Rhonda Abrams The Passionate Entrepreneur

Here's how to get a fresh start for your business in 2007:

Follow-up with prospects

In the course of a year, you meet many people who have the potential to become clients or customers. But when you go back to the office or shop, "real" work takes over and you forget to give them a call or send them an email. In 2007, fast follow-up is a priority!

Stay in touch with referral sources

Make a list of 10 to 20 people who are -- or have the potential to be -- top sources of new business referrals. Tape this list to your computer or put it somewhere where you can see it every day. Stay in touch with these top referral sources regularly, at least every two months.

Keep learning

Your business can't grow if you don't. Whether you work alone or have a thousand employees, you are your company's most critical asset. Attend trade shows, read journals, take seminars, or hire a consultant to teach you new skills.

Back up your data

What I've learned from problems such as having a hard disk crash is that you've got to have a secure backup system for your most important data.

Improve your web presence

If you don't have a web site for your business, get one. If you already have one, learn how to increase the number of visitors you get through search engine advertising. You can find tools and help at Yahoo! Small Business.

Throw stuff away

Is your desk as littered as mine? How about your computer; is it filled with years of old emails? Get rid of the clutter. Store important documents -- tax-related papers and client records -- safely, and then start the new year with a clean slate!

Stay in touch with former clients

One of Rhonda's Rules: "It's cheaper to keep an existing customer than to find a new one." Find an easy way to communicate with your customers, past and present. I've discovered the benefit of having a newsletter myself; a few years ago, I started a free monthly newsletter for my readers.

Do something for the environment and reduce energy use

There are lots of great reasons to conserve -- to save money, save the planet, and help make America energy independent. Carpool, take public transportation, and bike or walk to work. Turn down the heat, turn off office machines and the lights, and take one less trip. Use recycled paper. Use the back side of paper for draft copies. Make a difference.