Wrap Up the Year in a Strong Close; 3 Easy Ways to Stay Focused

I always feel old(er) when I think and mention how quickly the time seems to be flying by. Is it me or DOES the time go faster the older you get? Regardless, we’re in Q4 and a few of the conversations I had this past week included thoughts of ending the year strong. Some key ideas were threaded among these conversations, so I’m passing it all along to you for consideration in how you’ll wrap up your year.

1. Create a Theme. I like this one because, as a marekting professional, I can get behind a theme. I can understand it and develop it and go with it. One review of the 2008 Presidential election and their theme choices and followings is more proof themes work. Create one for your internal team or for your sales process, or both in a complimentary fashion. Try to think of a theme that has legs for taking you in to 2010. You’ll want to build on your momentum.
2. Be Positive. I know lots of people think this is hokey, but not me. I think you have to believe there is an answer for helping that next prospect. You have to believe in what you’re selling with so much conviction that your prospect knows he must have it. You have to believe you can end the year well in order to actually take steps to doing so. When you catch yourself slipping on the upward slope, create a phrase you’ll say to yourself to pull you back up. Winners aren’t complainers… just remember that.
3. Go for Excellence. I’m going to hang some dirty laundry here… we can do a better job at going beyond for our clients. It’s something we’re working on and a personal theme I’m using to take me through the end of the year. When we get busy, we tend to do what has to be done for the job to be ‘complete’ rather than a job well done. Go for job well done and then some – every time.

Please share some ideas on how you plan to wrap up Q4. Let’s help each other end strong!