Are you back at work today?  If you’re one of those employees not taking time off this holiday season, look on the bright side—sure, the office may be a little quiet, but it’s a great time to get things done!  A little preparation will help you start the new year with a fresh outlook on your projects and career goals, and will help you set a road map for 2013.

Here’s how to get started:

• Finish any outstanding projects.  Why carry 2012’s deadlines into 2013?  Give yourself a clean start by tying up what loose ends you can.  Now is the time to tackle that dreaded project whose deadline keeps getting bumped.  You’ll also want to answer any lingering e-mails and return any “I’ll get back to you about that” phone calls.  Of course, don’t forget any year-end reports or performance reviews you may need to complete!
• Get organized.  Remember how you keep meaning to clean out that file drawer when you have time?  Well now is that time.  Organize your filing cabinets, packing up older files in an archive box and purging anything you no longer need to keep.  (You might also consider scanning documents so you don’t need to retain paper copies.)  Then, go through your desk drawer and ask yourself if you really need six blue pens or whether you can return a couple to the supply cabinet.  Also take a look at your computer and e-mail files—particularly your inbox—to see what can be organized into sensible subfolders.
• Re-emphasize your working relationships.  If you missed reaching out with holiday cards this year, consider sending a “thanks and Happy New Year” card to clients, vendors, and other key work contacts.  It never hurts to reinforce relationships or to remind contacts that you’re out there!
• Record your year’s achievements.  Think about the year and write down all your major projects, successes, and any new roles you took on.  Be sure to include dates, details, and other people involved in or affected by your efforts, including any new clients or contacts.  This is a great way to assess your professional accomplishments over the year, and is also good preparation for an annual review or a résumé update.
• Update your professional platforms.  Use your annual achievements to update your professional profiles with the latest and greatest information.  Don’t neglect your LinkedIn profile or your business’ website and Facebook and Twitter pages, if you  have them.
• Outline your goals.  This step will be easier after you think about what you achieved this year versus where you intended to be.  When setting goals for 2013, be real with yourself; aim for goals that can be reasonably accomplished with your available time and resources.  What projects would you like to tackle?  What professional development would you like to pursue?  What types of relationships would you like to create or strengthen?  Use this outline as your game plan for 2013—and look at it often.

You may feel like the holidays ended too early, but by following these helpful steps over the next few weeks, you’ll be getting a jump-start on your career strategy for the new year!

The team at YES! Your Human Resources Solution would like to wish you a Happy New Year and all the best for 2013!  We’d also like you remind you that as you reassess and reorganize your business this coming year, we’re here to help with any HR-related reform or challenges you may face.  Whether your business is growing and transitioning, or even reconfiguring existing programs, look to Orange County’s premier Human Resources consulting firm for guidance and support.  Visit our website or contact us for a free consultation to find out how we can help your unique business thrive in 2013!