Now that you have had a chance to create a game plan for accomplishing your business goals during the third quarter of this year, let's focus on the fourth quarter of this year.

These last three months of the year are not only crucial for meeting business goals for this year, they are also crucial for making sure you head into the next year on track towards meeting and exceeding future business goals.

Here are some ideas for wrapping up this year on a positive (cash flow and emotionally) note:

DURING OCTOBER

Create a contest or sponsor an event in your community.

If you are creating a contest, think about ways to offer a prize that will benefit the winner as well as your business. Make sure the contest entrants are comprised of your target market.

Distribute a press release to help promote your contest. Distribute another press release when the contest is over to announce the winner of the contest, and to demonstrate how your prize benefited the contest winner.

If you want to sponsor an event, find an event that will not only give your business appropriate exposure, but will also give you personal satisfaction.

This is also the month to start preparing for a Holiday promotion if you haven't already. Jot down some ideas for special offers that you can give your prospects and clients during the holiday season. Offer a different promotion for each group.

Your holiday promotion for prospects should be designed to convert them into clients. Your holiday promotion for clients should be designed to keep them as longtime loyal clients who will continue to increase their lifetime customer value.

DURING NOVEMBER

It is time to roll out your Holiday specials. Make sure they are sent out during the first week in November, if not sooner.

You want your business and your special offers to be on the mind of your target market before they are drowning in offers and ads from other companies trying to persuade them to part with their holiday cash and end of the year budget dollars.

It is also time to start reflecting on what has happened with your business during this year. Create a Business Journal and write down business lessons learned, accomplishments, mistakes made, and future business goals.

DURING DECEMBER

Wrap up the fulfillment of your Holiday Special Offers during the first half of December.

Show your appreciation for your clients by giving them a gift to thank them for their business this year. Do this before the second half of December approaches.

Instead of sending a run of the mill calendar or holiday card, send a unique gift... A gift that uniquely reflects your business.

What can you give your clients that will be valued and used by them on a day to day basis?

How can you make your gift do double duty by relating it to your business so your clients will think of your business every time they use your gift?

Even a calendar can go from run of the mill to a unique tie in to your business by adding daily or monthly tips to it, and branding it with your logo.

During the last half of December, give yourself and your business a gift by slowing down and working less.

Take time to enjoy the fruits of your labor by going on a much deserved vacation, or by donating your time and money to your favorite charity.

Before you go, don't forget to give your business the gift of a better future by setting goals for next year.

Continue to create a game plan for your goals, and by consistently taking action on your plans, you will give your business a gift that keeps on giving for years to come.

Copyright 2004 Black Unicorn Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved