1. Check the plan – does it still work?

Your business plan is your blueprint. Start by reviewing it. What worked last year? What didn’t? Adjust your goals and strategy to suit where the market’s at and what you’ve got to work with.

To do:

1. Review KPIs, financials and key results
2. Identify strengths to build on and weaknesses to fix
3. Update your plan with smarter strategies
4. Set new objectives that reflect today’s opportunities

2. Sort your finances – no surprises, just clarity

Get clear on what you made, what you spent and what’s left in the tank. Trim the fat and boost the money-makers. If you’re unsure, your accountant’s your best mate.

To do:

1. Analyse profit, loss, cash flow and balance sheets
2. Cut unnecessary costs
3. Pinpoint revenue opportunities
4. Get expert input where it counts

3. Forecast your future – and stay one step ahead

Forecasting isn’t guesswork. Use last year’s numbers and what’s happening in the market to plan what’s ahead. Build in the ups, the downs, and the ‘we’ll manage’ moments.

To do:

1. Use historical data for smarter estimates
2. Factor in market trends
3. Include best/worst/realistic scenarios
4. Review and update as the year unfolds

4. Check the market – and your competitors

Don’t just look inwards. See what’s changing out there. New trends? New players? Customer needs shifting? Know it before it hits you. Keep an eye on competitors and use what you learn to improve your edge.

To do:

1. Do proper market research – reports, surveys, tools
2. Track competitor pricing, products and marketing
3. Spot shifts in tech, behaviour and regulations
4. Adapt your offer to stay ahead

5. Buy back your time – focus on what really matters

You’re most valuable when you’re growing the business, not stuck in admin. Automate what you can, outsource the rest. Free up time to think big and act fast.

To do:

1. Delegate tasks where possible
2. Automate repetitive work like invoicing or payroll
3. Prioritise the jobs that drive growth
4. Use time management tools to stay on track

6. Get your records in order – chaos costs time

Messy records slow you down. Get everything filed, backed up and easy to find. A clean system means less stress and quicker decisions.

To do:

1. Set up a logical system for files – digital and physical
2. Scan and store documents securely
3. Do regular checks to keep everything current
4. Make sure you're meeting compliance requirements

7. Upgrade your tech – don’t get left behind

Old tools slow your team down. Check what’s working and what’s not. Invest in better software, systems or hardware – and make sure your team knows how to use it properly.

To do:

1. Audit your current tech stack
2. Research new tools and trends
3. Budget for smart upgrades
4. Train your team to use tech well

8. Set SMART goals – vague won’t cut it

Specific. Measurable. Achievable. Relevant. Time-bound. That’s how you keep your goals clear and your team aligned. Break big targets into small wins and track progress regularly.

To do:

1. Be clear on what success looks like
2. Use numbers to track progress
3. Keep goals realistic and focused
4. Set timeframes to stay accountable

9. Get clear on who’s doing what

A new year is the perfect time to clarify roles. Everyone should know what’s expected and how they fit into the bigger picture. Open, honest conversations go a long way.

To do:

1. Define and communicate responsibilities
2. Set performance expectations
3. Encourage collaboration and communication
4. Make space for feedback and questions

10. Ask for feedback – and act on it

Want to improve? Ask your team and customers what’s working (and what’s not). Make it easy to share honest feedback – and use it to get better.

To do:

1. Ask regularly – from staff, clients, stakeholders
2. Offer clear ways to give feedback (think surveys, 1:1s, suggestion boxes)
3. Take feedback seriously – act on what you hear
4. Build a culture of ongoing improvement

Ready to kick off the year with a bang?

Follow these 10 tips and you won’t just start the year strong – you’ll keep the momentum going. Clear goals, smart moves, better results. Now’s the time to make it happen.