28 November 2025
As we step into a new year, it’s easy to feel the pressure of external changes, economic shifts, policy updates, or unpredictable market trends. But here’s a truth that I share with everyone I work with. While you can’t control what happens around you, you can choose how you respond. And that choice is powerful.
I’m Keith, a life and business coach based here in Pembrokeshire, working with individuals and small business owners to turn intention into action. Whether you're running a café or restaurant, a holiday let, perhaps a creative studio, or a local service, the start of the year is a golden moment to pause, reflect, and reset.
Keith Small from Your Success Solutions
Here are a few tips that I hope you will find super useful:
Tip 1 - Plan with purpose
Start by asking: What do I want this year to feel like? Then build your goals around that. Break big ambitions into micro-wins — small, achievable steps that build momentum and confidence. Use visual prompts, habit trackers, or team meetings to keep your focus alive.
Tip 2 - Believe in what you do
Your business is more than a transaction; it’s a reflection of your values. Reconnect with your ‘why’ and share it with your team and customers. Belief fuels motivation, and motivation drives consistency.
Tip 3 - Set goals that stick
Avoid vague resolutions. Instead, set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound). Want more repeat customers? Set a target for follow-up calls or loyalty incentives. Want to grow your income? Track conversion rates and average spend per customer.
Tip 4 - Service and Sales : The human touch
Great service isn’t just about being polite, it’s about being present. Encourage your team to listen actively, anticipate needs, and follow up with care. A simple “How did we do?” message can spark referrals and deepen trust.
Tip 5 - Team training that builds culture
Invest in short, energising sessions that blend skill-building with mindset coaching. Share wins to create a culture of ownership and pride. When your team feels valued, your customers feel it too. You can create those ‘Raving Fans’ and shining reviews.
Tip 6 - Learn, reflect, recharge
Every challenge, every success, every awkward moment is a chance to learn. Build in time to reflect; what worked, what didn’t, and what you’d do differently. And don’t forget, you are your business’s greatest asset. Prioritise your wellbeing. Whether it’s a walk along our beautiful coast, a quiet coffee in one of our wonderful shops, or a digital detox - make space to recharge. When you’re grounded, you lead with clarity, energy, and heart.
As we welcome the New Year, (the truth is you can start your New Year or beginning whenever you choose) remember - your response is your superpower. Choose optimism, structure, and belief. Your business, and your community, will thank you.
Have a wonderful 2026!
About the Author
Keith is a life and business coach, author of Get On With It, and a passionate connector in the Pembrokeshire business community. He helps individuals and teams move from stuckness to action through practical coaching, habit change, and empowering workshops.
Want to know more? If you’d like support with goal setting, team development, or building a business that reflects your values, Keith would love to hear from you.
Phone: 07917 858 060
