As we wind down another year, many small-business owners are starting to think about the future. How will you grow your business in 2020? How will you make better use of your time? How will you take things to the next level, both personally and professionally?

In considering these questions, here are some specific resolutions you might entertain.

Resolve to network diligently

In theory, most business owners understand the importance of networking: Getting to know other people in your industry, or in related industries, can be an important way for you to expand your services, gain new referrals and forge meaningful partnerships. 

But in actual practice, this is an area where a lot of entrepreneurs fall short. Attending networking events can be time-consuming and may also push you beyond your comfort zone. 

In the coming year, resolve to attend at least a couple of professional seminars, conferences or networking events. And try to make a few new connections at each one.

Resolve to invest time into social media

Social media can be a powerful tool for building and sustaining relationships, yet it’s only going to be effective if you put some time into it. Consistent social media activity can be a boon to your business, but only posting once in a blue moon is frankly a waste of time.

You don’t need to commit to anything too ambitious. If a post per day is too much, maybe consider twice a week? The important thing is to develop a rhythm, then stick to it.

And you don’t need to overanalyze what kind of content to share on social media. It can be informal and fun. Maybe some candid behind-the-scenes photos of your team, which helps to “humanize” your company so customers develop stronger attachments.

Resolve to delegate

As an entrepreneur, you’re ultimately responsible for everything that happens under the umbrella of your company. The buck stops with you.  

And yet, that doesn’t actually mean you have to do everything single-handedly. In fact, it’s foolish to try. You hired a team, and now you need to trust them to handle simple and repeatable tasks, allowing you to focus on activities that are more big picture and strategic. That’s the kind of balance on which most successful businesses are based.

In 2020, resolve to find some new ways to delegate responsibility to your team members, perhaps by finding or helping them develop new skill sets. If you feel like you can’t delegate to the people you’ve hired, maybe your 2020 resolution should be recruiting some new talent with a broader range of competencies.

Resolve to avoid burnout

One more suggestion: Small-business owners can be notoriously reluctant to take any time off for themselves. Working long hours and never taking days off doesn’t actually make you more productive over the long run. It leads to a higher risk of burnout.

In 2020, resolve to take more time for your own mental well-being: shorter days, actual weekends, even a vacation. It’s not wasted time. On the contrary, it’s an investment in your ongoing health, productivity and creative energy.

These are only a few resolutions you might consider as you brainstorm ways to make 2020 your most successful year yet.