Get a Head Start on Making 2012 Prosperous

The Better Business Bureau offers a checklist to help you plan for 2012:

Plan Strategically
In order to plan where you want to be one year from now, evaluate your current business successes. Take the time to update finances, the business plan and the budget to set realistic goals for 2012.

Redefine Your Branding
Evaluate how you reach your current and future customers and determine methods to enhance your product and service offerings. This may be as simple as developing a new tagline or as indepth as investing in new technology. Determine what items should be implemented and add those to your budget for 2012.

Finalize 2011 Projects
Review your to do lists and ask your employees to do the same. Assign deadlines to finish these tasks or reevaluate for the following year.

Prepare for Tax Season
Contact your tax accountant or visit the Internal Revenue Service's web site and order forms for the upcoming tax season. Start gathering receipts for a faster tax preparation. Remember any employee that earned more than $600 during 2011, including contract laborers, should receive a tax form.

Complete Employee Reviews
Schedule time with employees to complete year-end reviews, revisit goals and celebrate accomplishments. Identify the training and resources needed to develop your employees both professionally and personally.

Take Inventory
Take a physical inventory of your office equipment and supplies. Make sure you have replacement insurance coverage for all company assets.

Thank Your Customers
Year-end is the perfect time to send an email or holiday card thanking your customers for their business. Include a short survey to help elicit feedback on how you can improve your products and services in 2012.