It’s coming, friends! That’s right. The new year will be here before we know it, ready or not! Somehow it always sneaks up on us, doesn’t it? And, at least for us, the end of the year seems to come earlier and earlier each year. While we know time can’t speed up; it definitely feels like it does! So, we thought we’d get a jump start on 2023 business readiness for the new year and give you a few reminders along the way. Because we’re all in this together, right?
A new year always has business owners thinking about change and where they want to see their brand go in the coming season. That’s where 2023 business readiness comes in. So, if you’re brand new to this entrepreneur thing, or even if you’ve been at it for years, we can all use a handy dandy list of reminders for all the tasks most of us wish would just go away. In this post, you’ll find a list of all the things you should probably tackle – or at least have in the back of your mind – for the start of 2023. Here goes!
Set goals – business & personal
We’re starting with a crucial but often overlooked line item. The end of the year is the perfect time to review what worked, what didn’t, and where you want to be at this time next year. Make sure your goals are SMART – specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and timely.
Review your budget
Take the time to review your budget, or make one if you don’t have one. A book we love about business finances is Profit First by Mike Michalowicz, and it is a fantastic resource for setting up a business budget that pays you and makes a profit.
Prepare for taxes
Yes, you have to do this. Get all your forms in order, and make sure everything is ready for your accountant or your software. Don’t forget payroll, 1099’s, insurance forms, expense receipts, sales tax, and anything else applicable to your business.
Update your marketing plan
The change of the year is a perfect time to review what’s working and what isn’t when it comes to marketing. Remember, great marketing isn’t about selling; it’s about drawing your people in with how your story can help them solve their problems or achieve their goals. If you need to increase your search engine optimization (SEO), this guy is the best.
Renew business license(s)
Some states, counties, or cities require renewing specific business licenses annually. Make sure yours are up to date.
Review your insurance policy
Talk with your insurance agent before your premium is due to ensure your coverage is still appropriate for your services. If you’re not happy, now’s the time to shop around.
Start a savings account
If your business is not feeding a savings account, it needs to be. Set up automatic withdrawals to fund a savings account each month. Even a small amount adds up over time. If the withdrawals are automated, you won’t even notice they’re missing!
Revisit your thoughts on outsourcing
If outsourcing is something you’ve put on the back burner, let’s revisit that, ok? Outsourcing the tasks in your life that you don’t have to be the one doing frees up your time to do the tasks that are crucial to your success. Tasks like house cleaning, yard work, and babysitting are the familiar ones. But even tasks like social media posting, blogging, photo editing, bookkeeping, accounting, and more can and likely should be outsourced. If you’d like to outsource things like blogging, website copywriting, social media captions, and anything that includes the written word, contact Amber. She’s your girl.
Organize your calendar
Sit down with your spouse, business partner, significant other, kids, mom, and dog… and organize that 2023 calendar! Your future self will thank you.
Set time on your calendar for yourself
As you’re organizing that calendar, make sure to set aside some time for yourself. This should happen daily on a small scale (17-minute power nap, anyone?) but also on a larger scale, maybe once per quarter. Don’t hesitate to take that day at the spa or the weekend in the mountains. Just make sure to put it on your calendar, or it will not happen!
Buy a new office chair
Ok, this may seem a bit frivolous, but the sentiment stands. If your office chair is uncomfortable, order a new one! Your ability to focus – and your buttcheeks – will thank you. But this also goes for any equipment that needs updating, replacing, or repairing. The end of the year is the best time to make these purchases because they’ll count as a tax write-off, and you can take advantage of year-end sales.
Update your website
Another necessary update. Take a look over your site and remove anything that is no longer relevant or applicable. Add in things that should be there. And maybe hire a pro to help you see what you can’t.
Make a charitable donation
Do this before December 31, which will be a write-off on your taxes. Plus, it is always more rewarding to give than to receive.
Update your brand photos
We couldn’t make this list without a shameless plug! Seriously, if you need new employee headshots, updated brand photos, social media content, or website imagery, now is the time. Contact us! We’ve got you covered.
Saying goodbye to 2022 and hello to 2023 may bring many emotions to the surface within you. That’s totally ok! It can be overwhelming as one year slips into another. But don’t let the feelings, festivities, and energy of the season keep you from taking care of these essential aspects of your business! Let’s welcome 2023 with confidence and big goals! We’re cheering you on!!