New Year Resolutions

There is something very refreshing about starting a new year when you own a small business. It's the anticipation of what the year will bring and the opportunity to set new goals. It can also be overwhelming because of the pressure to use this fresh start to your advantage. Here at Take Root Creative, I tried to create some goals that are easily achievable while others will take a little work. I believe that all of these things will have a positive impact on the business and myself, so here's to 2012!

1. Read one article a week about an inspiring entrepreneur
• When I do take the time to read about other entrepreneurs (usually in the National Post, Globe & Mail, or Mashable) it always gives me new energy and drive so why not have that every week?
2. Create one new offering a month for my clients
• This is easier when you have a retail operation, but as a service based business it takes some brainstorming but the end result is worth it!
3. Engage more with other professionals in my industry on Twitter
• I currently use Twitter for research, posting my own thoughts and responding to other people, but there is a lot more engaging on important topics that could be happening.
4. Attend at least one design conference
• Living within about an hour of Toronto, I have no excuse to not do this
5. Take lots of photos and become more observant of the world around me
• I have heard more than one person say that when they stop their daily rush to take a photo, you not only get inspired by the little things in your everyday life, but you appreciate them more too.
6. Learn how to make cinemagraphs (Not sure what these are? Click here and here to see the work of a master in the field. PS: it is not a video)
• This is a big challenge since I would want to do it effectively
7. Visit other local designers/artists in their studios. 
• There are a lot of blogs that showcase creative people in their studio and I find it incredibly inspiring. Why not do that locally instead of in front of my computer (where I already spend a lot of time)?

Do you have your own business resolutions? Personal ones? Print them off or write them down and stick them in a place where you'll see them everyday. It will take you one step closer to making it happen.