(BPT) - The end of the year provides a natural moment for reflection. Millions of individuals take this time to make resolutions and set themselves up for a productive new year, and your business can benefit from the same approach. An annual review of your business can set the stage for a successful year ahead. From assessing goals and staffing needs to reviewing processes and identifying potential gaps, the new year is an ideal time for strategic alignment and planning.
According to research from Bridges Business Consultancy, 48% of leaders spend less than one day per month discussing strategy. It's no surprise, then, that 48% of organizations fail to meet at least half of their strategic targets.
"With 2025 just around the corner, now is the perfect time to look back on the past year and recalibrate," says Brittney Passini, director of commercial lines product development at Acuity Insurance. "What have you accomplished this year? Have you made any changes you need to account for in your planning for next year?"
Passini emphasizes that the new year is not only a time to evaluate performance and set business goals but also an opportunity to ensure your insurance coverage reflects your evolving business needs. Below, she offers four tips to help position your business for success:
- Review Last Year's Performance. By analyzing your business's financial performance, project completion, employee and client relationships, and more, you can identify the best next steps for your business. Reflect on your successes and setbacks to identify operational areas needing attention. Also important, evaluate how changes - such as increased property value, expanded operations or new risks - may impact your insurance coverage. A review of your performance should go hand in hand with a review of your risk exposures.
- Update Your Business Plan. Without clear goals, progress is difficult to measure. If you don't already have specific business goals outlined, consider setting short- and long-term objectives. Rank and prioritize them based on return on investment, efficiency or productivity metrics so you can visualize progress and set priorities. Consider how trends and changes in the market, including shifts in consumer behavior and potential new regulatory requirements, could impact your goals.
- Conduct Your Annual Insurance Review. Expanding your business, changes to your operations and increasing property values can all impact your insurance needs. An annual policy review is a great idea to ensure your coverage reflects the realities of your business. Confirming your business has the right coverage can mean the difference between bouncing back from a loss and having to close your doors. This review provides a great opportunity to check if you have enough coverage for your growing business and are covered for risks you may not consider as often, including cyberthreats and supply chain disruptions. Partnering with your local insurance agent during this review can help ensure you have the right coverage tailored to your specific needs.
- Put an Emphasis on Safety. Operating safety can benefit your bottom line and retention as well as help maintain your reputation. Engaging with your insurance provider to identify risk management strategies for your business can amplify the benefits. Providers like Acuity offer loss control services that help you identify potential risks and take steps to mitigate them before they become accidents. Some techniques that can improve safety include updating training, completing risk assessments and implementing new safety measures. Working with loss prevention and risk management professionals from your insurance company can help you identify which strategies to take.
The new year is an ideal time to set your business up for success. Strategic planning should involve all aspects of your operations - including your insurance coverage. For help confirming your insurance is adequately serving your business, and to optimize risk management strategies, reach out to an independent insurance agent.