Happy New Year! Well, almost. Before 2012 leaves, though, what businesses are looking good for 2013? And how should you approach the new year as a business owner? Plus links and user questions in our round-up!
Small Business News of the Week
Thinking about starting up a new business in the new year? The Washington Post has kindly accumulated the top 10 businesses you should and should NOT start, including office supplies, metal manufacturers, and…death care services, which apparently is on a huge swing down. That’s kind of weird, right?
Anyway, getting started on the right foot is key to opening a new venture, and this list is extremely helpful. Honestly, I don’t think anybody would have guessed business and political labor organizations would have only had 2.84% growth over the year or lawn supply stores were just over 5% growth. Some services you think of just steady but aren’t, but the numbers don’t lie.
Of course that being said, if you think there’s a niche in the death care industry everyone else has missed, go for it! Starting a new business is always a risk so if you can think of a way to make it easier for you and your colleagues jump at the chance. After all, you may be just what the lawn care industry needs!
Around the Entrepreneur Web
5 Common Myths About Marketing Your Consulting Business – Running a consultancy can be intimidating, and marketing yourself can be a huge part of the problem. However, many of the issues you face may arise from common myths.
7 Questions to Close a Year Strong and Start Another Stronger – 2012 is making way for 2013, so close the year out with a bang so you can make the new year your best one yet!
Promoting Your Business Effectively on a Small Budget – You need to promote your new company with little to no money – a pipe dream? No, it’s what the modern business world is all about.
Outright Community Speaks
Our users surprise us every day with questions and concerns. Here are some of the latest:
What are your business related New Year’s resolutions? Do you want to grow your customer base? Become more financially independent? Perhaps start saving up to move to a brand new office?
One user’s monthly sales activity figure in PayPal doesn’t quite match up with their Outright info – why is this, and how to fix it?
Did you create your Outright account through eBay? Your upgrade schedule is a little different than everyone else’s.
Another user added Etsy direct checkout to their Outright but no sales are showing up, only expenses. Can you be the first to come to their aid?
Have more questions or concerns? Stop by our Outright Customer Care forum!
Outright Pro Tip: Hello 2013
Well, we made it – we survived the Apocalypse as well as December 21st (see what I did there)! Yes, the presents are all opened and the last of the nog is sitting at the bottom of the punch bowl in the sink waiting to be washed next week when things get back to normal. It’s time to relax…
Or is it? 2013 is literally around the corner, and you need a plan. As mentioned above, starting something right takes a lot of effort, even it’s just starting the new year with your same ol’ business. Sure, you may have grown by a solid 15% in 2012…but who’s to say 2013 will be that way unless you really amp things up?
Now’s the best time to really try something you’ve always wanted to try with your business. For instance, instead of holding back on that awesome new invention, throw it up on your store and give it a whirl! It may be what really catapults you into the public eye and into a whole new customer base.
That’s it for this week’s Round-Up! Remember to vote for your city to receive an Outright tax talk in the new year!
