• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Submissions
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Jun 8, 2023
  • Startup
    • Creating a Plan
    • Funding a Startup
    • Franchise Center
    • Getting Your Office Ready
    • Making Your Business Official
    • Marketing Your New Business
    • Personal Readiness
  • Run & Grow
    • Customer Service
    • Human Resources
    • Innovation
    • Legal
    • Operations
    • Risk Management
  • Leadership
    • Best Practices
    • Communication
    • Green Initiatives
    • Open Culture
    • Strategic Planning
    • People Skills
  • Sales & Marketing
    • Advertising and Lead Generation
    • Marketing Innovations
    • Marketing Plans
    • Online Marketing
    • Relationships
    • Sales Activities
  • Finance
    • Budgeting and Personal Finance
    • Payments and Collections
    • Tax and Accounting
    • Pricing Strategy
    • Working with Investors
    • Working with Lenders
  • Tech
    • eCommerce
    • Hardware
    • Software
    • Security
    • Tech Reviews
    • Telecom
  • Shop

SmallBizClub

Helping You Succeed

Home / Leadership / Strategic Planning / Chart a Course to Success for Your Business in 2014
Chart a Course to Success for Your Business in 2014

Chart a Course to Success for Your Business in 2014

2365 Views

Dec 30, 2013 By SCORE

Are you the “plan ahead” type or more of a “is it really December already” kind of planner? Either way, it’s the end of the year, and that means it’s time to hone in on a plan for achieving success in the new year. As a small business owner (or soon-to-be), you’ve most likely heard about business plans and how important this process can be. Whether you’re looking to invest a lot of time into planning or just an hour or two, here are the best resources we’ve found for planning for business success in the new year:

 
Start-up Resolution
 
Got a great idea for a business and 2014 is the year you’ll finally put it into action? Figure out the first and most important steps for getting started with the How to Really Start Your Own Business guide. This guide will walk you through the Business 101 basics of legal and financial considerations you should keep in mind to get your business started on the right foot. Take advantage of this resource to weed out what’s absolutely essential to getting your business going—and what can be put on the backburner.
 
Why a Business Plan is Important for Established Businesses
 
The real value of creating a business plan for an existing business is not in having the finished product in hand; rather, the value lies in the process of researching and thinking about your business in a systematic way. The act of planning helps you to think things through thoroughly, study and research if you are not sure of the facts, and look at your ideas critically. It takes time now, but avoids costly, perhaps disastrous, mistakes later. Download the business plan template for an established business to make this process as clear-cut and efficient as possible.
 
Supplement that template with advice from blogger Jennifer Shin, who explains how to bolster your business plan by employing accurate and convincing financial information, realistic projections and market research. “Even if you aren’t completely comfortable working with numbers, the goal is to learn how to measure and quantify your business and it’s not a long road if you start with the basics.” If you’ll be seeking investment in the new year, you’ll want to make sure these critical numbers play a starring role in your business plan.
 
Plan for Change
 
Whether you’re just starting out or have been in operation for a while, you’ll want to be well-informed of current issues coming up for small business. “There are a lot of big changes coming down the pipe in 2014 and now is a good time to start thinking about them because they’re going to be here before we know it, so we better get ready,” says Steve Strauss, USA Today columnist and Founder of TheSelfEmployed.com. In his “Preparing for Big Changes in Business in 2014” webinar, Steve shares his insights into what he sees as 5 big changes coming for small businesses in 2014 (and how you should prepare for them):
 
  • Affordable Care Act requirements
  • W-2, 1099 and year-end tax concerns
  • Taking advantage of the growing economy
  • The ever changing social media landscape
  • Mobile marketing opportunities
 
Help yourself work smarter and more efficiently by setting a clear, well-considered course for your business in the new year. Taking some time to reflect and plan for the coming year could turn out to be your most worthwhile investment in 2014. 
 

Filed Under: Strategic Planning Tagged With: Business Plan, Planning, SCORE, Starting a Business

SCORE

SCORE

SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals through education and mentorship. We have been doing this for nearly 50 years. Because our work is supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and thanks to our network of 11,000+ volunteers, we are able to deliver our services at no charge or at very low cost. We provide volunteer expert mentors, confidential business counseling, on-site or webinar workshops, and free online tools, templates, and tips. Follow us @SCOREmentors or Scorefans on Facebook.

Related Posts

  • 5-essential-components-when-planning-a-startup-businessYour Business Plan Needs These 5 Things to Be Effective
  • Moving Your Business: 5 Things to Examine
  • How to Turn Your Idea Into a Real Business

Primary Sidebar

Random

Solving the Biggest Frustration of SMEs: Tips for Employee Retention

Jun 8, 2023 By SmallBizClub

4 Benefits of Increasing Your Credit Limit

Jun 5, 2023 By Lynda Bekore

7 Reasons to Use Secure SaaS Payment Solutions For Your Business

Jun 5, 2023 By Hellen McAdams

Guide: How to improve the recruitment process with ChatGPT

Jun 5, 2023 By SmallBizClub

15 Reasons No One Cares About Your Small Business Right Now

May 31, 2023 By Jeremy Bowler

Footer

About Us

Small Biz Club is the premier destination for small business owners and entrepreneurs. To succeed in business, you have to constantly learn about new things, evaluate what you’re doing, and look for ways to improve—that’s what we’re here to help you do.

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Copyright © 2023 by Tarkenton Institute, Inc. All Rights Reserved | Terms | Privacy