August and September are critical times for business owners and sales professionals. While the final quarter of the year is quickly approaching, many are also thinking ahead to the following year. It can be difficult to find a balance between focusing on meeting quarterly quotas while also preparing for the year ahead.
Even though preparing for the next year is important, it’s also essential to focus on your current business and close the year strong. Here are some strategies to help you increase your momentum and move into the new year with your best foot forward.
1. Understand Where You Are
It’s difficult to make any measurable progress if you haven’t first taken a good look at where you are and what you’ve done so far. Take a close look at the things you’ve accomplished and where you would like to go. It’s also a good idea to ensure you have the right rule structures in place that will help you achieve your goals. Without a structured action plan, it can be difficult to see the end goal successfully.
Are there gaps in your data or processes that you need to address? Taking a good look at your current situation, including rule structures and procedures, can help you move forward and close any gaps.
2. Think Creatively
What can you do this time of year that’s different than what you’ve been doing? Are there any new tactics you can implement to shake up your business for the better?[bctt tweet=”Are there any new tactics you can implement to shake up your business for the better?” username=”motivateme”]
Being consistent in your strategy is important, but something new and different can attract people’s responsiveness. Consider short-term incentives for your sales team or channel partners, which can help boost not only sales but engagement, relationships, and loyalty as well.
3. Set Attainable Goals
Setting lofty goals is commendable – preferred, even. But with just a few short months left in the year, it’s important to make sure your goals are attainable. There’s no worse feeling than a missed goal, especially when it comes to the end of the year.
A good way to ensure your goals are attainable is to have a solid understanding of your data. By measuring your progress, you’ll have a clear picture of what’s possible without setting the mark way too high. Having effective rule structures will motivate your team to hit their goals – and go beyond – for greater success.
4. Focus on What’s Important
There’s no doubt a lot of things on your to-do list between now and December 31. But once you set your goals, your list should immediately become a lot clearer.
Set some time aside to really narrow down what tasks and business objectives are most important to you. Which ones will make the most impact in the shortest amount of time? Do you need to implement a short-term plan that will have this type of impact?
If you’re ready to make a splash in the final months of the year and want more information, we can help. Questions? Let us know!
