7 ways to invest in yourself—and your business—in the new year

A new year means a new opportunity to elevate in all areas of your life—including your business. And although there is plenty of “new year, new me” rubbish out there, it’s absolutely OK to feel like a new year is a time to realign and set new goals. After all, it’s a great feeling to look back on the previous year to see all the progress you’ve made. Setting goals is one thing, but actively working towards achieving them is another. In the spirit of moving onward and upward, we outlined just a few ways you can invest in yourself and in your business in the new year and beyond. Read on for our top goals for small business owners like you to embrace in 2023.

Network within your niche

As the age-old saying goes,  your network is your net worth. Don’t underestimate the power that lies in engaging with follow entrepreneurs and building your circle of peers. From collaborating on creative projects to amazing work opportunities, having a strong network can really make a huge difference in the projection of your business and your personal life.

Contrary to belief, you don’t have to only network with those who fall into your niche. Expand your networks by connecting with those from different backgrounds and experiences.

Build a skill, build your business

The best entrepreneurs never stop learning. There’s always an opportunity to improve as a small business owner. That means you should use your resources to continuously build skills. Whether you deep dive into YouTube tutorials or decide to invest in a course yourself, make it your business to sharpen your skill set in the new year.

Find a mentor

Speaking of networking and building skills, finding a mentor may be another goal for small business owners that you may want to work toward in 2023. Although mentorship may be most commonly spoken about in our adolescent years, it shouldn’t end there.

At every stage of your career and entrepreneurial journey, it can be helpful to have an advocate that can show you the ropes at every stage of your career and business journey. Just keep in mind that as a mentee, your goal should be to soak up knowledge like a sponge. However, the best mentor-mentee relationships are mutually beneficial.

Get help, virtually

Being in business for yourself requires your attention to be spread thin from time to time. Sometimes having so many items to check off your to-do list can become overwhelmingly complex. Instead of overexerting yourself by trying to be a one-person show, another goal for small business owners might be hiring a virtual assistant. With a VA, you can delegate simple tasks while you focus your energy on those that require the most attention and make the most tremendous impact on your business.

Upgrade your space

For decades, there have been many scientific studies on how your environment affects everything from your emotional state, to your ability to remain productive and stop procrastination in its tracks. If your wallet and space allow, take the time to spruce up your workspace to make it feel more inspiring and productive.

Start by simply decluttering and grabbing some items or equipment that can truly help you in your business. From there, you can add less important (but effective) things such as wall art and other decor that make you feel inspired every time you sit down to get to work.

Get financially fit

Getting your finances in order is arguably even more important when you’re a business owner. If you haven’t done so, prioritize this as another goal for small business owners. Consider opening separate accounts for business and personal and tracking business expenses. Start 2023 on a good note so you won’t find yourself in the same place come next tax season. Finding a financial coach or advisor may be beneficial for your personal life and business.

Pro-tip: With tax season right around the corner, it may be time to familiarize yourself with this explainer on taxes and Teachable.

Prioritize wisely

We’ll be the first to tell you this: If you don’t take care of yourself, your business will only be able to do but so well. Take small steps to be healthy. Think: eating balanced meals, remembering to take breaks, fueling your mind with stimulating reading, and even going on short walks to move your body. You don’t need to purchase an expensive gym membership or a crazy meal plan to reap these benefits. Take it one day at a time and take care of yourself by any means. Your health comes before anything.

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