Do you start your business year like an Olympic sprinter?

• You explode out of the blocks
• Then leap over first quarter obstacles
• You pace yourself mid-year

Then the last quarter hits.

• Your business muscles scream
• Your marketing confidence may stumble
• You may feel like coasting to the finish

Sometimes I need a bit of a kick to get ‘er done. A new burst of energy to carry me all the way to the end.

For me, organizing my thoughts and writing it down helps. So, I created the Get ‘Er Done, Year-End template.

Before I share the template, let’s take a little visual break.

The End of Year Business Sprint

The Year-End Template

Whether you operate on a fiscal or calendar year, closing out the year with a strong finish can produce great results.

• You catch up on targeted goals
• You exceed expectations
• Your get a jumpstart on the new year

Try this. About one month before the start of the last quarter, pull out pen and paper (or your digits and digital device). Wait. Bad image. Please don’t pull out your digits.

Make three columns.

• 1st Column  – DONE
• 2nd Column – LEFT
• 3rd Column – TIME

The great thing about your to-date review is it fits any scenario.

• Sales/Marketing
• Staffing
• Budgets

You decide what you want to focus on for the last quarter.

1st Column – DONE

Start with a positive note. Think about what you’ve accomplished so far for the year.

If you set goals at the start of the year, pull out your list. How are you doing on those goals?

Jot down your accomplishments. Feels good, doesn’t it? By starting with the positive, you feel empowered. See, you can do it.

2nd Column – LEFT

Next, think about what you’d like to complete. What do you have left?

• Remember, positive thoughts
• Not what you didn’t get done
• Instead, what you want to complete

Jot down your items for completion.

3rd Column – TIME

You’re feeling good about your accomplishments. You’re excited about what’s next.

Now throw in a dash of practical.

• Look at what’s left
• How much time do you need?
• Choose items that fit your priorities and time

Your list – your priorities.

• Make sure allotted time is realistic – Factor extra time for the unknown.
  
• What takes priority? – Think about each item’s impact.

For example, what if one project takes the entire three months. Should it wait until next year? Or do you feel it is so important that you are willing to sacrifice other items on your list?

Make a Date

Have you shuffled around your list until you’re happy with it? Good.

Now make a date with your list.

• Pull out a calendar (paper or digital – whichever type you pay attention to)
• Set dates for each item’s milestones
• Write it down

Before you break a date, picture your date’s sad face.

Get ‘Er Done Year-End Template

Do you want to see it all pulled together? Download a pdf format of the Year-End Template. Then go get ‘er done. Continued success!

How do you close out your business year with a bang? Share your suggestions in Comments.

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