New Year, New Goals: Setting Strategies for 2025

January marks a fresh start—a perfect opportunity to reflect, reset, and realign your business strategies for the year ahead. Whether you’re looking to streamline operations, embrace new technologies, or simply refine what’s already working, now is the time to take charge and just do it.

Why Strategic Planning Matters

Strategic planning isn’t just about setting goals—it’s about identifying gaps, strengthening weaker links, and creating a roadmap for success. By focusing on what matters most, you can position your small business for sustainable growth in 2025.

Key Questions to Ask Yourself

Where are the gaps in my business?
Perhaps you have gaps in operational efficiencies, customer analytics or feedback. Search through the areas of your business where there remain big questions on how to improve performance.

What weaker links need attention?
Examine any outdated technology where newer tech could improve efficiencies. Do you have a system in place for incremental staff training to improve team skills and knowledge? Taking a look at overall operations – onboarding new team members, particularly process flow as it relates to tasks  – can help fortify these weaker areas of your business.

Do I need:

• Additional team members?
• Updated messaging and branding?
• Are there shifts in market trends where your current messaging feels stale or misses your target audience? Envision your ideal client and if you are able to see your product or service from their viewpoint; is it appealing or compelling them to buy?
• A more refined product or service offering?
• Are you able to review those products or services that simply aren’t popular in your portfolio and eliminate or refine them to capture more of your overall percentage of sales? Don’t be afraid to off-load products that simply aren’t in demand just so that you have content on a website.
• A deeper understanding of my financials?
• How often do you rebalance and review the financials beyond a quarterly effort? How deeply do you understand any seasonality in your business?
• A stronger focus on cybersecurity?
• Is cybersecurity policy a focus or has it been on the back burner? Test your cybersecurity knowledge here.

AI in 2025: How Can It Serve Your Business?
Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a tool of the future—it’s here, and it’s transforming how small businesses operate. From automating repetitive tasks to offering valuable customer insights, AI can help you work smarter, not harder. Take time this year to explore how AI can integrate into your operations and serve as a catalyst for growth.

How the Michigan SBDC Can Help

Strategic planning can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. The Michigan SBDC is here to support you with personalized guidance and expert resources tailored to your needs:

Register for 1:1 Consulting – Work directly with our experienced consultants to create a customized plan for your business.  Register here.

Access On-Demand Tools Our webinar library offers resources on everything from financial planning to cybersecurity. Learn at your own pace and on your own schedule.

Getting Started

2025 is your year to take action. By addressing gaps, leveraging technology, and refining your strategies, you can create a strong foundation for success. Start small, stay focused, and lean on resources like the Michigan SBDC to guide you along the way.

Let’s Make 2025 the Best Year Yet!

As the new year unfolds, remember: Every small step you take today can lead to big wins tomorrow. With thoughtful planning, innovative tools and a commitment to continuous improvement, your small business can achieve amazing things.

Ready to dive in? Let’s make it happen together. 💼🚀

Wendy Spreenberg
Senior Business Consultant
Michigan SBDC Southwest Michigan Region
Hosted by Western Michigan University

 

 

 

 

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