2018 is just around the corner. That means endless possibilities for small businesses to grow and thrive. The coming year will be much like this one, but there will also be significant improvements. Businesses are already anticipating a more mobile-oriented sales approach. There will be new smart gadgets and personal tech trends to anticipate in the New Year. Not to mention the new changes to the business environment that the upcoming tax bill would bring. It will definitely be a whirlwind year for small businesses, for either good or bad. Here are several strategies small business owners can deploy with the approaching New Year, courtesy of Global Resources LLC consultants:

Stay Informed—Do you know what is happening in your business sector? You really should. Gather your managers and executives to attend webinars, networks and small business council meetings to understand what trends are driving the sector that you work in. Information is key to anticipating challenges in the New Year. Therefore, read the news and stay updated on what’s going on.

Gather More Data—Data is essential for developing sound strategies for marketing and managing the business. In addition to gathering customer data, use data collection apps to develop a keen understanding of overall trends that are moving markets. This is not as expensive now as it once was. For example, IBM recently launched an app called Watson Trend that analyzes what’s hot in consumerism. Using the app is not expensive, so even the tiniest businesses can afford it. Use tools like this to utilize available data to improve your overall business.

Get Ready for Omni-Channel Marketing—Omni-channel marketing is an updated version of multichannel marketing where the customer is provided with a seamless marketing experience across various channels. In 2018 and beyond, omnichannel marketing will become a necessity as customers start using multiple devices at once. People are already browsing the internet using desktops, smartphones, tablets, smartwatches and voice-controlled smart home gadgets. In the near future, marketing efforts will have to be present on all these channels to stay competitive.

Know What You Did Wrong (or Right) This Year—How exactly did your company fare in 2017? Did your business achieve goals you initially set out to accomplish? Did the business improve or did the customer base shift? To avoid mistakes and be more efficient in the coming year, request Global Resources LLC Reviews to understand your small business better.

Follow the above and 2018 will very likely be a great year for your business. Enjoy your holidays!