It’s that time of the year again! Where more than half of the population is chanting, “New year, new goals!” But let’s get real for a second: is anything truly “new” when all that changed was the date on our calendars?
Here’s a truth bomb for you: 80% of resolutions fail. Yup, the majority of us, despite our best intentions, end up reverting to old patterns. And for business owners, that failure hits harder because your goals don’t just impact you; they also affect your business.
So, why does this happen? Why do so many business owner's resolutions fizzle out before February? Let’s talk about it.
We dream big, which is great, but sometimes we dream too big. For instance, deciding you’re going to triple your revenue in three months without a solid strategy is like saying, “I’ll run my entire business without a budget plan.” It’s not just unrealistic; it’s unsustainable.
You set a goal: “I want to reach the right target audience for my business." But did you strategize on how to reach your target audience? Where to find them and how? Diving in without a plan is like trying to launch a product without market research—it’s a recipe for chaos.
Resolutions kept in your head are easy to ignore. If you don’t share your business goals with a mentor, partner, or even people you work with, who’s there to nudge you when you’re slipping?
Here’s the thing: change is uncomfortable. Trying to transform your business overnight, like switching all your manual processes to digital or overhauling your entire customer service approach, is like trying to dash a marathon. You’ll burn out before you even hit the halfway mark.
Many businesses overlook the role of technology in streamlining operations. Building a website for your business with a seamless checkout experience can significantly improve sales and customer satisfaction. If you’re still waiting for customers to call or visit your store, it’s time to meet them online where they already are.
Now that we know where things go wrong, let’s talk about how to fix them.
You’ve heard this before, but it works, make your goals Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example, instead of saying, “I want more customers,” say, “I’ll increase my customer base by 20% in six months through targeted social media ads.” See the difference? One is a wish; the other is a game plan.
Think of your goals as a road trip. You wouldn’t just hop in the car and hope you end up at your destination, right? Break your big goals into smaller tasks, like milestones on a map. Want to expand your business to a new location? Start with researching markets, then securing funding, and finally scouting for spaces.
Accountability is your secret weapon. Share your goals with a trusted mentor, join a business group. When others are invested in your success, you’re less likely to let things slide.
Let’s be real, things will go wrong. A supplier will delay your order. A campaign might flop. But don’t let one setback derail the entire goal. Celebrate small wins, like signing one new client instead of five, and use failures as lessons.
Running a business is hard enough without beating yourself up over every misstep. Didn’t hit your sales target this month? Analyse why, adjust, and move forward.
Offering multiple payment options like Tap-to-Pay, Cards, USSD and Bank transfers ensures convenience for your customers and improves their overall experience.
Here’s the secret sauce, resolutions shouldn’t feel like a temporary diet, they should feel like a sustainable lifestyle shift. If you want your business to thrive, focus on building long term habits. Maybe that means dedicating one day a week to strategy, automating repetitive tasks, or improving your leadership skills.
Think of this as an opportunity to refine, not reinvent, your business. You’re not starting from scratch, you’re building on what you’ve already achieved.
As we step into the new year, remember this! Success isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress. It’s about learning from what didn’t work, celebrating what did, and staying consistent. So, to all the business owners, this year, we are not just setting goals—we are smashing them. And if your business goals include simplifying payment processes, building trust with customers, and boosting efficiency, Swwipe is here to help you every step of the way.
Cheers to a year of growth and greatness!
Multiple payment opportunities, one device — your smartphone.
