As we wind down another year, many small-business owners are starting to think about the future. How will you grow your business in 2020? How will you make better use of your time? How will you take things to the next level, both personally and professionally?

In considering these questions, here are some specific resolutions you might entertain.

Resolve to be more diligent in networking

In theory, most business owners understand the importance of networking. Getting to know other people in the onsite industry, or in related industries, can be an important way for you to expand your services, gain new referrals and forge meaningful partnerships.

But in actual practice, this is an area where a lot of entrepreneurs fall short. Attending networking events can be time-consuming and may also push you beyond your comfort zone. 

In the coming year, resolve to attend at least a couple of professional seminars, conferences or networking events, and try to make a few new connections at each one. 

Resolve to be more consistent on social media

Social media can be a powerful tool for building and sustaining relationships, yet it’s only going to be effective if you put some time into it. Consistent social media activity can be a boon to your business, but only posting once in a blue moon is frankly a waste of time.    

You don’t need to commit to anything too ambitious. If a post per day is too much, maybe consider twice a week? The important thing is to develop a rhythm, then stick to it. 

And by the way, the content you share on social media can be informal and fun; maybe some behind-the-scenes, candid photos of your team, helping to “humanize” your company and develop stronger emotional attachments. 

Resolve to delegate 

As an entrepreneur, you’re ultimately responsible for everything that happens under the umbrella of your company. The buck stops with you. 

And yet, that doesn’t actually mean you have to do everything single-handedly. In fact, it’s foolish to try. 

You hired a team, and now you need to trust them to handle simple and repeatable tasks, allowing you to focus on activities that are more big picture and strategic. That’s the kind of balance on which most successful businesses are based. 

In 2020, resolve to find some new ways to delegate responsibility to your team members, perhaps by finding or helping them develop some new skill sets. 

If you feel like you can’t delegate to the people you’ve hired, maybe your 2020 resolution should be recruiting some new talents with a broader range of competencies. 

Resolve to protect your mental health 

One more suggestion: Small-business owners can be notoriously reluctant to take any time off for themselves. Working long hours and never taking days off, doesn’t actually make you more productive over the long run. It leads to a higher risk of burnout. 

This year resolve to take more time for your own mental well-being: shorter days, actual weekends, even a vacation. 

It’s not wasted time. On the contrary, it’s an investment in your ongoing health, productivity and creative energy. 

These are only a few resolutions you might consider as you brainstorm ways to make 2020 your most successful year yet. 

About the author
Amanda E. Clark is the president and editor-in-chief of Grammar Chic, a full-service professional writing company. She is a published ghostwriter and editor, and she's currently under contract with literary agencies in Malibu, California and Dublin. Since founding Grammar Chic in 2008, Clark, along with her team of skilled professional writers, has offered expertise to clients in the creative, business and academic fields. The company accepts a wide range of projects; often engages in content and social media marketing; and drafts resumes, press releases, web content, marketing materials and ghostwritten creative pieces. Contact Clark at www.grammarchic.net.