Five tips to make your 2015 small business goals happen

(BPT) - Spring is in the air and small business owners are excited for all potential growth opportunities this year. In fact, they're feeling more optimistic about the economy than in recent history. Growth opportunities might include developing a new product or service, hiring more people or expanding the business.

Of course, when it comes to growth, change is a requirement. For example, when the goal is to sell more goods and services, marketing will come into play. And when it comes to adding more staff or altering the way your current staff works, changes in technology might be needed.

Twenty-five percent of small businesses plan to increase their technology use to better manage business costs this year, according to the Staples small business survey. Software technology upgrades, better organization and promotional marketing are the top three tactics these business owners plan to use to meet their 2015 goals.

Growth takes a bit of investment, and here are five ways small businesses can make the most of the year and succeed with their business:

1. Network – Networking with others is the easiest way to grow your business. It can help you discover what's worked for other business owners in your community, find you partnerships that can benefit your business and help you spread the word about what your company does. Join your local chamber of commerce, attend business meetings in your community and consider starting a business lunch group for people in your similar situation to discuss challenges and solutions in a social setting.

2. Get new technology and support – Investing in technology is a big deal for businesses, but what's even more important is to invest in the support. You might need it for getting the technology set up in the business, for incorporating new employees or in case a glitch happens and everything goes static. The Staples EasyTech Services has an established suite of technology support to help meet your technology needs.

3. Enhance your marketing campaign – There are many marketing avenues you can use to promote your company. The most common are digital, print, television and radio. As you begin to develop your marketing campaign, look for resources that will give you the quality materials you need. For example, Staples Design Services at Copy and Print Centers nationwide can help you design and print the marketing campaign materials you need to get your name out there for your customers to see.

4. Reward loyal customers – Rewarding loyal customers should be a stand-alone plan for helping grow your business this year. Options to consider include a sweepstakes program, partnering with another company to jointly offer discounts, a drawing for a free product or service or even a customer-appreciation sale.

5. Invest in your company – It takes money to grow a company, and many small business owners take out a loan to accomplish this. If you find your growth plans need additional capital, check out the Staples Business Loans powered by Lendio to learn your options.