Thinking back to one year ago seems like a lifetime ago. So many things have changed over the past several months, many completely out of our control.
While we are still working our way through this challenging time, it’s important to remember the things that are within our control.
In a “normal year,” the beginning of October is when we are locked in on meeting our goals for the year-end. The fourth quarter is when we talk about finishing the year strong!
This year feels very different and, in fact, is different.
But there are a few things you can do to give yourself the chance for a positive outcome - just like you would during any other year.
Since this year is anything but “normal,” here are some tips for having a successful fourth quarter (even in 2020!).
- Shift your attitude! Focus on what you have plenty of! It’s so easy to get stuck on what you don’t have; shelves are bare, lack of products everywhere, products out of stock, supply chain ordering right now is in a crisis. Shift your focus to what you DO have. Put those things front and center. Everyone understands the situation right now. It doesn’t matter what’s missing; be upfront if you’re having challenges with delivery times, products, etc. “It’s only a struggle if you make it a struggle.” The people who have an attitude of abundance, not one of scarcity, in challenging times are the ones who come out ahead of the pack on the other side.
- Make sure your business is available to be seen. Are you making it easy for people to find you? People are still buying products and doing business...are you making it easy for them to buy from you? Make the most of online opportunities. There are many places where you can “show up” consistently and get in front of potential and existing customers. The key here is to add value. If you are only getting front of people to sell, you will not succeed. Think more in terms of ‘giving away’ some value. For example, if you sell cosmetics, record a short video of you applying make-up that you sell. Show how easy it is to use, to blend, and to remove. Show, don’t tell. Then, post it on Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube or wherever your customer base hangs out!
- Find mini-goals and accomplish them. Your big goals may have taken a hit this year, but you can always do little things that move your forward (towards those bigger goals). Hold yourself accountable to find small wins.
- Keep communicating! The fourth quarter can be a stressful time anyway, especially for sales teams who are trying to make up for lost time - this year adds additional challenges. Do you need some more emotional support than you have had in the past? Seek out a group of like-minded people who support one another. Look for groups online, within social media platforms, and within your own network. This is a great time to reach out to other small business owners and entrepreneurs who are experiencing the exact same things you are this year. Challenging times can make for some powerful alliances!
- Don’t take your foot off the gas pedal. Just Keep Going! You can succeed. You can find a way. You can even flourish. But only if you do not quit.
It’s important right now to do the things you would normally do at this point in the year. Keep your focus on things including evaluating important activities, reviewing targets, communicating with high-value prospects and finding wins (big or small!). Stay focused on what you can control and you will give yourself a great chance to finish a hectic year in a strong way.
XOXO!
Belinda