As the year draws to a close, many are contemplating what 2017 holds. Whether you’re considering starting a business to make ends meet or already running one and needing a self-audit, now is the perfect time for 2017 business preparation through strategic reflection and planning.
🎯 Your 2017 Business Preparation
At Destiny Planners, we’re committed to ensuring you have what it takes for entrepreneurial success. Today we’ll revisit essential entrepreneurial characteristics and habits, plus provide key considerations for existing business owners. Incorporating 2017 business preparation is crucial for both aspiring and current entrepreneurs.
For Aspiring Entrepreneurs: The 7 Essential Characteristics
1. Risk Taker
Embrace Uncertainty as Opportunity
Risk-taking is a necessary part of starting any venture. Successful entrepreneurs understand that calculated risks often lead to the greatest rewards. As part of your 2017 business preparation, consider how you handle risks.
2. Creative Innovator
Develop Your Competitive Advantage
Every new venture needs “something special” that sets it apart. True creativity means transforming abstract thoughts into tangible realities that capture market attention, a significant step in any 2017 business preparation plan.
3. Confident Leader
Believe in Your Abilities
Don’t worry about future problems—trust in your problem-solving capabilities. Maintain firm belief in your abilities and your chances of success, even when facing unknowns.
4. Motivated Driver
Fuel Your Business Journey
Enthusiasm and motivation power your business through challenges. They prevent discouragement during slow periods and help you bounce back when plans go awry.
5. Tenacious Problem-Solver
See Opportunities in Challenges
While others see problems, entrepreneurs identify market potential. Remain undaunted by apparently unsolvable challenges—they often conceal the biggest opportunities.
6. Organized Planner
Bring Order to Chaos
Launching a business requires massive effort. The ability to plan systematically and implement effectively separates successful entrepreneurs from dreamers. This quality should be a focus in 2017 business preparation.
7. Forward-Thinking Visionary
Anticipate Future Trends
The ability to forecast the next big thing defines entrepreneurial success. Train yourself to recognize emerging opportunities vital to your business’s future.
🌟 The Entrepreneurial Mindset
Successful entrepreneurs perceive the world differently. Escape the “business as usual” mentality—thinking differently is what separates entrepreneurs from employees.
Essential Entrepreneurial Habits: Are You Ready?
Working for yourself brings incredible rewards but also significant challenges. These key questions will help determine if entrepreneurship aligns with your capabilities and temperament.
⏰ Time Commitment
“Are you willing to work long hours?”
Entrepreneurship often requires sacrifices beyond the traditional 9-5 schedule.
🔍 Market Preparation
“Have you done your market research?”
Thorough market understanding separates successful ventures from failed attempts.
📢 Promotion Willingness
“Are you willing to market your product/service?”
Even the best offerings fail without consistent, effective promotion.
👑 Leadership Capacity
“Do you have what it takes to lead?”
As your business grows, you’ll need to guide and inspire others.
🌱 The Development Journey
Remember: “Rome was not built in a day.” Even if these habits don’t come naturally, consistent practice will develop them into second nature.
For Existing Business Owners: 4 Critical Success Factors
1. Personal Accountability
The Foundation of Business Success
📈 Why Accountability Matters
Accountability creates the crucial difference between intention and execution, between success and failure.
💪 The Self-Employment Reality
Without managers tracking progress, accountability must come from within. You must pull your own weight or risk:
- Failing to meet customer needs
- Overwhelming administrative backlogs
- Operational chaos and missed opportunities
👑 Setting the Standard
If you, as the leader, can’t demonstrate responsibility for doing what needs to be done when it needs to be done, how can you expect anyone else to as your business grows?
Accountability isn’t just important—it’s everything.
2. Strategic Social Media
Beyond Spontaneous Posting
📅 The Organized Social Media Plan
While spontaneity has its place, successful social media requires strategic planning and consistent execution.
⚖️ Balanced Content Mix
- Combine promotional and non-promotional content
- Maintain consistent posting schedules
- Start with evenly spaced daily posts
- Adjust timing based on engagement patterns
🕒 Timing Optimization
When you identify peak engagement times (specific days or evenings), adapt your schedule to maximize visibility and interaction, a key part of social media strategy in 2017 business preparation.
3. Accounting Software Implementation
Leverage Technology for Financial Management
🚀 Major Advantages of Computerized Systems
- Speed and accuracy: Faster processing with fewer errors
- Reduced mistakes: Minimize costly bookkeeping errors
- Increased efficiency: Automated calculations and reporting
- Real-time evaluation: Instant financial position assessment
⚙️ Practical Automation Benefits
For businesses requiring VAT recording on transactions, software can automatically handle this for each entry, saving time and ensuring compliance.
📊 Essential Financial Reports
Quality accounting software generates crucial documents like profit and loss statements and balance sheets, providing real-time insight into your business health. It’s an important step in your 2017 business preparation.
4. Professional Accounting Partnership
The Growth Investment That Pays Dividends
💰 Beyond Basic Bookkeeping
Hiring an accountant represents one of the most impactful investments in your company’s growth trajectory.
🎯 Comprehensive Support Areas
- Business planning: Realistic, professional plan development
- Day-to-day expenditure management
- Tax compliance and regulatory requirements
- Business structure optimization
⏰ The Perfect Timing
Many business owners believe it’s “too early” for professional accounting help, but your initial operational setup significantly impacts future success.
😌 The Ultimate Benefit
Accountants provide key financial insights and growth guidance, giving you peace of mind to focus on what you truly love—growing your business.
Your 2017 Business Action Plan
Whether you’re starting a new venture or optimizing an existing business, these strategies provide a solid foundation for 2017 success. A detailed business preparation plan is essential.
“A wealthy person is simply someone who has learned how to make money when they’re not working.” – Robert Kiyosaki
