It’s a new year, and that means a new start for you and your business. Every year, it’s a good idea to look back on where you’ve been and decide how that will inform where you’re going. At rushIMPRINT, we’re all about moving forward. That’s why we put together this list of seven handy tips that will help make 2016 your most successful year to date.

1. Try something new!

As the old saying goes, “nothing ventured, nothing gained.” It’s a new year, so try a new strategy. Maybe that means a new product or service. Maybe it means a new promotion aimed at enticing more customers. Take a look at your business, identify growth opportunities, and then find a new and exciting way to make the most of them.

2. Get rid of something old.

Staying competitive in an evolving economy means constantly shifting your approach. Take a look at last year and figure out what could have gone better. Then, make changes. Don’t be afraid to try new things and jettison old approaches if they just aren’t working out anymore.

3. Market yourself.

A lot of businesses hamper their growth by not devoting enough resources to growing their customer base. Like they say, you have to spend money to make money. Don’t be afraid to invest in promoting your business. Whether that means buying a radio spot, sending out flyers, putting up an attractive wrap or window display, or beefing up your social media presence, find a way to spread the word about your business in 2016.

4. Try a giveaway.

If there’s one thing customers love, it’s free gifts. A free item with purchase is a great way to get people in your door, and branded merchandise featuring your logo guarantees you’ll be on their mind all year long. There’s no better way to grow your customer base and keep your existing customers coming back for more. Luckily, we’ve got a full range of custom-branded promotional items that are perfect for in-store giveaways.

5. Keep stats!

It might seem obvious, but tracking everything about your business can only help you. Are you seeing spikes in website traffic at certain times of the day? Do you get more walk-in customers on Fridays than on Tuesdays? Having a complete knowledge of when, how, and why your business is succeeding lets you build new strategies that capitalize on what is already working.

6. Expand!

Use the data you’ve collected and aggressively expand your offerings. Once you’ve figured out why customers are coming to your business, it’s a small step to find more ways to fill their needs. Customers love convenience, and the more you can do for them, the more likely they’ll keep coming back and refer their friends and family. Figure out what they need and introduce new products and services to meet those needs.

7. Network!

This can’t be emphasized strongly enough. A strong professional network is invaluable for a successful business. Don’t miss opportunities to meet, interact with, and get to know as many other business owners as you can. Even if they’re in a different industry, you never know when that contact might come in handy. Networking effectively is the best way to position your business for a bright future.