Every year it’s the same… Wake up on New Year’s Eve wondering how it got here so quickly.
Between the client “emergencies”, time off, and holiday travel, the end of the year tends to run at 2X speed.
So this year, I’m trying to get a jump on it. Thought you might want to too.
Here are a few things on my list to start working on now that we’re in Q4:
Annual Goals. Remember those shiny resolutions you scribbled down back in January? If they’ve been collecting dust, you’ve still got one last shot to pull them out and make something happen. Even if your goals have shifted, Q4 is a great time to reset. It’s better to finish strong than limp across the finish line.
Black Friday. The dopamine hits from all the deals are real, and impulse buying goes to an all-time high every year. Before your swept up in the savings, now’s a great time to make a list of your needs, set a budget, and commit to stick to it even when your inbox is flooded with “one in a lifetime” offers.
Holiday Schedule. What days are you going to be closed during the holidays? Got time to sneak in a vacation? Before clients start sending in their last minute rush projects, it’s a good idea to get your schedule on the calendar. Take some time off, you’ve earned it!
Price Increases. January is a natural time to bump your rates — but you should probably give everyone a fair warning. Spend October planning and try to get things announced by November 1. That gives people time to adjust and could give you a cash flow boost if you offer clients the ability to pre-pay services at current rates (before they go up).
Client Gifts. If you’re planning on showing your clients and colleagues how much you appreciate them, the clock is ticking. Whether it’s something they can unwrap or even a digital gift, the logistics always take longer than you think. Pick your gifts now, start budgeting for it, and get things moving so you’re not panic-ordering a fruit basket last minute.
Taxes & Write-offs (not financial advice). Every late-December I write my accountant asking for advice on end-of-year write offs. Somewhere they’ve probably got a TAB-like group, and this is like asking to make the logo bigger 🤣 Now is the time to talk with them about purchases, retirement contributions, or equipment upgrades.
2026 Marketing Calendar. Even if it’s the first time you’ve done it, planning out your marketing efforts in advance gives you a huge advantage. You don’t have to plan out the whole year, but it couldn’t hurt to start thinking about one big push & focus for Q1 so you’re not left scrambling when January sneaks up.
— Kyle
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