3 keys to finishing the year strong

We are at that interesting time on the calendar where people start counting the days until the end of the year. Some do it because they are excited about something coming up. Others do it because they are looking forward to it being over and getting a fresh start in the new year. Regardless of the group you fall into, you are likely missing some critical opportunities if you don’t change or at least modify your thought process and activities for the rest of the year.

Here are three key things you can do to make sure you get the most out of the remainder of the year – whether that is a couple of months, a couple of weeks, or a couple of days. 

1. Work on your mindset. 

You may not think this applies to you. However, it likely does, at least on some level. Most people either get apathetic or somewhat lazy. Often this happens without even realizing it. It is common for people to kind of “throw in the towel,” so to say. If you think about it, the people who are truly in it to win it do not do this. You never find a professional football, basketball, or baseball team quitting before the end of the game. They play to the buzzer! You should do the same in your business. You should give it your all until the end. For those of you in leadership or management positions, you must set the pace and tone on this for your teams.

2. Finish what still needs to be done. 

This might seem odd: it is crazy how often people have things they do not think about wrapping up. Make a list of all the people, projects, etc., that you need to finish before the end of the year. Then prioritize them and schedule time to finish them. This exercise often spurs energy and additional business before the end of the year. 

3. Look for other opportunities. 

Often there is “low hanging fruit” for us to find in business. At the end of the year, it often is found in two areas. One of those is making sure we do not miss anything with existing or current clients. We should make a list of every client and then touch base with them to see if there is anything we can help them with before the end of the year. The second area is with prospects from earlier in the year. Make a list of all the prospects you visited with during the year that did not become clients. Then reach out to each of them and see if there is anything you can help them with before the end of the year. 

These three things likely seem simple or even like common sense. However, we find they are not always easy or are not really being done. 

For those of you in leadership, management, or ownership roles – you should help your teams with these things. If you don’t, they likely will not do them, and all of you will suffer. 

So, let me ask – what things do you need to do to finish the year strong? How much do you think those will cost you if you don’t finish or wrap them up? If you don’t know or don’t like the answers – find a Business Growth Consultant who can help.