I know the beginning of the year is the most popular time to set goals because it's like having a clean slate, a fresh start. But any day can be your January 1. You can start over right now with a new set of goals to get to where you want to be.

One of the biggest challenges for many goal setters is staying consistent. It's not always easy to work forward-moving action steps into your daily activity, and it can be equally difficult to track your progress. This where goal setting and tracking software can help.

Today's feature article highlights seven goal setting and tracking tools that you can start using today to identify where you are trying to go and begin to craft a plan for getting there. And make sure you read the additional articles below for even more goal setting help.

Feature Article:
Goal Setting and Tracking Software

More Goal Setting Resources:

• Getting Started with Goal Setting
• SMART Goal Setting 101
• Backward Goal Setting

Screenshot © Lifetick

Communication is one of the most underestimated skills a small business owner can have in his or her toolbox. And while it's assumed that everyone is able to communicate to some extent, small business owners who do it more effectively tend to be more likely to succeed.

Think about it. Communication is the common thread that runs through every part of your business -- pitching investors and getting capital, hiring and managing your team, promoting your products or services, providing exceptional customer service, etc. If there is one skill we can all benefit from improving, it's communication.

Today's feature article looks at seven simple communication tactics that you probably already know about but may not be utilizing in your business. These tips are easy to implement, yet they can have a huge impact when it comes to effective communication.

Feature Article:
7 Ways to Communicate More Effectively in Your Small Business

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A bookkeeper can be an integral member of your small business team. He or she can manage your books, oversee payroll, follow up with late payments, prepare your annual files for your accountant, and a lot more. Whether you have a one-person shop or a fully staffed business, having a bookkeeper on your team and save you a significant amount of time when it comes to your operations.

Like all relationships, though, it takes an effort to outsource a part of your business and then work efficiently together. Miscommunication, lack of collaboration and mistrust can not only ruin the relationship with your bookkeeper, but you could also end up damaging your business in the process.

Today's feature article provides 10 tips for finding and working successfully with a bookkeeper, so you can become more productive and improve your ongoing financial processes.

Feature Article:
10 Things You Need To Do To Build a Successful Relationship with Your Bookkeeper

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If you are a small business owner who isn't completely confident that you will have a solid retirement savings to carry you through your golden years, you are not the minority. Unfortunately, most small business owners don't take the necessary steps to secure their financial future.

This happens for many reasons, the biggest being that most small business owners, especially in the early stages of business, are financially strapped. There simply isn't an excess of money that can be easily rolled into savings. But this doesn't mean retirement planning should wait. The opposite, in fact, is true. Now is the time to start thinking about your financial future, even if it is decades away.

The best thing you can do when it comes to retirement planning is talk with a financial planner who can advise you on the actions you can take right now to get the ball rolling. But the second part of the equation involves changing the way you think about retirement planning and saving. Today's feature article addresses both of these challenges and provides some tips to get you moving in the right direction.

Feature Article:
How to Plan for Retirement as a Small Business Owner

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