For most of us, winter is a time to reset and plan for the year ahead. Business never really stops, but the frantic pace of the summer slows down. As the phones ring less, use this extra time to put a plan on paper. What is it that you hope to achieve this year? Use this time to set goals that you need to work for but that are still attainable.

I like to think of the new year as a time of reflection. The winter weather tends to keep us inside more, and it allows you to regroup, refresh, and reset your body and mind after the crazy holiday season. Weight loss or working out is the most common New Year’s resolution you hear about. But what “weight” can your business afford to shed this year? 

One simple “weight loss” tip is taking your office paper-free. Not only are you helping the environment, but you are saving your company thousands of dollars a year in cases of paper. The addition of scanners to your office allows you to purge old files and get rid of bulky file cabinets. 

This is also a good time of year to tighten your financial belt. Take a good look at your company’s expenses from the previous year, and see where you can afford to “trim the fat.” Most companies provide their drivers with a company cellphone. The management of the account takes time; phones are constantly being replaced or new lines need to be added to the account. Cut costs by having your employees use their personal phones, with your business reimbursing them a set fee each month for employees to put toward their bills.

A lot of companies in our industry have to let some employees go in the wintertime. While this can be very hard, it is also an opportunity for you to “tone up” your business by hiring a better level of employee. Map out the jobs you need to fill, go through the daily tasks for each job, and outline what you expect this new employee to handle. The more detailed the job description, the better.  

All businesses can afford to shed some weight. It may consist of financial changes, weeding out poor employees, or eliminating the bulk of old processes that are outdated and tedious. Setting a new “fitness regimen” for your business means that you can head into next season lighter and ready to come out of the gate fighting. 

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About the author: Alexandra Townsend is co-owner of A Royal Flush, based in Philadelphia.