It’s the New Year, and many of you are probably wondering how you can make your home-based business even more successful than it was last year. There are many ways that you can find increased success in 2011. Here are a couple of ideas for things that you might want to do this year – perhaps even right now, today, or this week.
It’s time to update your résumé. This is an important thing to do each year, because you are constantly acquiring new skills as you go about your work. Even though you may not be out there applying for jobs in the traditional sense, many home-based workers show their résumé to potential clients as part of the client-getting process. If you have a web site through which you solicit work, why not post your résumé on there so that potential clients can see all of the great skills that you have in addition to your work experience and educational background. If you don’t want to post it on your web page for all to see, make a note on your contact information page that informs interested parties that they can contact you if they want to see your résumé – “résumé and references available upon request”. Freelancers and other home-based workers can use their résumé to help them get contracts by posting it as part of their profile on sites like oDesk and Elance where they go to find jobs to bid on. Keeping your résumé up to date ensures that potential clients see the most up to date information about your skills and work experience. This is just one way that you may be able to increase the number of clients, contracts, or jobs that you get this year.
Check your certifications, licenses, and other credentials to see whether they are up for renewal this year. Being aware of renewal dates can help you plan ahead and prepare to do whatever is necessary (paperwork, dues, fees, etc.) to keep all of your credentials in good standing at all times. For example, I must renew my attorney’s license every two years as well as complete a certain amount of hours of mandatory continuing legal education. Many professional licenses have similar requirements. While you are thinking about certifications, licenses, and the like, why not think about whether there are any courses or certifications that you do not currently have that you could get this year. Adding new skills to your repertoire is a great way to keep your career moving forward.
What kinds of things are you doing this year to help make it your most successful year ever?