Resolutions for Small Business Owners

As a business owner, the start of a new year is a time to regather your vision for the business, take time for yourself and spend time with your family. Spending some time setting goals and plans for the year ahead is just as important in business as it is personally. For small business owners, resolutions can make a huge impact both for your motivation when you start back at work as well as during the year. Read further for some inspiration to get you started setting goals for 2021.

The 9 to 5 that most employees enjoy, is often not the same balance that business owners enjoy. That’s why it’s important to prioritise balance. To continue to be a successful entrepreneur you must take the time to recharge your batteries, otherwise you risk burning out or making errors. Take time for you, try a yoga class or go for a walk along the beach. Promise us and yourself that you’ll make the time for balance this New Year.

Ok, we are certainly pro a non-traditional workplace – no high heels or pencil skirts at Nurture! A less serious resolution on the surface, but one this author is going to attempt in 2021. “Putting on pants” each day includes taking pride in oneself and how you present to the world. Being confident in yourself, your skills and what you can provide to your clients or customers. COVID19 working from home although challenging at times, provided a safe and pant free environment for this little worker. Moving into 2021 it’s time to break those bad habits and function fully back in the world. A morning ritual is key, and is currently being planned out. Watch this space! 

Own a business they said, it’ll be fun they said. Okay, we’ve all been there – the questions of “why did I start this” and “I have no time anymore” are common questions business owners ask themselves. And if you’ve asked yourself these, it’s time to a) prioritise balance like we firstly recommended, and two start making work FUN! Create a happy place at work by creating happiness boosting traditions – yes you heard us right! Whether that’s a daily joke, watching a funny youtube video or making your workspace more invigorating. It’s important to have fun!

This is something we work really hard on as a team at Nurture. In a nutshell, we describe being authentic as being open and honest with the people around you, in a tactful and professional way. You will be surprised how much easier day to day life is when you simply focus on authenticity. Keep in mind it doesn’t always go down well, with some others not appreciating the honesty! Just remember you cannot control how other people respond and behave, but you can control your own actions and behaviour. 

Louise Duce, director at Nurture set a professional resolution of being brave. Being authentic is being brave. Telling people what they need to hear (again, professionally) not what they want to hear. Yes, upsetting the apple cart is inevitible – but you are doing everyone an injustice not being authentic. Being able to see and deal with the truth enables growth – personally and in business. 

Need some direction? Here are some basic tips to help you get started setting goals.

• goals must be yours and mean something to you
• goals must be specific and measurable
• goals must be flexible
• goals must be challenging and exciting
• goals must be in alignment with your values
• goals must be realistic
• goals must be supported (but those around you)

Now, this is crucial. If you want to make work more fun, prioritise balance and have time to set goals you’re probably going to have to delegate. You’re smart, you’ve accomplished a great business and you’re probably not great at delegating because you trust yourself to do the job right. So, stop that and start to delegate some of your tasks to the employees that you’ve carefully selected and hired to help. Alternatively, outsource to your trusted tribe or professionals and focus on the elements of the business you are not only good at, but enjoy. Shifting the work to someone else is an adjustment, but once trained and confident you’ll have more balance in your life!

But don’t delegate the goal setting and planning – that’s all on you.

About the Author.

Lisa Hooton is the founding director of Nurture Accounting in North Lakes QLD. She has 25 years experience in Public Practice with a passion for Small Business Compliance. Lisa is dedicated to Nurture’s clients and team, always learning, fun and spirited individual. 

Lisa is a guru in time and workflow managment. She is also an advocate for the development and implementation of automation and cloud systems in small business. Lisa is a supporter of women in small business and an active volunteer in the local community. 

Lisa lives with her husband of 24 years and 3 amazing daughters in Murrumba Downs QLD. She spends her downtime writing blogs and courses on business administration and management, is an avid gamer and loves a good road trip. 

BBus (hons). BArts (hons). CPA. MIPA.

Registered Tax Agent. Registered ASIC Agent.

Xero Certified Advisor and Xero Gold Partner.