12 New Year resolutions to help your business thrive

[lizbarclaybiz]

It’s that time of year. Many of us are thinking about how we’ll do things differently over the next 12 months with the aim of making our businesses thrive. After all the disruption and uncertainty coupled with challenges like the rising cost of doing business and customers with less money to spend, a new year seems like the ideal time for new approaches.
I’ve been looking for a list of 12 resolutions, one a month, to work on over the coming year and as my business friends tell me I have to be specific, make ambitions measurable and realistic or they will end up abandoned in January.

Here's my list:

1. Build a cash flow buffer of 3–6 months
   Businesses fail more from cash flow shocks than poor sales. A buffer gives stability, bargaining power, and breathing space and could mean you don’t have to borrow at huge expense during the year if you have an invoice that doesn’t get paid when you expect it to.

2. Raise prices strategically rather than emotionally
   Many small businesses undercharge because they’re scared of losing work or sales.
   Review your prices regularly, benchmark against your competitors, and increase prices realistically, adding value if you can.

3. Automate the things you can automate
   Get the tech tools to do the jobs that drain your time: invoicing, chasing payments, onboarding, scheduling, stock checks. Yes they cost but they’re a real investment freeing you up to spend on the business rather than in the business. Time is better spent thinking and planning than filling in forms.

4. Diversify income streams
   2026 is the year of multiple revenue channels:
   • digital products
   • subscription add-ons
   • partnerships
   • B2B services
   • seasonal bundles
   Even one new revenue stream can make a business more resilient.

5. Get paid fairly
   Many businesses lose money to unfair payments like overdue invoices or unfair terms in a contract. Change that:
   • Check the payment terms offered and negotiate better ones
   • automate reminders
   • ask for deposits, up front payments to cover stuff you have to pay for before work starts, or payment in stages as work is completed
   • charge interest and compensation if the payments are overdue (this is set out in legislation) la
   • use invoice chasing tools
   Getting money in when you expect it to come in can save you the expense of borrowing just to stay afloat.

6. Invest in keeping your customers rather than having to find new ones
   Returning customers cost less and spend more. Think about:
   • loyalty perks
   • follow up support
   • personalised check ins
   • feedback loops

7. Gather your data
   Even the smallest businesses can track:
   • cost per lead
   • conversion rates
   • top performing products
   • busiest days
   • customer lifetime value
   When you collect useful data you can review them regularly and use them to decide next steps.

8. Build you story and spread it
   Businesses win on authenticity. Refresh your brand story, update your website, and show up consistently on one chosen platform to increase trust.

9. Create a 12 Month Content Plan
   • 4 themes
   • 12 monthly focuses
   • weekly posts
   A plan helps reduce stress and builds authority.

10. Factor in your own wellbeing and boundaries
    Burnout is real:
    • set working hours
    • take breaks
    • delegate
    • protect weekends
    If you are healthier the business will be too.

11. Review your compliance and risk management
    All the following need regular auditing:
    • data protection
    • cyber security
    • employment practices
    • accessibility

12. Build your support network
    Businesses thrive with the help of mentors and business advisers as well as groups of people who all want to help each:
    • local business groups or groups in your sector
    • sector networks
    • minority led communities
    • disability inclusive business forums
    • peer groups
    You may think you don’t have time for networking but networking with the right supportive groups can save you time and save you stress, isolation and money, perhaps even save your business.
    Here’s wishing all businesses a prosperous and thriving 2026.