My Business Resolutions for 2014

2013 was a great year for Guidant. We celebrated our tenth anniversary, launched a new website and helped hundreds of people realize their business ownership dreams. As the year comes to a close it’s tempting to mentally check out and enjoy the social parts of the season. But I’ve found that the quieter time that comes with people being on vacation is perfect for doing some deep thinking about want I want to accomplish in the coming year. Here are my resolutions for 2014:

1. Provide even greater value to our clients through education.

Knowledge is power, and when people have the facts about the different ways they can become business owners, they are empowered to choose what’s right for them. Our new website has a section called “Study Hall” devoted to educating would-be business owners.

2. Raise the awareness of Rollovers as Business Startups (ROBS).

The greatest challenge of our business is that potential business owners have either never heard of ROBS, or, because of its complexity make the faulty assumption that there is something quasi-legal about it. Nothing could be further from the truth.

3. Encourage more team camaraderie and empathy. 

It should never be one team versus the other (except during our annual Guidant Olympics). I resolve to make job shadowing, mentorship, and teamwork a priority in 2014.

4. Invest in technology to enhance customer experience. 

We won’t continue to be successful unless we continue to deliver—and improve on—the white glove treatment that has made us a leader in the alternative financing space. Investing in technology that delights the customer is an important way to do this.

5. Eat healthier in the office.

I like to surprise and reward my hardworking staff with regular treats. I love doughnuts. My team loves the doughnuts. But maybe it’s time to find a healthier alternative. If you hear something in January about a mutiny at Guidant…blame the doughnuts.

David Nilssen is the CEO & Co-Founder of Guidant Financial. Read more tips about becoming a successful entrepreneur in his book, Making the Jump into Small Business Ownership. He can be found on Twitter at @DavidNilssen.