Next year promises to be potentially even tougher for small business than this year, so it’s more important than ever to concentrate on the basics, so here are 6 quick tips to focus on solidifying your business and hopefully growing it in 2012. Good luck !

• Utilise the fact that there are some great sales people who may work on a commission only basis – in this market there are some genuinely hungry and skillful salespeople out there. A commission only arrangement keeps your overheads down and maintains flexibility which will be a key them for 2012

• Stay in close contact with your customers and create a strong core for your business. Take the time to try and get together with your customers and look to find ways to help them as well in any way you can. In times of trouble it’s vital to pull together. Resist overkill in contacting your clients but be aware that your competitors will be as determined if not more so than ever before to dislodge you from your relationships with key customers.

• Contempt prior to investigation is  a serious flaw – in the past few years affiliate relationships have become far more common, but it is all too easy to be cynical about such arrangements. Affiliate relationships can create an extra revenue stream and tie in well, in appropriate circumstances with the increasing requirement for customers or contacts to look for tied in solutions, recommendations, synergies or a one stop shop approach

• Seek additional revenue sources that are low cost and yield high returns

• Reduce fixed overheads and seek short term and flexible arrangements wherever possible. Look to whether you can renegotiate any supplier arrangements to your advantage.

• Don’t be afraid to ask for help – Referrals are a vital source of business and happy customers should be willing to assist. If you don’t ask you don’t get, and you need to ask regularly although strike a balance between regular and desperate and incessant.

• Budget and plan for next year’s known or likely tax changes with your accountants. Planning and strategy are vital for business success and good planning can save you tax.