It’s a new year, which means it’s time to dive into our business goals—and start working to achieve them!
To help out, we rounded up resources on the topics we dive into as we start every new year.
1) Use science to achieve your goals
Research reveals that “goal setting is a scientifically proven way to restructure your brain cells so that you’re massively more successful.” But not all goals are created equal.
When setting goals for your consulting business, research shows the best goals are specific, personally motivating, and accompanied by a clear process. To dig into the details of what this looks like for consultants, check out our piece on how to set consulting business goals.
Once you have your goals, the research says that achieving them gets a whole lot easier once you do two things. First, you should develop a concrete plan for achieving your goals (think step by step, day by day planning). Second, you want to build a system for accountability and support (think peer groups, mentorship, or coaching).
2) Get your business admin sorted
Successful consulting businesses require vision, energy, and paperwork! To keep things simple, our consulting business administrative checklist provides the top nine admin areas you should ensure are covered at the start of each year.
You might also want to consider purchasing or renewing insurance coverage for your business. If you’re not sure if you need insurance or what types are available, check out our in-depth look at the topic: Do nonprofit consultants need insurance?
3) Make sure you have a budget for your consulting business
Even if you already have a 2025 budget for your business, January is a perfect time to revisit it. You’ll want to be sure to spend time on both income and expenses—and make sure they align. Be sure you’re setting aside funds for key elements like tax responsibilities, business registrations, annual subscriptions, and business and professional development.
For more budgeting guidance, check out our article on the six must-haves for your consulting business budget.
4) Finally, get that website up (or updated)!
For many consultants, launching or updating their website is something that’s always on the to-do list but never at the top. One reason is that it is surprisingly difficult to write about yourself!
Over the next year, we will be sharing some bonus website creation guidance—including delving into how to get search traffic to your site. But for now, check out our short article that breaks down the five key things you must have on your website.
