5 New Year Resolutions for Everyone
by Ed Duncan, Consultant, SBSC, MCSE, MCSA
As we ring in a new year, (and a new decade), I know many of you are excited about setting new resolutions and goals for the year. I want to share some of my top five resolutions that should be on everyone's list.
1. Continuing education
Learning something new is always a worthwhile goal, regardless of your age or profession. My resolution is to become proficient in an area of IT that I'm not particularly strong in, refresh skills that I haven't used in awhile, and achieve a new IT certification. For those of you not in a tech related industry, you may want to go after a higher degree like an MBA, take a course in a subject that interests you, learn a new language, or train in a new skill. If there's any lesson that can be learned from last year's recession is that it is important to keep yourself marketable to new clients, and the ability to demonstrate expertise in your field to your business partners. If you don't have something different and valuable to offer, they most likely will not use your services.
2. Spruce up your website
I'm not a marketing genius, but in IT, change is generally good. When was the last time you gave your website a makeover? If you look at the websites of some of the top businesses in the country, you'll see that many of them change the content on their landing page quite frequently. The more often your content changes, the more likely you will attract attention, especially from repeat customers, just look at Amazon.com. If your website hasn't changed in over a year, you may want to consider giving it new life by throwing on a new fresh coat of paint. Also sending out a monthly newsletter is a great way to compliment your website by informing your clients of new content they can check out.
3. R.I.P. Windows 2000 and Windows XP
This resolution is not so much for me, but for those that refuse to let go of Windows 2000 and Windows XP. This year Windows XP turns 8 years old. In dog years, that's about 56. In computer years, that's about 120! The most common reason I hear from people as to why they don't upgrade is based on rumors or misinformation that their applications or devices won't work. In some cases that is true. I recently had a client that was forced to buy a new printer after upgrading to Windows 7 Professional 64-bit because the printer manufacturer did not develop 64-bit drivers for the printer, and had no plans of doing so. The manufacturer had discontinued supporting that particular printer model a few years back, so they can't be blamed for not developing new Windows 7 drivers for it. If you use legacy hardware and applications then consider upgrading, especially in a business environment. You don't want to be caught in a situation where urgent support is required but the manufacturer will not assist because they've ended support for the device or application that you're still using.
4. Review and adjust your business plans
This is something prudent business owners do anyway, but after the tumultuous year we just had, this is true ever more so. Many businesses had lines of credit cut, projects put on hold, employee layoffs, and losses in revenue. It would be no surprise to find that many businesses failed to achieve company objectives last year. Starting off the new year reviewing those goals, and setting new ones, adjusting plans when necessary is a wise course of action.
5. Take some time to unplug from work
This is a resolution I listed last year, but feel it is worth repeating again. All work and no play can lead to a very stressful and shortened life. Urban Meyer, the head football coach for the University of Florida is a perfect example. He recently took an indefinite leave of absence from the program citing health concerns. He built one of the most successful programs in college football, yet his competitiveness to be the best landed him in the hospital once last year. Take his cue and know when to disconnect from the office and spend some time relaxing with family and friends.