What are your plans as we begin the Fourth Quarter right now?
Who knows maybe you have already given up on this year and you are looking ahead to next year already. There is no reason not to plan right now for next year! However, why would anyone throw in the towel on this year?
Here are three specific action steps you should consider taking as you enter the fourth quarter.
First is to determine what is the result you intend to achieve in the fourth quarter?
- is it new business?
- is it to increase profits by a certain percentage over last quarter or over the previous year’s fourth quarter?
The point here is to determine what exactly is the result you are seeking?
Second is to connect with every single client or customer
Connect in as a direct way as possible for your business and ask point blank – say the words – are you more than satisfied with our work or product? Would you make three referrals to us? If you like I will contact them if you will make the introduction to me.
Third is to approach all clients and customers with an offer for continued or future work or products.
This may be in the form of an extension to a current contract with a sweetener or a bonus to sign up now. Similarly for products – offer packages for multiple items ordered now for future delivery. In certain cases, where there are higher priced items, offer financing.
These are examples of action items that really work to produce certain outcomes if these are the outcomes you intend to achieve in the fourth quarter.
Now feel free to add your own.
In fact why not place one or two of your pearls of wisdom in the comments section for this article right now and then come right back here?
If you are thinking about other action items here are a few areas to consider addressing that will payoff –
- invest in your people – grow them – lead them
- review your employees with care and decide what you are going to do with any who are in the lower 10% in the methods utilized to determine – performance, attitude at work, a team player and more.
Look at the way this analysis is being conducted to be certain the assessment is fair across the board. Many companies find they must replace the lower 10% of employees each year. Consider what other alternatives may be available first.
Again these are examples to be considered depending upon the result you are seeking to achieve in the fourth quarter.
One thing is for certain – do something and be intentional about it.
Mitch Tublin is the CEO and Founder of Wenkroy International LLC a boutique consulting company with a main focus on Strategic Business Consulting, Training and Business Coaching. Our passion is to take people to the next level in their life and in their business.
