Even in ideal circumstances, the entrepreneurial enterprise is one that requires considerable grit, ingenuity, and wherewithal.  But in a pandemic, sustaining a business is a particularly Herculean undertaking.  Tragically, the past year and a half has witnessed countless casualties in the world of commerce, as companies have succumbed to the pressures of the pandemic.  For those that have survived the crisis, it will remain vital that they adapt to the demands of an ever-evolving economy.

In light of this, whether you’re a budding start-up owner or a seasoned business whiz, now is as a good a time as ever to perform a self check-up, identifying ways in which you and your business need to develop to stay competitive. 

See below for several tips on how to up your entrepreneurial game heading into the new year: 

Consider potential learning opportunities. 

Begin by thinking of things that you already thoroughly grasp — your proficiencies, your expertise, your niche knowledge.  Then start to pinpoint gaps in your understanding, and seek to fill those gaps through self-education.

• Is there a business leader in your community from whom you would like to learn? Schedule a time to meet with him or her, and ask if they would be willing to serve as a mentor.
• Are you interested in additional coursework or certifications? Look for programs and conferences geared toward your area of interest, so that you can add to your skillset.
  
  

Hone your sales approach. 

Perhaps you have the vision and even the know-how, but lack the skills to convert that vision and knowledge into sales.  Hunt for resources and seminars that will help you to create a sales plan that incorporates multiple modes of outreach: in person, over the phone, online, via e-mail, and so on.

Refresh your marketing strategy. 

In many ways, this goes hand in hand with your sales approach, but be thinking of creative methods with which to engage your sales audience.  Generate content for your prospects that adds value to their lives and businesses, and be sure to meet them where they are.  Again, a multi-modal strategy is important here.

Work on your soft skills. 

Being good at what you do is great.  But if you lack the social graces necessary to establish and maintain relationships, you will continue to miss out on business opportunities.  Ask trusted friends to point out areas in which you could improve your relational skills, and then incorporate their tips into your daily practice.

Sharpen your ability to communicate. 

Whether you’re in medical sales or computer programming, you need to be able to communicate concisely and precisely what you do, how you do it, and — most important of all — why you do what you do.  Strategically seize opportunities to articulate the aims of your business — whether through public-speaking platforms, press releases, or through your website.

Specify your objectives. 

What are your aims heading into the new year?  Establish specific, quantifiable goals that will enhance your business’s presence and further your personal and professional development.

Strengthen your self-discipline. 

Creating a plan is step one; putting it into action is the second — and more essential — one.  Form habits aimed at maximizing your productivity and efficiency.  With finite time and energy, maintaining your focus and persistence is a must.

Optimize your use of time. 

A key component of self-discipline is your wise stewardship of time.  Just as you should follow through on objectives you set, you should also work to minimize time waste.  As best you can, eliminate trivial distractions during your valuable work window.

Prioritize your health. 

Much as you might wish that you could sustain your work 24/7, if you fail to get adequate rest and exercise, your health — and the health of your business — will inevitably suffer.  Don’t let your entrepreneurial ambitions drive you to the point that your health is adversely affected.  Take time to put it down and relax.

Put your loved ones first. 

If the pandemic has made one thing clear, it is that our time with those we cherish is something, itself, to be cherished.  Don’t allow your work schedule to preclude true quality time with your family and friends.  As my dad often says, “Keep the main thing, the main thing.”

Heading into 2022, carve out some time to reflect, reassess, and create a game plan for the new year.  Consider what has worked and what has not; what you know and what you don’t; what you value and what needs to take a backseat.  Put yourself in a position to succeed in whatever business venture you undertake!