We are just about to start the fourth quarter of the year… are you prepared? The fourth quarter is the most important business growth quarter of the year. You have about 12 weeks left and want to end this year strong and prepare for whatever is coming in 2024. This period often holds immense potential for revenue growth and can establish a strong finish to the year. To make the most of these final months, strategic planning is essential.
Follow these key points to help plan for a robust 4th quarter in business:
1. Make a Plan
Reflect on the year so far. Analyze the performance of the first three quarters, then work with your team to determine which customers you are going to call on… more specifically, when and how you are going to call on them. Set clear objectives about what goals you are going to accomplish, how you are going to accomplish them, and who from your team will be involved. These goals should align with the company’s overall annual objectives. Be prepared to use the holidays to your advantage and determine where you want your sales to come from during the 4th quarter and in the new year. Once you implement your plan, review it every three weeks or so and take the time to adjust based on real-time data and market shifts.
2. Reach Out
Networking and connection are key. There are many ways to reach out to your customers and open the door for opportunity. You can invite your customers to parties, take them an end-of-the-year gift (just be sure to comply with any regulations around gift-giving), or just stop by and wish them a happy holiday.
The holidays and the relaxed party atmosphere provide a good reason for you to get out of the office and visit with your current customers and stay in touch with those all-important prospects you have been nurturing all year long. You can also invite them to a fall trade show you are taking part in. This is a great way to reconnect with your current customer base and attract new prospects. You can learn more about the benefits of networking and attending fall trade shows here.
3. Set the Stage
With the next year’s budgeting being reviewed, the fourth quarter may not always be the right time to ask your client for their business. However, it is the perfect time to set the stage to ask in the coming weeks or months. By setting the stage, you can plant a seed for the new products or services you will begin offering. Knowing and catering to your customer’s needs will help differentiate you from your competitors. So when you give them a call the first week of January, they are not only expecting your call, but they are open and ready for the conversation to purchase your new products or services.
4. Strategize
While pushing for a sale can be the wrong strategy during the holiday season, it is a great time to add value and position yourself for success for the first quarter of the following year. When all your competitors are using December to celebrate the holidays, you can meet with your team. Having team meetings will help clarify which customers you called, what you discussed with them, what gifts you delivered to them, and how they enjoyed your holiday visit. More importantly, having discussions on what decisive actions to take for each customer can help turn the holiday visit into a sale, thereby creating more revenue. Strategizing with your team during these slowest weeks of the year (the week before Christmas and New Year’s) can help you create a very clear and precise action plan. You and your team will know exactly what to do when you walk in your customer’s door and close those deals before your competition even know what hit them.
By planning for a strong 4th quarter, businesses can capitalize on the unique opportunities that arise during the holiday season. Taking proactive steps to align strategies with changing consumer behaviors and market trends will position your business for success and set the stage for a prosperous year. Remember, the 4th quarter isn’t just an ending — it’s an opportunity for a remarkable new beginning. Are you ready to get started?
If you need help planning for your fourth quarter strategy, please give me a call at 724-612-0755. Together we can help your business end this year strong!
About the author: Autumn Edmiston is the CEO and owner of the Edmiston Group. The Edmiston Group is a multifaceted Pittsburgh-based marketing consulting firm providing senior-level marketing management services to businesses and non-profit organizations on a short or long-term basis. Core areas of service are business development strategies, website creation and management, social media management, marketing, strategic planning, and public relations. The Edmiston Group has consistently delivered and implemented real-world, proven business marketing ideas and strategies for business.