Everybody makes New Year’s resolutions. Some last all year, some are forgotten before the 12th chime of the bell. Local businesses also make resolutions – often called business plans. The successful company looks back at what worked and what didn’t in the past, takes a hard look at market and economic condition for the New Year and comes up with a plan. Hopefully that plan includes more of what did work and less of what didn’t, otherwise that company will not be making any plans next year at this time.

Given that our economy may be showing some signs of improving, we asked several business owners in Southwest California to share their New Years Business resolutions with us.

“I feel cautiously optimistic that the worst may be behind us. I don’t think we’re going to see any big improvements overnight so I’m keeping spending in line, something I wish our government could do. I will be focusing more on local advertising and media marketing in 2012 to keep my name and image out there. It’s brought me new work this year and I need even more next year.” 
~Art Visintin, Freelance Writer

“What I am looking to do in 2012 is build for the future.    I want to locate the best employees and train my existing staff.  When this economy turns around I will not be the one left behind.  I want to be in a position to provide our clients and our employees the best opportunity to take advantage of the next economic surge.” 
~Mark Van Dinter, Van Dinter &
Associates

“As we reflect on 2011, we continue to be extremely grateful to God for His providence in the direction and growth for our company. We are indebted to our skilled employees and thankful for the customers and friends we have the pleasure to serve. In 2012, we intend to purposely expand our business to meet our customers’ needs through meaningful marketing, personal customer service, accurate production and on-time deliveries.” 
~ Dave Robinson, Robinson Printing

“Hire new Director of Sales  - DONE! Welcome Kevin Watson to the RKR team, implement sales force software to better track the sales process and customer contact, launch ‘Talk of the Town’ radio show to help profile local businesses and non-profits, apply latest marketing technologies such as texting to client marketing strategies, update RKR web site.” 
~ Judy Zulfiqar, RKR Media

“In 2012, I resolve to devote more effort to marketing my editorial services and to learning the ins and outs of social media and the Internet, while maintaining the trust and close, personal relationships with writers, agents, and publishers that I am known for. “
~ Karen Grove, Editorial Consultant

“I resolve to... Think Globally and Act Locally. I resolve to use my talents and knowledge to “give back” to my community and to those who need empowering and lifting up.  I want to serve others in a meaningful and useful way; taking up a cause and making a difference.  New Years is the perfect time to make a pledge to becoming the person you want to be.”
~ Mindy Smith, Mindy Smith
Consulting Group

“This year I commit to spending more time out of the office, visiting our business partners, and getting to know our customers better, I want to work on the relationship side of the business and ask how we can be a better service provider.”
~ Laurel Miller, Glass Doctor

“Since this is a family owned dealership we want to make friends as well as customers. Also would like everyone to come by and see the remodel we have done to our service department, parts and showroom. The most of all is to wish everyone a prosperous new year from the Gordon family.” 
~ Garrie Aspengren, Community Relations Director

“Business is personal, and in 2012 I intend to get more even more personal and social. This year’s focus is to push forward with writing books, speaking, consulting and coaching, while delving deeper into social media. The goal will be to help others build relationships that build business – both in person and on the web.”
~ AJ Ogaard, Toolbox for Biz

“Just to follow a quote I heard the founder of 1800-Flowers give on Bloomberg: The Mentor, which is on the order of:  ‘Make every noise you are making louder.’ ”

~Diane Walden, California Tea and Coffee Brewery

“To re-think the way I make business decisions. Narrow my focus to concentrate on what I really want to accomplish instead of spreading myself too thin. Shift my social media efforts more towards Twitter and LinkedIn rather than spending so much time on Facebook.”

~ Helen M. Ryan, freelance writer and fitness pro