Small businesses, we see you and we are proud of you! We know that having a small business, especially in a time like this, is not easy. Despite difficult circumstances, you continue to follow your dreams, and that is something to be recognized and celebrated! 

As the year wraps, here are a five tasks and reminders for you small business CEO’s to remember: 

Thank your team members 

As a small business CEO, you know it takes a village. While employee gratitude and recognition most likely occurs year round, it is important to recognize your team members and all they do for your business at the end of the year. Whether it looks like a handwritten thank you note and a gift card, a  holiday party for employees and their families, or an end-of-year bonus, make sure your team is recognized and rewarded; you know your business would not be happening without them. 

Write an end of year company memo 

An end-of-year company memo is an opportunity to reflect on the business’s year, the impact it had on the community as well as the employees, and sparks excitement for the next year. Have employees keep track of their accomplishments and favorite parts of the year in business and log them for recognition and future comparison. 

Make sure all projects and orders are invoiced and collected 

Do an end-of-the year sweep of all orders and double check that all the necessary data has been collected and invoiced. Cross the “t’s” and dot the “i’s”! 

Log the year’s accomplishments/growth 

Combining the company memo and final invoices, make a CEO master list of the year at a glance for your small business’s accomplishments. This will be useful in various ways, for future investors to reference, to use as a baseline for setting goals for the new year, and to compare to years down the road. 

Create a dream board for the new year 

A dream board is a visualization for goal-setting and allows you to set goals in a creative yet attainable manner. As the year wraps up, search for images that represent the vision you have for your small business in the coming year and compile them in a file to cut and paste on a vision board. Consider using this board to present to your team in the new year to kick it off with anticipation and motivation!