More than half (57 percent) of small businesses' top New Year's resolution is to expand marketing to attract more customers, according to the latest Intuit Small Business Survey conducted in November. Sixty-seven percent of small businesses are optimistic this step will lead to business growth in the next 12 months, in spite of the current economic climate.
In fact, business growth is on small-business owners' minds. Thirty-five percent (compared to 27 percent last year) say it's their top priority in 2012 -- even above paying the bills. If they got a new line of credit, what would they do with it? Almost half of small-business owners (48 percent) would expand their range of services and offerings -- another 48 percent would increase their marketing and/or advertising budgets.
Why it matters to your business: I've always believed that as an entrepreneur, you can't just "hold steady" -- you've got to keep growing and making big plans, even in tough times. In 2012, don't just hope to hold on -- plan to expand. Get out your old business plan, dust it off and figure out new ways to move your business forward. What would you do if you had all the resources you need? Dream big, then figure out how to achieve at least some of those goals, no matter what.