If you are a retailer, it’s easy to fall into a lull after the excitement of the holiday season gives way to the relative tranquility of January.

Here are three things you can do to move your business forward…

1) CLEAR THE DECK of past issues.  Are there problems that need to be resolved? Phone calls that need to be made?  Checks that need to be written? Employees that need to be talked to?  Signs that need to be fixed?  Documents that need to be sent to the accountant for taxes? MAKE YOUR BUSINESS A NO PROCRASTINATION ZONE. You’ll feel better when you are caught up.

2) LET THE #’s EXCITE YOU.  Have you created a budget for 2008?  Now is the time to analyze your financial performance for 2007 and make some projections for 2008.  If your projected profitability is not what you want it to be, then what changes can you make? Trim expenses?  Find new efficiencies? Adjust your merchandising or marketing?  Set a new, higher profit goal and work backwards to see what you need to do to get there.

3) IMPLEMENT POSITIVE CHANGE. What things have you been thinking about that you know will improve your sales or operations?  What things did you identify in the sugestion above (#2) to help you reach your aggressive goal?  DO IT.

You can be in control of your business.  Take small, meaningful steps. Be consistent in your progress.  Slow & steady can win the race.