Do You Have a 2026 Strategy Yet?

As Q4 2025 gets underway very very soon, this is the moment to stop coasting and start planning. The final quarter isn't just about hitting year-end goals….it’s your springboard for a stronger 2026. Whether you’ve had a record year or a rough one, the time to audit, adjust, and align is right now.

Start with your financials. A year-end financial review helps you avoid surprises and make smarter decisions going into Q1. Look at your P&L statements and cash flow from Q1 through Q3. Forecast your revenue for the final quarter and estimate Q1 2026 income based on recurring business and other factors. Consider tightening your expense categories, paying down high-interest debt, and meeting with your CPA before the December crunch. If you need an amazing Tax pro, I can direct you to one!

• Check for unusual expense spikes or margin declines

• Identify slow-paying clients and follow up before the holidays. DO THAT NOW!!!

• Budget for any end-of-year investments or tax write-offs

Next, dig into your customer and revenue data. This is where insights can shape 2026 offerings. Identify which clients or customer types generated the most revenue and which drained your time and energy. Figure out what products or services need to go, and which ones to double down on.

• Rank your top 10% of customers by revenue and retention

• Analyze churn and ask: why are people leaving?

• Consider surveying your best customers for feedback

• Analyze, in detail, your AR/AP stats by quarter and by month.

Marketing is another area ripe for review right now. If lead generation has slowed down, your content, offers, or channels may need a refresh. Start by reviewing campaign performance metrics across email, social, and paid channels. Look for content that drove the highest conversions and not just clicks. If your sales are struggling or your team is not meeting goals and objectives, reach out to Tony Nicks and visit his website below!

• Audit email campaigns: low open or click rates = fix the subject or offer

• Check your website’s load speed, mobile usability, and lead capture points

• Clean your email list now to improve deliverability in 2026

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Team productivity should also be on your radar. Q4 often comes with stress, burnout, or disengagement especially after a long year. If you have a team, reconnect with them and make sure everyone’s aligned going into the new year.

• Conduct a simple feedback survey to spot bottlenecks or morale issues

• Evaluate roles: can anything be delegated or automated?

• Acknowledge high performers and set early Q1 expectations

Finally, look ahead. Don’t wait until January to plan next year’s goals. Pick a small number of high-impact objectives and build toward them now. Whether it's launching a new product, growing your list, or expanding into a new market early momentum matters.

• Set 3–5 clear goals for Q1 2026

• Align your marketing and sales plans around those goals

• Budget now for tools, talent, or systems you’ll need

Q4 is the most strategic quarter of the year if you use it right. Block time on your calendar now to work on your business and not just in it. The moves you make now will define your success next year.

Time to start planning and setting forecasts!

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NEW FOR 2025!

I have a high focus helping other vets out there and want you all to succeed, so I created this Skool group below called the Profit Platoon. Would love to have you there!

Contact me if you’d like to network or partner together. I’d love to chat with you more about the services I offer on the side through Guernsey Consulting. If you do not know, I work full time in Treasury Management and do consulting on the side. Would love to chat or network with you about it.

Some of those services are listed below that we can help you with!