in the room. He is focused and taking it all in. He asks pointed questions and demonstrates success through his actions rather than his words.
5. Be Innovative
You’re probably tired of hearing it, but it’s true, it’s a completely new environment out there. Gone are the days of stated loans and fast, seamless closings. The survivors are creative, take risks, develop new revenue streams and think outside the box.
