Tips not to Just Survive Q4 but to Get Ready for Q1
With only 3 months, or about 60 business days left in the year, it is time to evaluate, plan and prepare to make the most of what time you have left in the year. During this hectic time many questions and concerns start running through our heads: Where to start? Where did I/ we fail as a company? What can we improve upon? And most commonly – how am I going to get it all done? These concerns do not have to be as daunting as they seem, but preparation and prioritization will be needed. Here are some tips on how to stay focused on what can still be completed this year while getting ready for next year.
- Take time to evaluate your 2015 plan. Consider what can still be accomplished, and what is no longer a priority for the year.
- Review and discuss successes and failures (areas for improvement) through Q3.
- Consider what new services, project initiatives, tools, or key hires are needed before or during Q1.
- Focus on what both your company and you personally do best , and put that at the top of your to-do list.
- Review any technology updates that are needed or that would improve your company’s efficiencies.
- Re-negotiate rates with vendors and consider ordering office supplies in bulk for the coming year.
- Make sure your management team and staff know your thoughts about year-end priorities and set urgency and timelines for these initiatives.
- Close any deals that can be closed.
- Review and coordinate your calendar vacation schedules for any key members of your team who may be needed to complete or sign-off on year-end projects, or bonuses.
- If you have not already, start your plan for next year including: scheduling planning sessions, marketing initiatives, completing annual budgets, and drafting financial forecasts.
- Plan education and engagement sessions for your team before the year is over.
- Schedule down time. These last few weeks are busy professionally and personally for most people. Without scheduled time to take a breath, you will not perform at your best level or be ready to start the next year with the necessary enthusiasm and engagement.
- Take time to celebrate what you and your team have accomplished in the year.
- Keep an eye on the finish line and adjust accordingly. December 31st will come quickly.
