How to Get a Head Start on
Making 2012 a Prosperous Year
Now
is a great time for businesses to evaluate 2011 successes, and determine
business needs for the upcoming year.
BBB offers a checklist to help you plan for 2012:
• Plan Strategically
In order to plan where you want to be one year from now, evaluate your current
business successes. Take the time to update your finances, business plan and
yearly budget in order to set realistic goals for 2012.
• Redefine Your Branding
Evaluate how you reach your current and future customers and determine methods
to enhance your product and service offerings. This may be as simple as
developing a new tagline or as in depth as investing in new technology.
Determine what items should be implemented and add those to your budget for
2012.
• Finalize 2011 Projects
Review your “to do” lists and ask your employees to do the same. Assign
deadlines to finish these tasks or reevaluate for the following year.
• Prepare for Tax Season
Contact your tax accountant or visit the Internal Revenue Service’s website and
order your forms for the upcoming tax season. Start gathering your receipts for
a faster tax preparation. Remember any employee that earned more than $600
during 2011, including contract laborers, should receive a tax form.
• Complete Employee Reviews
Schedule time with employees to complete year-end reviews, revisit goals and
celebrate accomplishments. Identify the training and resources needed to
develop your employees both professionally and personally.
• Take Inventory
Take a physical inventory of your office equipment and supplies. Make sure you
have replacement insurance coverage for all company assets.
• Thank Your Customers
Year-end is the perfect time to send an email or holiday card thanking your
customers for their business. Include a short survey to help elicit feedback on
how you can improve your products and services in 2012.
For more advice on developing effective business strategies, visit bbb.org/us/Business-Resources.