We write business plans for U.S. and Canadian immigration, and assist entrepreneurs in growth and capital raising.

Essential Steps for Business Owners to Kickstart the Year

Essential Steps for Business Owners to Kickstart the Year

As a business owner, the beginning of a new year offers a unique opportunity to reassess, plan, and set the stage for success in the coming months. To ensure your business starts the year on the right foot, consider incorporating these crucial steps into your strategy.

1. Tax Planning and CPA Consultation

One of the first steps to position your business for success is to engage in comprehensive tax planning. Schedule a meeting with your Certified Public Accountant (CPA) to review your financial standing, assess potential tax liabilities, and strategize ways to optimize your tax position.

Understanding your tax obligations early on allows you to make informed decisions throughout the year, minimizing surprises during tax season. A proactive approach to tax planning not only ensures compliance but also contributes to overall financial stability.

2. Set SMART Goals

Goal-setting is a fundamental aspect of business planning, but it's essential to be strategic about it. Embrace the SMART criteria for goal-setting: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Define your goals with clarity and precision, ensuring they are realistic and align with your business vision.

For instance, instead of a vague goal like "increase revenue," make it specific and measurable, such as "achieve a 15% increase in monthly sales by the end of Q2." SMART goals provide a roadmap, making it easier to track progress and celebrate achievements.

3. Work on an Itemized Budget

A detailed budget is your business's financial compass. Start the year by creating a comprehensive budget that outlines your income, expenses, and financial goals. Break down your budget into categories, ensuring you allocate resources strategically.

Regularly revisit and adjust your budget throughout the year to reflect changes in your business landscape. This proactive approach helps you maintain financial control, identify potential issues, and capitalize on emerging opportunities.

4. Invest in Yourself: One-on-One Business Coaching

Personal and professional development is a cornerstone of sustained success. Consider investing in one-on-one business coaching to gain personalized insights, guidance, and strategies tailored to your specific challenges and goals.

A business coach can provide valuable perspectives, help you navigate complex decisions, and refine your leadership skills. The investment in coaching often yields significant returns by enhancing your ability to make informed decisions and overcome obstacles.


In conclusion, starting the year on the right foot involves a combination of financial planning, strategic goal-setting, meticulous budgeting, and personal investment. By incorporating these steps into your business strategy, you position yourself for a year of growth, resilience, and achievement.


Visa Business Plans is led by Marco Scanu, a certified coach from the University of Miami with a globally-based practice coaching Fortune 1000 company executives, entrepreneurs, as well as professionals in four different continents. Mr. Scanu advises clients on turnaround strategies and crisis management.

Mr. Scanu received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (Cum Laude) from the University of Florida and an MBA in Management from Bocconi University in Milan, Italy. Mr. Scanu was also a Visiting Scholar at Michigan State University under the prestigious H. Humphrey Fellowship (Fulbright program) with a focus on Entrepreneurship, Venture Capital, and high-growth enterprises.

At present, Mr. Scanu is the managing partner and CEO at Visa Business Plans, a Miami-based boutique consulting firm providing attorneys and investors with business planning services in the areas of U.S. and Canadian immigration, SBA loans, and others.


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