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What You Need to Know to Grow Your Business in 2015

What You Need to Know to Grow Your Business in 2015If you’re ready to really take your business to the next level in 2015, it’s time to set some goals and create a plan. It’s great if you’re passionate about your company and good at what you do, but you also need structure to support continual growth for your business. In order to make 2015 your company’s best year yet, use these tips:

Keep careful records

From expense records to employee documentation and notes on clients, you really should be documenting everything. Not only does this help you when tax season rolls around, but it also allows you to spend more time focusing on growing your business instead of tearing your filing cabinet apart trying to find that piece of paper you swore you still had.

Find out what your competition is up to

Some entrepreneurs refuse to acknowledge their competition, insisting that doing so is unhealthy. While you shouldn’t obsess about what the company across the street is doing, completely ignoring that business’s presence in the market is unwise. Take some time to research that other company and see what they’re up to. What are they doing that seems to be working well? What could you do better? What could you offer that they aren’t? By understanding your competition, you’re able to differentiate yourself and grow your client base.

Get in deeper with your clients

Your relationships with clients are everything as a business owner, so make sure you value them properly. Spend plenty of time checking in on clients, whether that means seeing if you can do anything for them or just saying hello and letting them know you’re thinking about them. Staying connected is an important part of building long-term, profitable relationships.

Find ways to streamline your process

Are there ways that you could operate your business more effectively? Take an inventory of how you (and any employees that you may have) spend your day, and find out how you can use that time more productively. For example: ask your managers to come to the weekly staff meeting with an itinerary prepared. This keeps the meeting focused and cuts down on “Um, so what do we have to talk about?” so that everyone can get back to work quickly.

How do you plan to grow your business in 2015? Let us know in the comments!

Image: Zerbor/BigStock.com

Lauren Levine

Lauren Levine is a copywriter/blogger who contributes to a number of magazines and websites including The Frisky, USA Today, and others. She also authors her own blog called Life with Lauren. She loves cooking, anything on the E! network, and is trying to convince herself that running isn't so bad.