Yes, 2023 is well and truly underway and the thought of New Year’s resolutions, clean slates and freshly laid plans are fast becoming a distant memory.
If you’re a business owner feeling like you may have missed the boat when it comes to setting business goals this year, don’t fret. There is never a better time to start than right now!
So, take some time to reflect, revisit and revise – your business can only benefit from an intentional and informed action plan.
We believe that the 5 business goals below are worth adding to your plan:
1. Invest in modern tools, software and apps to increase efficiency in your business.
These days, keeping up to date with technology is really a necessity, and the possibilities are endless. Embracing these helpful tools can really improve your workflow, productivity and can save you heaps of time.
Below are a few apps/tools we recommend, as we use them in the SYM office:
Cloud-based Accounting Software: Xero, Quickbooks, MYOB
Workflow & Productivity: Clickup
Secure & Personalised Online Forms: Jotform
2. Build the ultimate dream team that will stick with your business through thick and thin.
Below are a few ways to help build and nurture your team:
Invest in HR: HR is an important part of running an expanding business. We have recently engaged an outsourced HR team to help with all the ins and outs of managing a growing team. A happy team will always be your biggest asset! Check out our HR team – Growth HR
Schedule daily huddles: These 10 minute meetings will give you an overview of how all your team members doing, if they’re on top of their workload or if they can do with a helping hand.
Organise social & team building events: Make sure to get to know your team members and give your team the opportunity to bond outside of work. This will improve teamwork and relationships within your team.
Offer extra training & attend workshops: Giving your team members the opportunity to learn and grow through courses, workshops or networking events will reinforce a feeling of being valued within your business. Check out these FEE FREE courses, funded by the Government (subject to eligibility): https://www.tafensw.edu.au/fee-free-short-courses
3. Reduce waste in your office – going paperless really is the way forward!
Less paper means less clutter in your work and headspace, and the environment will thank you for it.
Below are a few ways to go paperless in your office:
Encourage recycling & reuse: Promoting recycling of paper helps to build an environmentally friendly workplace. We have a large bin for paper in our office that gets taken away, shredded & recycled when it fills up.
Replace paper copies with cloud-based storage: Cloud-based storage offers the ability to digitally collaborate on documents. It ensures documents are securely stored & backed-up, saving you the time & effort of printing paper copies. We use OneDrive & GoogleDrive.
Use digital tools & apps: You will very likely be able to find an app for anything you need to do in the office. One very handy tool we like to use is Dext – an automated expense management app that stores & extracts data from paper receipts, invoices & bank statements.
Get rid of paper logbooks & timesheets: These days, digital sign-in software is a faster, much safer & more efficient way of logging people’s movements. Same with timesheets for employees logging their time. We use Xero Practice Manager in our office.
4. Invest in data protection systems to keep your business safe and secure from data theft, scams and cyber attacks
It simply isn’t worth taking risks these days.
Below are a few ways to protect your data and information in the workplace:
Back up your data: Be sure to do it regularly
Use strong passwords: Add two-factor authentication where available
Take care when working remotely: Be mindful of eyes and ears around you
Be wary of suspicious emails & texts: If in doubt, delete it and contact the actual person/company via trusted methods/websites
Install anti-virus & malware protection: Cyber attacks can be devastating, so it’s better to be safe than sorry!
5. Talk to your bookkeeper or accountant and review or create your business plan for the rest of the year ahead.
They can provide financial reports to help you make informed decisions for your business.
If you haven’t yet engaged a bookkeeper for your business, check out the Services we have on offer and get in touch!
