5 New Year Activities That Could Boost Your Business

Have you stepped into January full of ideas and plans to boost your business? Perhaps you made a resolution or two on New Year’s Eve to be more consistent or persistent in particular areas in 2014. If you did, now is the time to keep the momentum going and carry out your plans. If you didn't, why not choose a few from our list of business related resolutions that could boost your business!

1.       Increase your level of personal networking

It’s a fact – with the right approach, building relationships of trust with others leads to sales and referrals. It doesn't work overnight, and the speed networking approach just doesn't make the grade. Gradually building and extending your network by keeping in touch and developing relationships with others is the best approach to.

Do you have a friend who is constantly bumping into people he or she knows, frequently on the phone, and always seems to have interesting new information to share? Watch and learn – you’re looking at a natural networker! For the business operator, numerous personal connections can deliver an amazing amount of referrals.

2.       Regularly send out a business newsletter

Programs like MailChimp and Constant Contact make it ever so easy to set up and send out your newsletter to clients and prospective clients on your database. Newsletters can prompt immediate orders by reminding recipients of something they need to do. They can and also lead to referrals by virtue of ensuring your business name isn't quickly forgotten after people make a purchase or enquiry.

3.       Review the way you use social media

Changes in the SEO (search engine optimisation) landscape over the past two years, combined with changes in technology and consumer behaviour have made it more important than ever to have a presence on social media channels. Engaging your potential clients via social media by providing useful content is a bit like personal networking – you’re developing relationships and when your connections (or their friends) need something you offer, there’s a better chance you’ll come to mind. Social media platforms can be an excellent way to increase brand awareness, particularly for small businesses and unique or small niche products or services.

4.       SEO & site design checkup

Website design trends have changed quite a bit in the past year or two. A site developed just a few years ago can look seriously out of date now. The other design issue is that more and more people are searching the Internet from mobile devices – older sites often aren't mobile friendly, which means they don’t display well on these devices.

SEO strategies have changed too. One of the changes that had a big impact on some websites occurred in 2012 when Google updated their algorithm to penalise sites that were trying to ‘game the system’ by purchasing links or distributing low quality content to generate numerous backlinks for particular keyword phrases.  If your website traffic has dropped substantially between 2012 and 2014, consider asking a trusted SEO expert to investigate the issue and help you get back on track.

5.       Set aside time for personal education

The world we inhabit is changing at a greater pace than ever before and it’s becoming increasingly difficult to keep up. This year, make time to engage in activities that help you stay up to date, learn new strategies, and strengthen your existing skills. Attend a business workshop or short course. Read a book. Spend time reading the blogs of your biggest competitors.  Subscribe to industry newsletters.

Attending workshops, seminars, conferences and courses can also contribute to your networking endeavours.

If you’re not a Chamber member, speak to us to find out more about member benefits, or register to attend one of our February events. In the meantime, keep up the momentum on those resolutions!