The Importance of Planning for Business Growth in the New Year
As a new year begins, it not only marks the start of a new calendar but also presents an opportunity for businesses to adjust their processes and set strategies for growth in 2026. Avoiding common practices such as lack of planning, neglecting finances, and postponing innovation can significantly impact a business’s growth.
Expert Insights from Ignacio Ortiz, Pro Evolution Pymes
Ignacio Ortiz, co-founder of Pro Evolution Pymes, emphasizes the significance of starting to plan at the beginning of the year: “It’s a great opportunity to define a strategy, as it usually comes with good wishes for the upcoming year.”
Benefits of Adopting New Practices in Your Business
Implementing new practices at the start of the year can lead to process optimization, new opportunities, improved reputation, and attracting top talent. According to the Mexican Entrepreneur Association (Asem), the top three areas for improvement within businesses are sales and customer retention strategy (54%), communication, marketing, and advertising (41.7%), and online sales management (14%).
Considerations Before Implementing New Practices
To ensure that new practices are sustainable, it’s crucial to consider the external environment. This includes economic trends and sector-specific developments. As Ortiz explains, “If we don’t take a pause to strategize about what the year holds and define internal actions, as well as how external factors impact us, we risk losing momentum.”
Five Practices to Kickstart the Year Successfully
While each business is unique, Ignacio Ortiz highlights common situations across many companies that can be improved with new practices:
- 1. Establish a Savings Fund: Some businesses, like bakeries or toy stores, experience their strongest periods in January, while others face a slow season. Building a savings fund can help navigate through slower periods and avoid potential crises.
- 2. Enhance Social Media Presence: A practical goal for the year is to improve content on social media platforms. Experimenting with formats and designs can help engage your audience more effectively.
- 3. Invest Internally: Upgrading office furniture, tools, or equipment is not an unnecessary expense but a strategic investment. A lack of internal investment can lead to stagnation and increased employee turnover.
- 4. Improve Financial Management: Poor financial management can even lead to a business’s downfall. Ortiz notes that it’s common to see “wealthy entrepreneurs with struggling businesses.” While short-term income may seem appealing, long-term stability is compromised by this mismanagement.
- 5. Reinvent Your Business: To foster growth, it’s essential to try new things like launching a product or creating internal dynamics. Start with small changes to ensure the practice remains sustainable.
In addition to New Year’s resolutions, the key for businesses is to establish a 12-month planning horizon, regardless of the starting month, as long as goals are not abandoned.
