1. Resolve to organise and track your leads.

Make certain all leads are in the computer, rated, adequately cultivated and followed up. This should increase business by at least 15 per cent.

2. Resolve to be more visible in the market.

Don't assume everyone knows you. Work on ways to be seen in the marketplace. Use public relations to attract attention.

3. Resolve to polish your image.

Is your company projecting the right image with its logo and printed materials? Give your company a new look and see how many more customers notice you. Be sure not to stray too far from the old look though, or you might loose tried and true customers.

4. Resolve to make sure your customers see you as their first choice.

Don't assume that customers are satisfied just because they do business with your company. Look for opportunities to communicate why it's prudent to do business with you.

5. Resolve to create a new niche market.

Find a niche that you can serve and where you can be an expert. Then go to work developing new business in this niche. Become the leader in this niche.

6. Resolve to develop a marketing programme.

Every business needs marketing power to thrive today. Put on paper a programme which will give you the edge. Nothing happens without a road map.

7. Resolve to think long term.

You need to worry who will be your customer two, three or five years from now. Begin communication with these prospects.

8. Resolve to improve customer communications.

Review the letters you send and think about those you could be sending. Create new, conversational letters which communicate using the word 'you' more often than 'we'.

9. Resolve to let your customers know that you appreciate their business.

It's dangerous to assume that your customers know that you care. Find ways to dramatise your commitment to your customers.

10. Resolve to view marketing and sales as an investment in the future of your business.

A constant flow of new customers who want to do business with you is the direct result of investing in an adequate marketing and sales effort.

11. Resolve to be consistent in your marketing.

Out of sight, out of mind. It takes a lot of time and hard work to remain in the mind of the customer and prospective customer.

12. Resolve to create some excitement!

It's time to beat the drums, turn up the music and let it roll. If you are not making the customer's heart go pitter-patter, you're not doing the job.

These resolutions will make a good company even better. This is the goal. They will push a business out in front of the competition and give it a strong presence in the marketplace.

Contributed by: Patrick L. Reid, marketing and business consultant, Marketing Unlimited. Email: plqreid@netzero.com