Let’s be honest: you’re probably reading this thinking, “I can’t believe it’s already December, and 2025 is right around the corner!” If you’re a small business owner or entrepreneur, the end of the year can feel like a chaotic mix of holiday cheer, looming deadlines, and “oh no, I forgot to plan for next year” moments.
But take a deep breath. You don’t have to do it all yourself, and you definitely don’t have to plan every detail of 2025 in one afternoon. In fact, the best plans are often created with your team, not just handed down to them. When you involve your staff in setting goals and creating strategies, they’re not only more likely to follow through—they’ll also feel invested in the success of your business.
Here’s how to wrap up the year without losing your mind (or your holiday spirit).
Quick Performance Audit: Evaluate Your Year
Before you dive into next year’s plans, it’s important to reflect on this one. Think of it as a quick check-up for your business—not a guilt trip about what you didn’t accomplish, but a chance to see what’s working and where you can improve.
How to Review Your Business Performance:
Financial Metrics: How did your revenue, expenses, and profit margins stack up this year?
Customer Feedback: What are your customers saying? Check reviews, surveys, or even just anecdotal feedback.
Team Wins: Which projects or initiatives went well this year, and who contributed most to their success?
Pro Tip: Do your accountant a favor and make sure your financial records are up to date. Seriously. And if you don’t already have a financial advisor or accountant, add one to your 2025 budget. They’re worth their weight in gold when it comes to helping you make smarter decisions.
Tying Up Loose Ends: Essential Year-End Tasks
The end of the year is a great time to cross those lingering tasks off your to-do list and head into January with a clean slate.
End-of-Year Checklist:
Reconcile Accounts: Make sure invoices are sent, payments are collected, and expenses are logged. Your accountant (and future you) will thank you.
Organize Tax Documents: Start gathering receipts and records now, not when the IRS comes calling in April.
Follow Up on Loose Ends: Whether it’s a delayed project or an unresolved customer issue, now is the time to close the loop.
Efficiency Hack: Hate admin work? Outsource it to a virtual assistant or leverage software tools like Expensify or QuickBooks to streamline the process.
This isn’t just about clearing your desk—it’s about creating mental space for bigger, more strategic thinking as you plan for 2025.
Involve Your Team: Why Goal-Setting Should Be a Group Effort
Here’s the thing about planning: you don’t have to do it all yourself. In fact, you shouldn’t. Your team knows your business inside and out, and they can bring fresh perspectives to the table. Plus, studies show that teams involved in creating goals are far more likely to execute them successfully.
How to Involve Your Staff in Year-End Planning:
Host a Goal-Setting Session: Bring your team together (virtually or in person) to discuss what worked, what didn’t, and what they’d like to see in 2025.
Make It Collaborative: Encourage input on everything from sales strategies to marketing ideas to internal processes.
Assign Ownership: Let team members take the lead on specific goals or initiatives.
By involving your staff, you’ll not only reduce your own planning overwhelm—you’ll also create a sense of shared ownership and accountability. And let’s be real, it’s a lot more fun than sitting alone with a notebook and a gallon of coffee.
As Michael E. Gerber says in The E-Myth Revisited: “Your business is not your life. Your business and your life are two totally separate things.” This audit isn’t about getting bogged down in the weeds—it’s about gaining clarity so you can move forward with intention.
End-of-Year Marketing Strategies for Small Businesses
If you’re looking for a final revenue boost before 2025, the holiday season is your chance to shine. Whether you’re a brick-and-mortar store or an online business, holiday promotions can help you finish strong.
Marketing Ideas That Work:
Holiday Sales Promotions: Flash sales, discounts, or bundled offers are always a hit this time of year.
Social Media Campaigns: Share festive content to engage your audience and showcase your personality.
Collaborate Locally: Team up with other small businesses for cross-promotions. It’s a win-win.
Dan Martell, in Buy Back Your Time, says: “The key to buying back your time is not just delegating tasks but also designing systems that remove the bottlenecks.” Automate your marketing efforts—like email campaigns and social media posts—so you can focus on strategy, not execution.
Short-Term Goals: Small Wins for a Big Finish
You don’t need to overhaul your entire business in December. Instead, focus on a few impactful short-term goals that build momentum for next year.
Try These Before 2024 Ends:
Launch a targeted holiday promotion to boost revenue.
Send thank-you notes or small gifts to loyal clients.
Finalize your Q1 plans so you’re not scrambling in January.
Pro Tip: Small goals are easier to execute, especially when your team is involved. Assign ownership to specific tasks and watch how quickly things get done.
Planning for 2025: Keep It Simple
Planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Focus on the essentials, involve your team, and remember: January doesn’t need to be perfect—it just needs to be intentional.
How to Simplify Your Planning Process:
Schedule a Team Meeting: Map out high-level goals and assign responsibilities.
Draft a Budget: Plan for big expenses like new hires, marketing campaigns, or upgrading systems.
Streamline Processes: Automate repetitive tasks and delegate responsibilities where possible.
Remember Dan Martell’s wisdom: “Design systems that remove the bottlenecks.” Simplify now so you can focus on growth, not grunt work.
Let Maverick May Solutions Help You Thrive
Feeling overwhelmed by year-end planning? You don’t have to tackle it all alone. At Maverick May Solutions, we help small businesses and entrepreneurs streamline their operations, simplify their strategies, and achieve their goals without burning out.
Ready to Finish the Year Strong?
Contact Maverick May Solutions today to schedule a consultation. Whether you need help wrapping up 2024 or mapping out a game plan for 2025, we’re here to help.
Because let’s face it: the best way to start a new year is by feeling confident, supported, and ready to crush your goals.
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