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 OCTOBERCreate 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 NOVEMBERIt 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 DECEMBERWrap 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 ReservedTresaca Hamilton is the CEO of Black Unicorn Communications.

Black Unicorn Communications helps Service Businesses attract more clients in less time. Visit http://www. blackunicorninc. com for a FREE Business Success Toolkit, including the

7 day e-course: 7 Steps To More Clients

Author:
Tresaca Hamilton