The end of 2014 is fast approaching. Companies everywhere are taking stock of their operations and are evaluating their successes and failures as they set new goals to reach next year. If you're looking to propel your company to the top of your industry in 2015, rev up your old business model and adopt these 5 steps to position your company for success in the new year.

1: Make operations efficient by adopting modern technologies

Many manufacturers are being held back in their operations because they are still using old methods and technologies that they first started using when opening their company doors. If that sounds like your company, it's time to seriously evaluate your production operations and identify processes that could be holding up your company from reaching its goals. Don't be held back by old methods and technologies or be afraid of being one of the early-adopters of new software or equipment.

2: Become customer-centric so you are fulfilling their needs

It isn't enough to simply gather testimonials and reviews from your customers. For you to please your customers, you must know what they currently want and how their desires can be fulfilled by your company. Actually listen to what your customers are saying. Find out ways to strengthen the relationship you have with them. Revamp who your target demographic is and how you can reach them with your services and products.

Also, don't forget to please your current customers so they become loyal to your company for a lifetime. Quickly address their issues with a helpful and polite attitude. Bring them back to your doors by offering things that enhance their experience working with your company.

3: Outsmart your competition

You already know who your main competitors are, but now is the time to take action and draw those customers away from the competitor's doors. You must show these customers how your products and services are similar and superior to what your competitor offers. Specifically target them and spread the word as you entice these customers over to your company.

4: Make your goals manageable and focus on execution

Perhaps the top thing you can do is seriously examine the goals you have set. Your goals should never be too big to reach or so far ahead in the future that there is no possible way for you to reach success. Here are several ways to create manageable goals:

• Set small goals that will result in big, positive changes
• To spur your motivation, create a timeline to reach each milestone
• Ensure you have the people, processes and tools to execute
• Develop a detailed plan on how to reach those goals
• Don't be afraid to change your goals to reach success

5: Never give up or become crippled by doubt

There will be bumps in the road when trying to reach your goals, yet each bump should be seen as a challenge to make your company better. Don't let your personal doubts hamper your success. You are in control of your company's destiny. Focus on what you have to do and be confident in your actions so your company will expand and grow into the next year.