THE SECRET TO BUSINESS SUCCESS IN 2005? RENOUNCE RESOLUTIONS

Each January, many people are filled with optimism and grand aspirations for the coming year. Small business owners are no exception. Continually improving one's business is vital to long-term success, so what can be done to be certain one follows through on plans for the new year? One business owner has a simple solution to dealing with New Year's resolutions - don't make any…at least not in the conventional sense.

"The problem with most resolutions is they are too vague," says Jennifer Johnson, owner of onMessage Graphic Design (http://www.getonmessage.com). "Deciding to get fit, spend more time with family, or 'be happy' in 2005 are all commendable ideals, but are not specific enough. The same applies to business; expand advertising, increase customer satisfaction, empower employees…admirable, but you haven't defined precisely what you hope to attain, much less how you will go about doing it."

Does Johnson advocate relinquishing resolutions altogether? "Absolutely not; to succeed on a personal level, as well as in business, you must have goals. There are a few simple steps you can follow, however, to improve the odds of realizing your desires for the coming year."

1. Set specific, measurable objectives. For example, instead of vowing to "make more sales", a more clear-cut plan would be, "I will acquire three new clients by February 1st." Better still, "I will acquire three new clients by February 1st through networking at the upcoming small business expo." Use the "What/When/How" model when defining your goals.

2. Write them down, hang them up! Commit your plans to paper and post them in a conspicuous place. With all the distractions of day-to-day life and the hectic schedule most of us keep, it is easy to lose focus; upping the visibility of the list will help you keep your priorities in order.

3. Schedule periodic progress reviews. Regular evaluations are crucial. Be flexible. You could reach your goal sooner than anticipated, or you might need to change your timeline if circumstances warrant. Either way, it's essential to know where you stand in order to plot a course of action for the future.

4. Cultivate a support system to motivate and hold you accountable. "We're all human; we have our highs and lows. When your enthusiasm wanes, having someone there to give you that little push can make all the difference," relates Johnson. Family, friends, colleagues, online acquaintances - all can be sources of inspiration and encouragement.

5. Reward yourself. Treat yourself to something special when you reach a milestone. Revel in the moment. Goals are a means to an end, so give yourself a pat on the back before moving on to your next challenge.

6. Don't be too hard on yourself. "The 'all-or-nothing' mentality is a sure way to hinder growth and improvement," states Johnson. "If you do not achieve a goal, rather than throwing in the towel altogether, analyze the experience, see what you can learn, then move forward. Even though you did not accomplish what you set out to do, if you made a change for the better along the way - even a small change - you're a success!"