Solidly into the 4th Quarter of 2024 as SMB owners or executives we can look honestly at the year behind us. After finishing my 38th year as a business owner I have learned to look back and to look forward with clear eyed honesty about where we are at. 25 of my years in business were in retail. Finishing well absolutely made the year a winner! And, occasionally the 4th quarter broke our backs.
Let’s be honest 2024 has been an up and down year globally. The macro global issues have affected SMB owners and executives in profound ways. Regardless of where you operate inflation, interest rates, tariffs, and logistics, technology, and AI have required you to make changes in your operations in order to remain strong and viable in your industry vertical.
During times like these your ability as a leader to set the course and clearly communicate it to your staff and your customers is more important than ever. When old foundations and relationships come under pressure, listening to your gut, and boldly asking for help from outside professionals QUICKLY can make or break your next 12 months and beyond!
Here are 8 time-tested thoughts that have proven to produce great results for growing a company topline revenue, while helping SMB owners and executives to achieve their business and life goals.
1. Start with the End in Mind: Define the vision of the business and the life you want to lead in 2025. (ProTip) planning five years in advance is truly what you should be doing. Align growth strategies with personal and family values, ensuring success shouldn’t compromise relationships or health. I’d love to help you create this plan if you don’t know where to begin. click here now
2. Simplify Your Commitments: Do you understand, really understand the power of saying “No?” It’s important to realize, “No” is a proper answer and must be understood as a complete sentence! Avoid overloading your schedule or over-expanding your business. Focus on priorities that yield the highest return—both financially and personally. Delegate and automate tasks where possible.
3. Balance Work and Rest Rhythms: Set clear boundaries. Ask yourself what you are willing to do to achieve your goals in 2025. Next is the other side of the same thought; what are you willing to give up in order to accomplish these goals? Schedule rest periods, vacations, and quality time with family. Build rest into your company culture to avoid burnout for both you and your team.
4. Cultivate Healthy Relationships: Invest in family time as sacred. Use weekly family rituals, like dinners or outings, to stay connected. You only have one chance with your children and your marriage. In business, build authentic relationships with employees, professionals, and customers. Assure there is alignment amongst each of these groups related to your goal based growth.
5. Practice Sustainable Growth: Pursue steady, manageable and profitable growth rather than explosive expansion. Make certain your balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow reporting is timely and proving your operational growth is sensible.Assess your company’s capacity and avoid overextension. Regularly review and adjust goals to match personal and market conditions.
6. Embrace Digital Discipline: Leverage technology wisely to streamline operations. Push yourself and your team to at least stay current with technology. Don’t allow yourself to be the bottleneck! Understanding your limitations and humble yourself by turning over responsibility is key in the area. Set limits on screen time. Schedule “unplugged” hours for family and personal time, and encourage your team to do the same.
7. Prioritize Health and Well-Being: Commit to daily habits that sustain your health, such as exercise, proper nutrition, and mindfulness and religious practices. Lead by example, showing employees that wellness matters in your organization. You are only kidding yourself if you believe you can be a super woman or super man. Your 2025 goals will come to a crashing stop if you aren’t paying attention to your health and well being!
8. Stay Rooted in Purpose: Ground your business decisions in purpose and values, not just profit. During the last 38 years I have learned and then lived by the motto; “Do the right thing and money will follow.” It has proven to be a true statement! Make time for reflection on how your work impacts your family, community, and the world. Share your purpose with your team to foster alignment and motivation.
As we prepare to step into 2025, let’s remember that success as SMB owners and executives is about more than just financial growth—it’s about building lives and businesses that matter. By focusing on clear goals, disciplined habits, and meaningful relationships, you can navigate the complexities of the modern world with resilience and purpose. The challenges of 2024 have taught us the importance of adaptability, health, and staying grounded in our values. Let 2025 be the year you not only achieve your business objectives but also deepen the connections and commitments that make life truly fulfilling. Success is not a destination—it’s the alignment of your vision, actions, and relationships every step of the way. Let’s build a legacy that lasts.
Click here to schedule a call if you would like to talk more about your goals for 2025.