2017 is almost here and it's hard to believe that another year has come and gone. Reflecting on the past year, it's been a great one for the TreeHouse, and with the resolutions we have made for 2017, we're sure things will only get better! A New Year's resolution is a decision to do/not do something in order to meet a personal goal. It comes at a time when people are reflecting on the past year and want to make an effort to improve so that the next year can be considered a success. While adults often make New Year's resolutions to lose weight or exercise more, entrepreneurs tend to have different goals. Here are seven resolutions for entrepreneurs that will help guide you toward success in the new year:Find a motivating working environment - For most of us, all we need is our laptop and we can work wherever. But there is so much more behind productivity and getting the creative juices flowing than being able to work anywhere. Take into consideration your environment. Do you prefer to sit at an organized desk? Maybe post up on a comfy couch with your feet up? Do you like background noise or do you prefer a more quiet, focused environment? These are all important factors and need to be taken into account. Yes, you need your laptop. Yes, you also need more. Look back on 2016 and map out the qualities you need your environment to have so that you can be the best you, the most productive you, the most hardworking you. And then, in 2017, go there.Know your wins - As an entrepreneur, life fluctuates every day. Keep track of your wins, even the small ones. Life is hard, especially when you're trying to make it. Keep an ongoing list of all of the things that you have done well, that have been successful, anything and everything you consider a win. That way, on the hard days, or on the days you need to be reminded why you're doing what you're doing, you can look back and see all of the positive things that have happened. Know your losses - I'll repeat myself: Life is hard. Especially when you're trying to make it. Keep track of your losses and learn from them. Don't make the same mistake twice. It's ok to lose every once in awhile. Bounce back and remember that what you are doing is hard work. You are changing the world and you are not alone. Successful entrepreneurs have losses everyday. Grow from them. Make the change or the decision that needs to be made to turn that loss into a "win".Keep up with current events - As an entrepreneur, it's easy to forget that there is anything happening outside of your startup. But you're wrong. When meeting with potential partners, investors, employees, whomever, it's important to be able to strike up conversation about more than just your product or service. What is it they say about the best salespeople? That they are selling themselves as much as they are selling their product. People buy from people. 2017 is starting with a presidential inauguration, the Superbowl, and if this year is any indication of how 2017 will go, we know there will be plenty more to talk about. Be in-the-know. This is also beneficial so that you can make informed decisions. What's going on around the world is, in fact, affecting your business.Be Social - And I don't mean grabbing a beer with your friends. It's the end of 2016 and social media is still not just a fad. Start an online conversation with your customers, influencers, and investors in your community and in turn drive traffic to your website, convert followers to customers, and create and spread brand awareness.Organize - Organization is key to the success of running a business. Organize your finances, workspace, filing system (virtual or paper), emails, etc. Take a few minutes each day to make sure you know where everything is. It will probably save you tens of hours of searching for something in the future.Know that there is no "I" in team - Accept this. No one person has ever been successful by his or herself. At the beginning of your entrepreneurial journey you may be a one-person show, but that will not be sustainable, not for your own personal health nor the health of your business. You will build a team that will help you and your business be successful. A team that will balance your weaknesses with their strengths. There is no shame in that. Know your strengths and know your weaknesses, and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.There are many other ways to improve yourself and your business in 2017. What are your resolutions going to be this new year? Of course, the TreeHouse is always available to assist you with whatever it is you need in 2017 (or beyond!)!
