2023 is in the blink of an eye, and the first quarter of the new year is the best moment to plan ahead and set new goals for the next 12 months.

Knowing where your company stands at the beginning of the year, and focusing on the future, is fundamental to growing your business. 

In this article, we outline some things you can do right now to start planning for success this year (and the years to come!):

Do a reality check

You donโ€™t have to wait until January to start planning, and a great starting point is to take a hard look at where your business stands today, and where you would like to be ideally. 

By measuring your progress and current status, you can improve your performance and make changes when things get out of hand. 

But the most important question you need to ask yourself is whether you are getting what you want out of your business. If you are, then you are on the right track.

Create a calendar 

What better way to be productive the next year than organizing your business calendar? Creating a structured calendar with meetings, holidays, and even handling all your marketing operations will make a solid ground for your company in 2023. Not only will it help you visualize your goals, but you will also be most likely to meet your deadlines.

Review your suppliers 

The beginning of the year is a good time to review your current vendors and suppliers. Are they providing competitive prices and good service? Are they willing to adapt to unexpected changes? Do they have reasonable rates? 

These questions are crucial to deciding whether you should continue your alliance with them or start trying out new suppliers for your business. 

Collect payments before 2023 hits

According to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), on average, 30% of late payments are a widespread problem for small businesses.

Manage overdue payments to start off the new year free of unpaid invoices. The longer it takes you to claim your payments from these clients, the more likely they are to disappear without paying at all.

If you have customers that still owe you money, reach out to them and ask them gently so you can avoid outstanding debts at the beginning of the year and start with a healthy cash flow.

Be aware of new trends in your field 

Every year new trends emerge, and as a business owner, itโ€™s important to keep an eye on them to stay relevant in your area and take advantage of new opportunities.

Technology, social media, and any new developments in your industry are three categories that are constantly changing, and the ones to watch during the whole year if you want to keep your company competitive.

Making a resolution to prepare your business for the new year will ensure that your company is ready to face challenges and has all the necessary tools to stay afloat and be successful.