7 Smart New Year’s Resolutions for Small Business Owners [INFOGRAPHIC]
Build a stronger, more prosperous and secured business in 2023
The start of a new year is a good time to reflect on how the past year went for your small business, both the wins and the losses. A thorough, honest review can help you plan for growth and success over the next 12 months.
Here are seven New Year’s resolutions for 2023 that can protect your business and help it thrive – regardless of what the new year brings.
1. Employ strong cybersecurity practices.
Data breaches and other cybercrimes are becoming increasingly common and costly. Here are some ways you can protect your business in the coming year, as suggested by Collis Insurance:
- Install antivirus software and antispyware on all company devices, and always download the latest updates
- Train employees in cybersecurity principles
- Change passwords regularly and don’t make them obvious
- Back up your business data to an off-site location or cloud storage
- Secure your Wi-Fi networks
- Develop a cyber risk management plan
- Talk to your insurance broker about cyber insurance
2. Develop a disaster plan
Planning ahead for a disaster can mean the difference between staying in business and losing everything. And it’s one of the easiest ways to help ensure your business survives and recovers.
Sit down and really think about the kinds of disasters that are most likely to affect your business, whether it’s floods, cyber threats, wildfires, accidents with personal injury, labour strikes, or something else. Then, work through each scenario and figure out how you can minimize the potential damage – including transferring the risk via smart insurance strategies.
Before disaster strikes, review your insurance policy with your insurance broker. They can explain your deductibles, your coverage limits, and what you are and aren’t protected against.
Review this post for details on starting a disaster or continuity plan for your small business.
3. Evaluate your current need for flood insurance
Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters in Canada. Damage caused by many types of natural events, such as lightning or wind, will usually be covered by commercial property insurance. But you need a special policy if you want protection from flood damage.
4. Shield your business from mistakes
In today’s litigious society, no one is safe from lawsuits. What you think is a simple mistake can be deemed a “wrongful act” and result in a lawsuit. A directors and officers liability (D&O) policy specifically provides coverage for a “wrongful act,” such as an actual or alleged error, misleading statement, neglect or breach of duty.
Errors and omissions insurance (E&O) is another policy that can fill a gap in your commercial general liability policy. It provides coverage for service errors, contract performance disputes and other professional liability issues.
5. Learn something new
As a small business owner who wants to remain competitive, you need to continually expand your skill set and keep up with the latest tools, techniques and technologies. This helps to enhance innovation and promote operational efficiency.
Seek out professional development opportunities online and in your community. Also, make sure a culture of continuous learning is encouraged at your business and passed along to all employees.
6. Give back
Incorporate charitable giving into your business plan. It provides a sense of fulfillment and can also help promote your brand. You can give back in one of two ways: your time or your money.
Giving back shows you understand how your business fits into the broader community and highlights a commitment to improve that community for everyone. Consumers would much rather support a business that cares about the well-being of the local community than a company that simply offers services or products.
7. Set/Evaluate Business Goals
Goal setting for the new year is the first step in fulfilling your mission. Without goals, you have no way of gauging success, improvement, and keeping your team accountable. Remember to make your business goals reflect the S.M.A.R.T model – Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time Based. Once you have your goals sett for 2022, have quarterly checkups to see how things are progressing.
What are some of your general business goals in 2022? Let us know in the comments!
There you have it! Seven new years resolutions for small businesses entering 2022.
Be proactive
As your business’s needs change, so should your insurance.
As you ring in the new year, carve out some time to weigh the risks you and your business face if the unexpected happens. Then, be proactive and contact your trusted insurance broker to review all policies, understand your coverages and make updates for the upcoming year.
Wondering if you have the right insurance coming into 2023?
At Collis Insurance, we are here for you not only at the end/beginning of the year but year round. Get the coverage you need to safeguard your continued wellbeing and the success of your business, year after year. You’re in good hands with us. Don’t hesitate to “collis” or contact us by clicking the button below!
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