We know you’re probably sick of hearing everyone talk about their New Year’s resolutions, but there’s a reason why so many people set goals on January 1. The New Year is the perfect time to start something new, change something that’s gotten old, and make yourself even better than before.

The same can be said for your business.

While most people make a resolution to lose weight, eat better, drink more water, etc., this is a great opportunity to make a change at the office. The New Year is the perfect excuse to set goals for your business, not just yourself.

Here are 12 resolutions that will help you and your business improve in 2017. Pick a few, write them down, and make an effort to stick to them for the next 12 months.

1. Clean out the clutter

It’s nearly impossible to stay organized and productive with heaps of clutter crowding your desk. Take an hour or so this week to throw away things from 2016 that you no longer need and make room new business in 2017.

If you’re one of those people that works best with a little mess, ignore this idea and keep up the clutter!

2. Get social

It’s 2017. Social media has been here for years, and it’s safe to say it’s not going away. That means your business needs to be active on social media. You don’t necessarily need a social media manager or to dedicate 10 hours a day to monitoring Twitter and Facebook, but you do need an account, and you need to post something at least once a day. Even just a photo, a quote or a short video of something happening around the office can help engage customers. 

3. Set a goal

This might seem a bit obvious considering this is a post about goals, but hear us out. Take a second this week to think about what you want your business to accomplish in the next 12 months. Do you want to increase your sales? By how much? Do you want to expand your office space? Create a new product? You get the idea.

Set a reasonable goal for yourself and your company for 2017, write it down, and make sure everything you do is somehow connected to achieving that goal.

4. Contact your customers

Reach out to your best customers and thank them for their business over the past year. Tell them you’re looking forward to another year of partnership. Even a small gesture like an email or mailing a card can make a big impression. Customers like to know they’re appreciated, so make it a priority to show them.

5. Keep a journal

Make a resolution to write down everything that happens in 2017. Don’t just document the finances — document the good and the bad, as well. Journal about company events, a new client, a company trip, a failed business idea, etc. Keep track of everything your business does this year so you know what works and what doesn’t.

6. Use LinkedIn

LinkedIn isn’t going to be as fun as Facebook or Twitter, but it’s going to help your business. This social media tool is designed specifically for businesspeople. LinkedIn users are either looking to connect, looking for work, or looking for someone to work with. Use that to your advantage.

7. Take a survey

Email your customers and ask what they’d like to see this year. Do they want a new fragrance of perfume? A new color of lipstick? A different flavored beverage? Your business is selling solutions to your customers’ problems. Discover their problems and help solve them.

8. Attend industry events

The best way to improve your business (and yourself) is to learn something new. Take one day out of the year to attend a major industry event. One day out of 365 is not a big commitment, but it can help make a big difference for your business.

9. Learn a new skill

As mentioned above, learning something new is the best way to improve yourself and your business. In the New Year, attend an event to learn about your industry, but also take some time to learn a new skill that will help you run your business. Maybe that’s learning a new language. Maybe it’s learning how to live stream videos, or create infographics. Even something small will make a difference. 

10. Get rid of negativity

Do you have an employee that constantly complains or never gets any work done? It’s time for him/her to go. Firing employees is never easy, but bettering your business means getting rid of anyone holding you back. Make it a goal to surround yourself only with people that want to help you succeed.

11. Take a break

All work and no play is not good for business. It might seem like taking time off is counterproductive, but that’s not the case. You need to take time to rest and recharge. Even business owners need a day off here and there.

12. Advertise

A business doesn’t grow if customers don’t know about it. This year, increase your sales by increasing your publicity. Place an advertisement in a magazine or start a campaign online to drive traffic to your website.

If you’ve advertised in the past, try something different in 2017. If you usually do print advertising, mix it up with digital. Just make sure you’re getting your business noticed.