Help Your Redding Small Business Finish the Year Strong

As we move into the fourth quarter, it's a good time for small businesses to take stock of where they are and what still needs to be done before the end of the year. This is also a good time to start thinking about next year and what goals you want to set for your business. If you haven't already done so, now is a good time to review your financial statements from the previous year and set some goals for the upcoming year. It's also a good time to start planning any marketing or advertising campaigns that you want to launch in the new year. By taking some time now to plan and prepare, you can ensure that your business is ready to take advantage of all the opportunities that the new year will bring. From the Greater Redding Chamber of Commerce, here are some key areas to focus on as you wrap up the fourth quarter.

Evaluating Goal Achievement

The first step in fourth quarter planning is to take a look back at the past year and evaluate how well you achieved your goals. Did you hit your targets? Are there any areas where you fell short? This self-evaluation will help you finish strong, as well as determine what changes need to be made for next year.

Now that you know where you stand, it's time to start setting new goals for the coming year. What do you want to achieve? How can you build on your successes and learn from your mistakes? Answering these questions will help you formulate a plan for the year ahead.

Planning Holiday Marketing

The holidays are a critical time for businesses, so it's important to have a solid marketing strategy in place. What promotions will you be running? How can you reach your target audience? Now is the time to start putting together your holiday marketing plan.

One great strategy involves creating a gift guide in Word, adding some images of the products you’re selling, then using this free tool to convert Doc to PDF. Then, you can send your PDF via email, as well as making it downloadable through your website. 

Updating Your Website and Social Media Profiles

Your website and social media profiles should be updated regularly, but it's especially important to do so before the holiday rush. Make sure your contact information is up-to-date and that your site is easy to navigate. You should also freshen up your social media profiles with new photos and updates.

Assessing Your Inventory and Supply Chain

As you prepare for the holiday rush, it's important to assess your inventory and supply chain. Do you have enough products on hand to meet demand? Are your suppliers prepared to handle an increase in orders? These are important questions to answer as you gear up for the busiest time of year.

Reviewing Your Accounting Practices

The end of the year is also a good time to review your accounting practices. Are you keeping accurate records? Do you have all the documentation you need? Taking care of these details now will save you headaches down the road.

Preparing for Tax Season

No one likes paying taxes, but preparing early can make the process a lot less painful. Gathering up all the paperwork you’ll need and get organized now so that you're not scrambling come April 15th. Trust us, your future self will thank you!

Reevaluating Your Business Structure

As you reflect on the past year, it's also a good time to reevaluate your business structure. Is everything still working as it should? Are there any changes that need to be made? Don't be afraid to make changes if they'll help improve your business.

The fourth quarter is a crucial time for small businesses. By taking stock of where you are and where you want to be, you can set yourself up for a successful year ahead. So don't wait—start planning today!

Membership in the Greater Redding Chamber of Commerce offers invaluable benefits to entrepreneurs in our community. Join us today!