Well, here we are again.  A new year is upon us. 

For most of us, it is a time for reflection, a new beginning, an opportunity, a trigger.

The reality for many (if not all) of us who work in SMEs however is that the practical needs and demands of running a business is our daily focus. 

What was your longer term vision – the one that prompted you to invest in your own business to begin with?  Does it reflect the business that has since developed or does it need to be revisited?  Where do you want your business to be this time next year, in two years, five years, ten years?  How do you expect to get there?

The importance of stepping back, of investing time and energy and emotion in to some longer term, strategic planning is huge. 

A good friend from a long time ago who is now CEO of a New York based company recently shared this Robert Simons quote with his staff. 

The right of any [business] to exist is not perpetual but has to be continuously earned”

If you think of one thing this new year, consider how your business might continue to earn its right not only to exist, but to prosper and to grow.   Align your immediate business needs with your longer term business objectives.  Identify the key milestones you need to achieve along the way.  Seek to achieve this balance between short and long term focus, while you stay true to your values, do not compromise on quality and maintain that core differential of top quality customer service. 

If you need assistance, do not be afraid to ask for it. 

Alcumus might just be able to help – expert advice, practical support.

Happy new year.