Top 5 New Year's Resolutions

The Professional Service Provider's Top 5 New Year's Resolutions:

Resolution #1: Thank those who provide you with work. You would be astounded at the number of lawyers, accountants, bankers and others who freely admit that they do not properly thank those who have provided them with referrals throughout the year. Thank those who help you immediately and make it your mission to help them in return.

Resolution #2: Keep your referral sources in the loop. If a professional service provider graces you with an introduction to a potential client, keep them informed of your progress with the client and include them whenever possible in meetings.

Resolution #3: Create a team approach. The best professional service providers are true consultants: they listen for a need and act on the best interests of the client. Listen carefully to the needs of your prospects and clients. As you listen to their needs, ask yourself, Who in my network can also help this client? When you promote a team approach, you help those in your network while satisfying the needs of your client.

Resolution #4: Ask your clients for feedback. What's more important than gaining new clients? Keeping your existing clients. Check in with your clients on a regular basis to ask them about their experience with your group. Ask about their challenges and develop creative new ways to provide value.

Resolution #5: Keep an open mind and heart. Make the most of your talented team to storm the market with ideas and approaches that will set new standards of excellence. Make this a spectacular year.

Those are my top five. Let's not settle for anything less. And, last but not least, take the time to assist those who have suffered health and career setbacks--your friends need you. Happy New Year!