If you think New Year's resolutions are only for your personal life, think again. Why not make resolutions for your business? Here are 10 New Year's resolutions I think all business owners should make---and keep to help ensure their success in 2006.

1. Disaster proof your business.

   Last year's hurricanes destroyed or interrupted the operations of hundreds of thousands of businesses. Many other businesses are lost due to fires and flood. In fact, it is estimated that about 2 out of 5 businesses fail because of disasters. An investment in planning today will help protect your business investment and your livelihood, and also support your employees, customers, the community and the local economy. Does your business have an emergency plan? Carefully select a business interruption insurance policy that will include records reconstruction. Be sure you back up all of our crucial data and keep those files offsite in a safe place. The website www.ready.gov/business/index.html offers more valuable information about how you can disaster-proof your business and develop an emergency plan.

2. Keep your financial records current.

   If you are handling your own finances, all it takes is fifteen minutes a day to stay on top it. Set a timer, and see just how much you can get done in fifteen minutes; you'll be surprised. Schedule some time every week to work on entering purchases, sales, and payments. Check with your financial professionals to ensure that you have the right tools to manage your cash flow and to do forecasting. Make sure that you are receiving the right reports in order to make smart financial decisions.

3. Pay estimated federal and state taxes four times a year. 

   Your tax advisor can help you determine the amount to set aside and structure the number of payments. If you keep Resolution #2, when it's time to pay quarterly taxes and income taxes, you won't have to spend hours and hours figuring out how much to pay.

4. Look for alternative sources of funding.

   Don't overlook city, county or state governments when you seek capital. Investigate programs such as the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development's (DHCD) Neighborhood Business Works program. Look at financing options on our website www.mdminoritybusiness.com.

5. Update your business and marketing plan.

   Do you have a business or marketing plan? Is it up-to-date? What is your strategy for increased sales and profitability? If you don't keep yourself in front of your customers, you won't keep the business rolling in. Consider hiring a professional to help you with your marketing. Start with re-evaluating the basics. What's the core business and market, who's your target audience? How are your competitors doing?

6. Re-evaluate your website and marketing material.

   How much does your website contribute to increasing sales? Can site users interact with you and get valuable responses? Does a visit to your website bring the visitor any closer to buying your products or using your services? Is your marketing material consistent and up-to-date? Does your website and marketing material have a consistent look and feel? Look at your branding and make your business' name or service a part of your email address. 

7. Develop a strategic partnership plan.

   The growth of your business is a direct reflection of your portfolio of business partners. It is essential to cultivate relationships in order to stay in business. Develop a plan of potential partners and strategize ways to build a relationship. Business is about turning good relationships into money.

8. Improve your customer service.

   Do you have a dedicated staff or channel for resolving customer problems quickly and effectively? One of the best ways to add value and stand out from your competition is to offer your customers superior customer service. Top-flight customer service on all sales will help you build repeat business.

9. Change your own role.

   Stop "doing everything yourself." Delegate day-to-day operations to others and become the leader, the strategic thinker, and the planner—in other words, the CEO.

10. Educate yourself and staff.

    Staying current means you're always learning. Why not set aside part of your budget for training? It can be books, DVDs, online courses, or lunch time brown bag seminars. Just getting together with other entrepreneurs who are open to learning can help you get your creative juices flowing. Ensure your management and staff develops a training plan. This will go a long way in promoting a work environment where employees can flourish.