The holidays are right around the corner and I, for one, can’t believe it’s already December. 2019 is less than a month away! Yikes!

As we wind down 2018 and prepare for 2019, we’ve put a list together of a few things that can specifically help your business survive the holiday season and come out of the gates in 2019, ready for business.

Tips to Survive the Holiday Season

1. Keep your receipts

Holding on to your business receipts is a best practice for a reason.  Spending on holiday parties is tax deductible. Keep all your documents in order and ask your tax expert for details when you’re doing your corporate year end, or when you’re filing personally as a sole proprietor. Every little bit helps, right?

2. Gift better

If you’re going to thank clients, referral partners or staffers with a gift this year, think carefully. There are only so many logoed mugs a person can own. Gifts should be useful and memorable and more about the receiver than the giftor, right? So, a monthly snack subscription for a favourite company stands out more than another run-of-the-mill plate of cookies, nuts and dried fruits or baskets from Costco. Personal is where it’s at and it doesn’t have to be expensive.

Just like we recommend to clients, stay on budget with your gifts. You should be developing your budget for 2019, but you should also be sticking to your budget for 2018. Don’t make the new year harder than it needs to be by overdoing things during the holidays.

Finally, and my last input on the matter, considering gifting when everyone else isn’t. This time of year offices are littered with food baskets and families are inundated with holiday cheer. What about finding a unique time of the year, when they’re not likely to be receiving and you can stand out? When was the the last time you received a gift for spring solstice or Halloween? Just a thought.

3. Lighten your load

The holidays are traditionally slow for many businesses as people, and businesses, are focused elsewhere.

Take this opportunity to evaluate what isn’t working for your business ahead of the new year. Whether it’s assessing outmoded software or systems or creating your business plan and budget for 2019, no time like the present!

Remember though, a business plan is only as good as how often you review it and reassess throughout the year. I’ve made the offer before, and will again, if you’re looking for a template, let me know. I have a great one I’d love to share with you!

It’s a cliché for a reason: now is a good a time as any to get a fresh start.

4. Be versatile

Take stock of how you are connecting with clients, whether it’s through social media, e-mail marketing, advertising, and shore up your resources to make certain each channel’s impact is being maximized.

Like a good business plan, your marketing calendar is a key part of your business. What do you plan to deliver – literally and figuratively – through what channel and when? This needs to line up with your goals, obviously.

The key to the success of any business and marketing plan is the “planning”! What you plan for you deliver, so get into the details and make sure you know what you need to be doing and when.

5. Make a schedule and stick to it

Before you leave for your vacation or family celebrations, organize your desk, files, and if you can, your meetings for after the New Year so you don’t come back to a daunting jumble.

The winter months can feel long and dreary so being ready for 2019 will keep you motivated. Once you’re back, if your to-do list is ready and meetings are booked, you’ll be in the swing of things in no time!