The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is upon us and it can feel impossible to get any work done between gift shopping, holiday parties and other seasonal obligations. For small-business owners, it is especially important to make the most of your time to ensure that all of your personal and professional commitments are fulfilled before year-end. To avoid running around like chicken with its head cut off, adopt these four habits to boost your productivity at work during the most wonderful—and busy—time of the year:

1. Plan Ahead

Make the most out of your morning mental clarity by prioritizing your to-do list in advance. End your work day by making an abbreviated to-do list of the most important things that you need to accomplish the next day. Limit the list to no more than three tasks and post it on your desk so that it’s the first thing you’ll see when you arrive at your desk to start your day.

2. Minimize Media Consumption

Want to improve your focus throughout the workday? Limit the time that you spend watching television and reading the news until after you have completed your to-do list. It’s important to stay abreast of current events, but when you do so during working hours, media can be a major distraction.

3. Avoid Your Inbox

Email is one of the biggest distractions that we face constantly throughout the workday. Limit the time that you spend checking your email to two or three times a day and watch your productivity soar. Sound impossible? Start small and avoid checking your inbox before you have checked one item off of your daily to-do list. If you get sucked into the black hole that is your email inbox, at least you will have already accomplished something important.

4. Stop Trying to Multitask

The brain is most effective when focusing on one task at a time. With iPhones, apps and instant availability of information, modern technology only reinforces the myth that multitasking is possible. However, neuroscientists have proven that it is in fact just a myth. Our brains can switch between tasks very quickly, for instance, when you are talking on the phone and typing an email, but we unable to thoroughly focus on more than one thing at a time.

Try implementing these simple habits into your work routine today. The increased productivity will leave you less stressed and with a healthier mindset. Want more advice for creating a healthy workplace? Check out our four tips to achieve better health for your employees.

Certain elements are essential for building a cohesive and successful company. Various factors such as a strategic marketing plan, proper training programs, a positive and motivating work environment and goal setting have a profound effect on productivity and what your company achieves. A growing business needs a stable workforce, which requires efficient employees who work at their maximum potential. Shouldn’t employee health and wellness be part of the equation?

From roofers and auto mechanics to computer programmers and administrative assistants, a healthy employee is more likely to perform tasks more efficiently and function better on the job. Optimal health encompasses physical, mental and emotional well-being. Maintaining healthy relationships with coworkers, a clean work environment and a positive outlook can also improve overall health. As an employer, you can improve company wellness by fostering a workplace that values healthy living choices.

Employees spend a substantial amount of time at their workplace, which is why your organization can have an impact on improving individual nutrition and exercise.  Improve the quality of life and reduce health risks among your team by adopting any of these four small-business wellness tips:

1.      Develop a wellness program

A wellness program provides your employees with health awareness and tools to start living healthier and maintaining healthy behaviors. When employees are exposed to good habits in a health-inspired work environment, they’re more likely to consider tweaking their lifestyle and participating in nutritional diets and physical activity. Physically and intellectually prosperous employees help increase productivity and cut back on health care costs. Create a timeline, incentive challenges and personal goals for your staff!

2.       Create a healthy break room

Many small businesses have fully stocked break rooms. Your employees aren’t benefitting from refrigerators filled with soda and cupboards containing chips, crackers, candy and cookies. Make over your break room so that the majority of available snacks are nutritional, low fat and have fewer calories. Stock your office with healthier foods such as pistachio nuts, cheese sticks, plain air-popped popcorn or sunflower seeds.

3.      Build teamwork by being active

Plan a meeting or social event around exercise. Take a walk outside to discuss a business proposal or brainstorm ideas. Schedule a weekly hike, sign up for the latest fitness craze or create an office kickball team or basketball team.  Gather your team and attend a fitness class or go for a group run after work instead of an indulgent happy hour.  In place of sugary cocktails or fried appetizers, exercise can help your employees relax and relieve stress from the workday.

4.      Socialize with healthy options

Part of the office and workplace culture revolves around social breaks, lunches, holiday parties and celebrations. Refrain from lunch take out laden with calories and fattening ingredients and avoid restaurants during your lunch outings that serve large and rich meals. Plan an office potluck with a healthy theme or cater your company event with more nutritional dishes.

Creating a healthier and nutritional work environment for your employees encourages them to commit to a life of wellness. Your company will benefit from improved performance and mindsets from employees who have fewer ailments and health risks.

An eco-friendly outlook not only benefits the environment, it can benefit your business. By adopting green business practices, your company can create a healthier workplace, save money and create a positive image.

Adopt any of the following 8 tips that can help your business be more sustainable and green:

1.      Print less

Offices print and throw away exorbitant amounts of paper a day. Use technology whenever possible as an alternative to printing physical documents.

For example:

• Use a company shared drive to transfer and update documents
• Offer employees and clients downloadable PowerPoint slides instead of individual packets

Printing less usually just requires the time and effort from each employee to consider a greener solution. Make it a priority for your staff!

2.      Use less paper

Whether you’re demolishing your Post-it piles, hitting  the print button less frequently or consolidating how much writing you fit onto a notepad, reducing the amount of paper you use helps your company’s budget and the planet’s trees.

Consider the follow tips:

• Use whiteboards to take notes or outline objectives instead of notepads or Post-its
• Print paper double-sided
• Send emails in place of faxes and physical memos

3.      Hire a green cleaning company

Many commercial cleaning companies offer green cleaning programs that include safe and healthy products and cleaning techniques. Ask your cleaning company if they clean with non-toxic and biodegradable products or how they provide environmentally conscious cleaning methods.

4.      Cut back on travel

Can you business afford to cut back on travel expenses and reduce greenhouse emissions?  You may need to reconsider your business tactics that eliminate excessive driving and high amounts of gas. Reprioritize your reasons for traveling, carpool or use a GPS to eliminate the possibility of getting lost. Walk, bike or use public modes of transportation whenever possible.

5.      Renovate your store, office building or facility

Your lighting and HVAC systems may actually be burning more energy than is necessary. Many electrical companies offer system upgrades that help buildings maximize energy and cut back on high utility costs.

Energy-efficient solutions include:

• Lighting retrofits
• Programmable thermostats
• Ceiling fans
• Heat-reflective windows and blinds
• Routine tune-ups and maintenance services
• Weather-stripping and caulking to prevent leaks and increase ventilation

6.      Incorporate green products

Can your business offer more energy-efficient products or incorporate green products into your services? For example, if you’re a flooring company, your services can include a non-toxic sealant or volatile organic compound-free (VOC) finish.

7.      Recycle

Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. These three “R’s” can be applied to any type of business. Take the time to research and implement an effective recycling program. For example, offices can recycle unused printer paper, plastic and cans. Cut back on disposable cups, plates and utensils. Recycle toner cartridges and reduce packaging. Auto repair shops, for example, can adopt recycling practices such as antifreeze, battery and solvent recycling.

8.      Buy green-certified office supplies

Stock your store or office with green office supplies from websites such as thegreenoffice.com or dolphinblue.com.  Even replacing certain supplies with eco-friendly alternatives is a step in the right direction.

Taking small steps toward becoming a greener business makes a difference. Green awareness will help your business save energy, reduce waste and take part in social change!

Acquiring new customers and maintaining current customers is essential. Keep up with your traditional advertising and marketing techniques, but know that if your products and services are not accessible on the Web, then you’re not reaching your full customer potential. Furthermore, if your products and services are not accessible on social networking sites, then you’re also not reaching your full customer potential.

The first step is to get on board with social networking. Develop a strategy and make it a priority like you would with any other marketing initiative or campaign. As you start to execute your Facebook, Twitter or Google+ ideas, avoid these four common mistakes:

1.         Misunderstanding Your Customers

Determine your target audience and understand their social networking behavior. This includes posting when potential customers are most likely to see, click on and share your posts. Do your customers want to be alerted about special offers? Would they be interested in sweepstakes or product updates? Put yourself in your customers’ shoes and brainstorm about what type of content would be most engaging and beneficial to them.

2.         Poor Social Media Etiquette

Social media is a culture and Facebook and Twitter have online social norms that may ostracize your business if you fail to follow them. For example, promote your business as well as others. Maintain friendly relationships with competitors. Extend your social networking to like-minded businesses and create beneficial cyber partnerships in which you share and offer valuable and insightful information. This will enhance your integrity and credibility as well as diversify your wide range of online offerings, which can include discounts, promotional events, topics of interest and community engagement.

3.         Neglecting a Unified & Personal Presence

Ensure that all of your marketing platforms are unified and recognizable. For example, design a Facebook page that matches your branding style and connect your social online marketing efforts to your traditional marketing efforts. Maintain a consistent and personal tone that matches the tone of your company, whether you’re a trendy fashion boutique for young children or a family-owned auto repair shop. If appropriate for your type of business, personalize your Facebook or Twitter page. Testimonials or photos can help elicit customer response and increase awareness about your products and services.

4.         Lacking Rewards

Customers are likely to read your posts, check your Facebook page or visit your website if you highlight special offers, giveaways and prizes. Example ideas include: “Share the funniest photo of your dog! The winner will receive a free dog grooming certificate!” or “The first 10 people to like this post will receive 15% off a spa service!” Also, make sure to include calls to action that refer users to your website or encourage them to sign up for emails and newsletters.

Managing your business’ social networking can be a creative, fun and effective way to develop relationships with your customers and drive company awareness. Just remember to keep your goals in place, monitor your initiatives and measure your success. Social media must be worth the investment in time and money!

You’ve already accomplished major tasks such as creating a budget, establishing a brand, developing a business and marketing plan, creating a company website and setting sales goals. But as your business works through the kinks to maintain a solid and profitable position within the marketplace, you’re naturally going to face unexpected and unpreventable challenges. However, it’s helpful to be aware of common entrepreneurial mistakes.

Avoid these five common mistakes:

1. Lack of administration

Many startups and small businesses don’t have sufficient funds or resources to dedicate to record keeping. It’s time consuming, but updating and organizing paperwork is essential for your business.  You’ll save time and money when you record sales, expenses and tax deductions. Make sure to regularly file invoices, receipts and financial statements.

2. Ignoring changes in the marketplace

Because of changes in the economic climate, the marketplace is also in a constant state of flux. Innovative products are continuously being offered and services evolve, especially with daily technological advancements. Your service may become obsolete or your offerings could be replaced with a more efficient and fashionable product. Stay up-to-date on industry trends and consumer needs. Consistently update your business strategy to accommodate growing demands.

3. Wrong attitude

Whether you’re the owner or manager, your attitude is everything. It’s important that your company values and maintains professionalism even if you have a casual working environment, you’re friendly with your staff or your team is small. As the leader of your business, if you stay positive and motivated, then your team is more likely to adopt that attitude. It’s equally important to treat your customers with respect and understanding. Referrals are a significant part of new customers and increased sales for small businesses. Overconfidence or a smug demeanor is off-putting toward customers and may cause you to make excuses for your own mistakes and failures.

4. Overlooking current customers

Never take for granted your current and local customers. Once your marketing efforts start paying off and you’ve established a following, it’s OK to keep marketing to this specific niche.  You’ll save money and benefit from these customers, also known as proven buyers, who rely on your products or services. Also, never dismiss leads and be sure to promptly respond to interested prospects. Create a uniform system for converting leads into sales. Focus on generating new leads when your current ones are exhausted.

5. Poor social and business etiquette

Small Business Trends refers to appropriate business behavior as social intelligence. Your company’s success depends on more than just logistics such as finances, high-quality products and consumer need. Social norms, respectful behavior and self awareness can make a difference in how your company’s perceived. Your personal demeanor, appearance, sales pitch and the tidiness of your store are some examples of what customers may critique you on. You don’t have to mimic your competitors or lose sight of your identity; just make sure that you’re delivering the correct message.

By acknowledging these five mistakes, you’ve increased your awareness and can switch gears if you foresee any signs of trouble. Changes don’t have to take immediate effect. Take time to develop a new strategy to prevent these or other mistakes because of a lack of planning. Mistakes of any size are redeemable and fixable as long as you can recognize your shortcomings.

Have you reached a pivotal point in your business’ growth where you think expanding is the next step? Are you ready to branch out to a new location or start a second store? Opening a new location for your business is an exciting prospect to consider but it also requires some risk and market research. Even if your business is established and enjoys a profitable position in the marketplace, you’re not guaranteed immediate profit or the same level of success with a second location.

Consider the following as you think about branching out:

Opportunity and Timing

1. Is there a large and relevant market that can support the products or services that you’re offering?

Perhaps you’ve lost potential customers because of where you’re located. Maybe your business can urbanize a growing area and there’s opportunity to fulfill an economic need. Be strategic about where and why you want to branch out. Also, be careful not to choose a location that’s too close to your original store to avoid competing with yourself.

2. Who are your potential competitors and what is your demographic?

Find a consumer need that you can fulfill and your competitors cannot. Potential customers may not be willing to accept your business if they’re loyal to an existing business that offers similar products or services. Set your business apart, offer a unique product or provide a service in an innovative way.

Gather as much information as you can. Inc. Magazine suggests using Quantcast, Compete or Spyfu to access market data, new trends and competitors.

Logistics

1. Do you have the funding and additional time?

You first priority is to not jeopardize your original business. Investing in your new business or getting a loan incurs risk. Take the time to weigh pros and cons and consider the consequences if you have to give up ownership.

The following factors require additional financial costs and energy for opening a second location:

• Leasing a space
• Stocking and maintaining new inventory
• Hiring and paying a staff
• Building a new business plan
• Training employees
• Marketing a new location

2. Can you share management responsibilities?

Opening a second location involves putting your business in the hands of a partner or experienced employee. It’s important to have someone who’s trustworthy and responsible as well as properly trained and skilled to manage the new location’s sales and services. Both stores should be able to operate in your absence.

Diversifying

Diversifying and expanding your services or products can help your business increase sales. For example, current customers may start visiting your new location in lieu of your original. If your second store offers an additional service or different type of product, then you can maximize both businesses’ full potential. Although your services may be interchangeable or diverse, make sure that your brand remains consistent and identifiable.

Profession Help

Entrepreneur.com suggests reaching out to an attorney or real estate professional to help make strategic decisions once you’ve decided on a second location. Experienced professionals can help you with the details from negotiating a lease and understanding consumers in a new area to writing a new business plan and paying unexpected fees.

Expanding your business is exciting and rewarding but only if you’re prepared!

As an entrepreneur, a business owner or even just as somebody with a dream, it’s unlikely that you haven’t been affected in some way by the legacy of Steve Jobs’, CEO of Apple Inc. and co-founder of Pixar Animation Studios. Since his death, Steve has been glorified for his profound innovations, impact on Apple’s evolution and headstrong spirit toward uncompromising success. Steve’s inspiration remains alive in Apple’s coveted products as well as his memorable words such as:

“Stay hungry. Stay foolish.”

“People with passion can change the world for the better…I’d get a job as a busboy or something until I figured out what I was really passionate about.”

“I’m convinced that about half of what separates the successful entrepreneurs from the non-successful ones is pure perseverance.”

In this digital age, Steve has become our generation’s icon for embracing brilliance, taking chances and changing the world. Whether you’re a high-profile executive or a college student, we can all internalize Steve’s drive for accomplishment and apply it to our own lives.

Passion can be innate or cultivated over time while discovering interests and talent. Feeling passion is easy. Believing in your passion is intimidating. Deciding to pursue your passion is scary. Making your passion be all that it can be is frightening.

Your passion would probably lack rewards if it was effortless to pursue. Facing challenges is part of doing anything meaningful in life. As you decide to turn your dream into a reality, preparation includes a willingness to accept obstacles and failure during any stage of the game. Achievement belongs to those who forge ahead.

Turning Dreams into Realities

As a start-up business, it’s likely that you’ve already become enamored with your passion and you’ve decided to pursue it.

Keep these tips in mind as you build your business and work hard to stay passionate:

• Believe in your work: When you truly believe that there’s a need for your work and the products and services that you’re offering fulfill that need, then you’re on the right path. The first step is turning your passion into a propeller for success by believing in what you do and how it’ll positively affect others.

• Establish your goals and stay focused: Adopt the attitude that you’re going to accomplish your goals. Promise yourself that a dissolution with your passion is non-negotiable. Also, take the time to identify clear goals that are set high but realistic.

• Understand your capabilities: Reaching for the stars is admirable and nobody should abandon their dreams or put a limit on how much you can achieve; however, truth, self-awareness and straight facts can help you determine your capabilities. Sometimes talent and drive aren’t enough and inevitable factors need to be accounted for such as money or the state of the economy.

Turn Setbacks into Successes

Perhaps your business has reached its peak or your services remain stagnant. Maybe you failed at reaching a particular goal or your business is just going through the motions.

Rediscover your passion by:

• Recognizing that staying passionate is hard work: Nobody said getting out of a rut or moving forward from failure is easy. Choosing to keep your passion alive is in your hands!

• Reinventing yourself or your business: Your business doesn’t necessarily need a complete revolution but a slight tweak can be re-inspiring.

• Initiating growth: Look for ways that can excite and expand your company. Stay on top of your competitors and think outside the box. Can you offer a new and innovative product? Can you improve your marketing strategy? Is additional training or experience an option?

• Striving for endless success: Don’t put restrictions on yourself, your company and your products or services. If you tell yourself that success is limitless, then you’ll always need your passion to take you there.

Whether your business consists of 100 or four employees, fostering a team-oriented environment will help your company achieve goals and reach successes. It’s a simple philosophy. Each employee does their part to contribute to company goals and expectations. In football, you won’t score if the quarterback, wide receivers and running backs aren’t in sync and playing as teammates who rely on one another’s skill and talent. Your business is no different. Success is achieved with individual drive and collective effort.

What is a team player?

A team player is somebody who seeks excellence beyond their own capabilities and mind set. Team players value cooperation over competition and confrontation. Team players strive to create teamwork, which produces synergy. Synergy is the act of working together rather than as individuals in a compatible manner. Team players are dependable, committed, flexible, supportive and respectful.

The Benefits of Teamwork

Every type of business benefits tremendously by instilling team players within each employee. Whether you’re an auto repair shop or advertising agency, team players can inspire one another, catch mistakes and create opportunities.

Teamwork helps:

• Individuals realize their potential
• Individuals learn and think outside the box
• Small businesses grow and expand
• Inspiration and motivation flourish
• Create positive and productive environments
• Spark innovation, new ideas and creativity
• Achieve individual as well as group success

Ways to Establish Real Team Players

It’s easy to believe in teamwork, yet day-to-day tasks and individual responsibilities may keep employees professionally reclusive and on the narrow path to personal pursuits. Teamwork requires a little sacrifice, additional effort and communication among business owners, management and employees.

Your business can maintain efficient and ongoing teamwork by:

• Establishing clear responsibilities for every employee or staff member
• Ensuring that employees understand the importance of their role within the company
• Valuing employees and their role
• Offering ways to stay informed and initiate open communication
• Maintaining the right attitude
• Looking for solutions and solving problems with the support of others as opposed to overcoming challenges on your own or in competition
• Staying up-to-date on what you’re trying to accomplish and being aware of what’s going on within the organization
• Seeking opportunities and fresh perspectives
• Participating actively and staying engaged
• Recognizing the achievements of others

Ask yourself if you’re a real team player!

• Am I reliable?
• Do I complete my work on time and follow through with my commitments?
• Am I consistent?
• Do I listen and communicate constructively?
• Am I direct, honest and respectful?
• Do I offer assistance and can I ask for help?
• Can I adapt to new situations and consider different opinions?
• Am I considerate and courteous?

You may need to re-establish your work ethic if you’re guilty of:

• Being critical, argumentative or defensive
• Being difficult to work with
• Blaming others for mistakes or shortcomings
• Focusing on personal achievements at the expense of others
• Being close-minded and judgmental

Maintaining a cohesive and effective team for your business is a never-ending process. By adopting these tips and continually re-establishing expectations and goals, your company can excel in every way!