Leadership Resolutions to Drive Small Business Success in 2015

SOUTHBURY, CT--(Marketwired - Jan 29, 2015) - As a small business grows and company culture and structure evolves with the various and changing industry landscapes, the leadership styles of those business owners tend to reflect that evolution. In order to maintain strong leadership skills that are crucial in any developing or established business, AdviCoach, a national business coaching and advisory firm customized for small- to mid-size businesses (SMBs), provides the top three leadership goals every business owner should have to drive business and effectively lead their team in 2015.

"After reflecting on the year prior, it's important for small business owners to recognize the leadership skills they've acquired over time as well as embrace the areas they need to improve on," says AdviCoach founder Terry Powell. "Studies show that when an individual takes time to set goals to guide their year, they are likely to achieve more than if they don't set goals."

Kicking off the New Year, these leadership goals should be at the top of every entrepreneur's list:

1. Lead by Example: Not all entrepreneurs or small business owners are natural leaders, so leading by example is not always easy. Employees often look to their supervisors for guidance and advice though, so as long as the small business owner follows the rules and guidelines that they themselves have set for their staff, employees are encouraged to follow suit. Leading by example can help shape an owner's image as a role model within their business and among its community, which can in turn lead to increased productivity, positively impacting their bottom line.

2. Be More Honest: Sometimes it's easier to tell a white lie rather than being blunt, however each occurrence reduces credibility. When leaders lose their credibility, they lose authority and respect among their peers. To prevent this, small business owners are encouraged to be completely transparent with both their employees and customers. For example, if you make a mistake with a customer or employee, don't try and blame it on another factor or person. Owning fault will increase the trust that customers and employees have in the business as well as the business owner.

3. Become a Savvier Networker: It's all about who you know, and the best leaders have the most connections. All small business owners should be networking pros, but it's not always that easy. A little practice can go a long way, and once you've talked to a few people, it should become easier and easier. Set a goal to attend a certain number of networking events. The more people you meet, the more potential customers or business partners you meet in turn, and this could be a real bonus for your business.

When considering leadership skills for business owners, these are just three of the countless qualities that the best small business owners should possess. Small business owners should always be refining their leadership skills, and what better way to do so then by making a few New Year's resolutions?

"Leadership qualities do not come naturally to all people, but these goals are absolutely effective ways that entrepreneurs and small business owners can improve upon their leadership skills in order to better drive their ventures and staff," Powell said. "It is crucial to establish attainable goals and benchmarks for your business as a way to evaluate your success, especially when it comes to taking ownership of your business and accountability as a leader. This not only garners respect and appreciation from employees, but reflects on your customers and the community."

If improving leadership qualities is a key goal for 2015, then consider connecting with a small business coach. A trusted, third-party resource provides an outsider's perspective and can help identify ways to become a better leader.

For more insight on this topic and advice on other small business challenges, visit the AdviCoach blog at http://advicoachblog.com.

About AdviCoach
With more than 30-years of experience in business coaching, AdviCoach is the premier source for business coaching and advisory services customized for small to mid-size businesses (SMBs). The AdviCoach business model is designed to empower SMB owners to increase the productivity and value of their businesses through unique coaching methodologies and the deployment of "Rapid Impact Strategies," ultimately reaching long-term Income, Lifestyle, Wealth, and Equity goals. Part of Franchise Source Brands International™, AdviCoach and its sister company The Entrepreneur's Source dominate $1.5 billion industry with a commanding 33 percent of the business coaching and consulting franchise market in North America. For further information, visit http://www.advicoach.com/.