1. Find your data. Big data may seem like it's only available to large companies, but small businesses have access as well. Your email marketing platforms, social media accounts, iPad point-of-sale platform and your website are rich with customer data you can analyze to boost sales. (From "Big Data Isn't Just For The Big Dogs" by Angela Stringfellow)
2. Have a generous return policy. With big-box stores tightening the reigns on customer returns, small businesses can stand out by being a little more lenient with their store's return policies. (From "5 Things Not To Include In Your Return Policy," by Barry Moltz)
3. Improve your attention to detail. Big-picture thinkers tend to lose their vision because they can't deal with the tiny details that make their dreams into a reality. Learning how to effectively plan all aspects of a project by using project management software can help fine tune your focus. (From "9 Ways To Improve Your Attention To Detail," by Bruna Martinuzzi)
4. Get some sleep! The effects of a poor night's sleep are huge: workers who don't get enough sleep admit that it hurts their job performance. Make sure you get enough rest, and schedule breaks throughout your day to stay focused and energized. (From "Best Goal For 2014? Get Some Sleep," by Kelly Spors)
5. Encourage your team to work in pairs. "Pairing" is the collaborative process entrepreneur and joy expert Richard Sheridan practices at his software design firm, Menlo Innovations. Along with cutting back on the number of errors, "we just innovate better when there's someone to bounce ideas off of," Sheridan says. "When we're trying to create something new and interesting, we often get stuck and stay stuck much longer than we need to." (From "Creating A Company Culture Of Joy," by Matthew E. May)
6. Challenge adversity. "For everyday obstacles, you must combine the discipline to confront them head on with the faith that you will prevail in the end," writes small business expert Brian Moran. This perspective gives business owners the strength to navigate challenges that may arise. (From "4 Ways To Deal With Adversity," by Brian Moran)
7. Use your iPad for more than just Angry Birds. You can get more out of your day by using a number of free iPad apps that increase your productivity. One of our faves? Penultimate, an app that makes taking notes or creating sketches fun! (From "3 Free, Time-Saving iPad Apps for the Busy Entrepreneur," by Erica Swallow)
8. Start Q1 with a bang. The new year has a tabula rasa effect on employers and employees. Early successes for your team can set the tone for success for the rest of the year, so take advantage of the resolution spirit and charge forward! (From "3 Ways Q1 Sets The Tone For Your Entire Year," by Jason Brick)
9. Remodel your office now. January is the best month to buy flooring, carpeting and large appliances. Why? Sellers who anticipated big sales increased their prices during the holiday season, and are now offering deep discounts to move their inventory. (From "Why January Is The Best Time To Spend Your Money," by Mike Periu)
10. Add social integration to your next event. Splash, an event-planning tool, helps brands create online communities around their events. It can create a gallery that streams all the tweets and Instagrams that used an event's hashtag, and tracks engagement after the event is over. (From "How to Turn Your Next Event Into a Branding Blockbuster," by Lauren Drell)
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