Year-end tasks for the green entrepreneur
Dec 28, 2009
1 Comment
It's the end of a year--and decade--so I wanted to discuss some tasks your firm should undertake for year-end housekeeping. Some may not want to rehash 2009, a difficult year for many of us--but I am hearing optimism for 2010 from many corners . . . and these lean times can offer learning opportunities that can make us even better next year. I realize the following suggestions are general--whether you are a freelancer, small company owner, or leading a division of a large firm, these suggestions can apply . . . even if your fiscal year-end is not December 31.- Engage your employees. You may find these new year goals a cliche, but your employees are an optimal source for sorting out what worked--and what did not--over the past 12 months. Years ago I worked at a firm that had sales meetings right after the new year--we all groaned, but looking back, the timing was sharp. This is a prime opportunity to re-energize your organization at all levels.
- Your financial books and business plan. Obviously you need to get them in order as April will come faster than you think, but adjust your business plan to account for the performance your company had during 2009. Most likely you will need to adjust your projections based on the successes--and rough patches--your company experienced over the past year.
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Procurement: It may seem counter-intuitive to go on a mini-spending spree during a difficult year, but based on the goods and services your firm will need during the first quarter of 2010, you should make those expenses and investments now to maximize your tax deductions for fiscal 2009.
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Talk to your accountant and attorney. You really should have a conversation with the professionals who advise you on financial and legal matters. Talk with both of them about your goals for 2010, while discussing tax credits, research and development opportunities, and potential pitfalls that could be in store for 2010. Your advisers may not immediately know the changing regulations and tax rules that affect your company, but by communicating with them, you can give them an idea of the types of opportunities for which you are searching. You may be put off by getting an invoice for a few extra hours of billable time, but that could save even greater expenses down the road if you have a to put out a fire that did not have to start in the first place.
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Have a plan for reaching out to your partners and clients. We all get stuck in that routine of sending out holiday cards and gifts, and indeed, they are a thoughtful tradition. But do not let January turn into a month-long hangover due to a frantic December of celebrations and closing last-minute deals. Have a fresh message out, attend those events and conferences that are necessary for reaching out to your customer base, and get busy! Update your marketing collateral as well.
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Update your social media presence. One of my favorite business strategists, Kat Shoa, has some fantastic tips here. This week between Christmas and New Year's is a great chance to update your--and your firm's--social media presence. I find that reviewing your web site, as well as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter are like exploring the attic for those holiday supplies--you may often be shocked at what you find--and you either want to showcase it . . . or get rid of it.
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Rethink Green. Whether your a solar panel manufacturer, a micro-finance operation helping folks in remote areas, or wearing the hat of the Sustainability Committee chairperson at a firm that is a huge polluter, keep yourself educated on what is in store for 2010 so that you are ahead of the pack. We may see more green verification schemes to counter greenwashing, scaling of more green products allowing them to become more affordable, showy plug-in automobiles, smart grid gadgets, and improved home and building products. We really do not know what will succeed in 2010, but despite the COP15 fiasco, there will be more business opportunities in this space. And GreenGoPost.com will be there to sort them all out!
Clearly this is not a comprehensive list. I am curious what year end suggestions you may have, and welcome your comments.
Happy 2010!
Your list represents a great way to start 2010. Thanks for the tip. Happy New Year.