Q1 is Right around the Corner
Grab the bull by the horns.
Put your shoulder to the wheel.
Keep your eyes on the prize.
Whatever cliché you might want to use, the bottom line is that it’ll soon be time to begin a brand new Q1 and you need to be ready to… well, jump in head first. Here are some steps you can take:
Reevaluate your remaining priorities for the year. Is there anything left to be done, and can it be accomplished before the ball drops in Times Square? What new services do you need to offer? Are there any projects you need to commission or key hires you need to make? What’s a priority and what can be taken up next year?
Take some time to reflect. As the end of the year approaches, many people look back over the last few months and review their triumphs and failures. It’s a great time to do the same for your business. What worked well and what needs improvement? Consider writing a short summary of your business year— the story of your business so to speak. Would it be a story of triumph or struggle or both?
Check for updates. Technology changes so fast it can make our heads spin, and a new year is no exception. Check your systems and your software and make sure you have the latest updates and upgrades so you can start Q1 on a roll.
See if you can renegotiate rates with your vendors. A new year means new beginnings, and if those beginnings include a better deal for buying your office supplies, stocking your water cooler or a discount on maintaining your company website, so much the better.
Close any deals you can. The end of the year is a great time to close. Not only does it make the bookkeeping neater and cleaner, but it lets you begin Q1 actually getting things done rather than just talking about how you’re going to get things done.
Take some time to learn new things. Depending on your business, the end of the year is often a slow time. The lull is a perfect time to study up, so take advantage by scheduling some development time for the office.
There you go. Easy peasy. Piece of cake. You’re ready for Q1. Now take a moment to celebrate what you and your team have accomplished this year and go party like it’s 1999.