The entrepreneurs list of 2018 New Years resolutions

The entrepreneurs list of 2018 New Years resolutionsThe entrepreneurs list of 2018 New Years resolutionsNo matter how busy you are as an entrepreneur, its important to leise take the time to reflect on what you can do better in your work and life. However, even with the best of intentions, time often gets away from us and those goals to make improvements do, too. Thats why Ive started now on the changes that I want to make in 2018. While my plans to do things differently in 2018 may elend be what you had in mind for yourself, I wanted to share them as an inspiration to get started on those things you have been considering but not acting on.Return to collegeRegardless of the fact that I groe nachfrage multiple businesses, actively participate in the conference speaking circuit and have a family, Ive decided to head back to college. Ill be enrolled in the masters program for entrepreneurs at Stanford University. Its accelerated so I wont be in school for a long time. Instead, it forces me to adjust my schedule and become mora regimented and diversified in what I do every day.Plus, the work Ill be doing as part of the program will only furtherbei benefit my businesses. I can use the problems and issues I face in my own businesses as case studies for the work I have to complete to earn my degree. Taking this route also provides a different perspective that I didnt have while primarily working within my own bubble.When you consider making this kind of change to your schedule, it does require significant planning. Youll need to research the type of program you may want to enroll in, the type of degree you want to earn and the amount of time it will take. Do also take into account how long youll need to spend applying to the program, as paperwork must be filed typically months in advance.Once you are accepted, youll also need to determine which classes you might be able to take online and how it impacts on your daily work schedule, including any homework and research projects. I also had to discuss this significant change with my better half to see if it works for her schedule and how we divide up our responsibilities at home.Formalize business practicesIn the constant rush of entrepreneurship, the basics of business often are forgotten. This happens when you are on the go or are putting out fires that crop up as you build out a business. You can often overlook details regarding strict business practices, such as formalizing written policies and creating a structure for onboarding talent. These things are important. But in prioritizing what can be a mountain of responsibility, its easy to put them to the side to accomplish later.Ive realized that later long passed and that I have to make a conscious effort to formalize my business practices before the businesses gets any larger. It will take considerable work to create policies and procedures about how we work, the parameters and restrictions on any freelancers I hire and the need for security m easures. Additionally, I am implementing an onboarding program that includes an agreement for each freelancer or employee, online training and team integration. This will ensure that everyone is on the same page and operates more efficiently as a cohesive unit.Define a company cultureMany entrepreneurs believe that a company culture is not necessary for startups and that you can work on developing it later in the business. I realized quickly that the culture starts with me and how I interact with those who work with me. Its never too late to get started with culture.Thats why its a priority for me in 2018. Since I already have a team in place, I am including them in developing the definition by asking them what they would like to see in our culture and how we can all make those values a reality, even when virtually spread across the world. Involving the team in the process will help them embrace the new culture more quickly than if I simply tell them about it.Once it is established, I plan to regularly communicate about what it means and how we can make it our own. Additionally, I plan to ask other members of my team to share what the culture means to them. This will help me understand each person, whats important to them and what they expect from me.Take on more social causesAs I participate as a speaker at larger conferences and further develop my thought leadership position online, I see an opportunity to leverage this growing audience and influencer ability to publicize social causes that are important to me. If I dont, then Im not taking advantage of the role to generate awareness and move people to action beyond just marketing my company and personal brands.It doesnt have to feel like a soapbox. Instead, share the various projects or roles that you have taken on in the new year. I like to mention helping others locally in Silicon Valley and around the world through projects my wife and I get involved in while we travel. Simply sharing these causes and ex plaining why you got involved is a perfect way to influence others, including fellow entrepreneurs, team members or customers to do the same.What I wont be doing differently in 2018There are some things I dont plan on changing. Ill still work just as hard albeit smarter. There wont be any slowing down. It will be about finding ways to further accelerate my goals.John Ramptonis the founder of Palo Alto, California-basedCalendar, a company helping your calendar be much more productive.This column first appeared at BusinessCollectiveMore from Ladders10 ridiculously smart questions you should ask in a job interviewNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happy6 reasons recruiters say theyll toss your resume in the trash