Ah, December. The month where the calendar reminds us we’re not just wrapping gifts but also tying up loose ends in our businesses. It’s the season of hot cocoa, holiday playlists, and—if you’re a small business owner—trying to figure out how to close the year like a pro. But don’t worry; I’ve got your back.
Here’s a handy guide with seven must-do tasks to help you wrap up 2023 like a boss and stroll into 2024 feeling ready to conquer the world (or at least your corner of it).
1. Review Your Financials and Update Records
Okay, so “review your financials” doesn’t sound like the most festive task. But trust me, a little number-crunching now will save you from major headaches later. Pull up those profit and loss statements, double-check that all your invoices have been sent, and make sure you’ve collected outstanding payments.
Think of it as tidying up your financial house. It’s like cleaning before guests arrive—you want everything to look polished when tax season shows up knocking at your door.
Pro Tip: If you’re using accounting software like QuickBooks or Xero, let it do the heavy lifting. And if you’re not using one yet… consider this your sign to start. It’s like having a financial assistant who never takes a coffee break.
2. Prepare for Tax Season
Taxes. Not exactly the jingle bells vibe we want, but a necessary evil. Don’t wait until the last minute to hunt down receipts or debate whether your business lunch at that fancy cafe counts as a deduction. (Spoiler: It probably does, but check with your accountant.)
This is the perfect time to chat with your tax advisor about strategies to save some money. Maybe there’s a last-minute equipment purchase that’ll help you out, or a charitable contribution you can make before the clock strikes midnight on December 31.
Fun Reminder: Filing your taxes doesn’t have to feel like a horror movie. The more organized you are now, the less it’ll haunt you later.
3. Reflect on Your Goals and Achievements
Let’s hit pause for a moment and reflect. Remember that big goal you set back in January? Did you crush it, or did life (and maybe a million other tasks) get in the way? Either way, it’s all good. The point isn’t to judge yourself—it’s to learn.
Write down three things you accomplished this year. Maybe it’s a new product launch, a social media campaign that went viral (or just didn’t flop), or finally figuring out how to balance your books without pulling your hair out. Then, jot down three lessons learned. What didn’t work? What can you tweak next year?
Why This Matters: Reflecting isn’t just about patting yourself on the back (though you should definitely do that, too). It’s about setting yourself up for smarter goals in 2024.
4. Clean Up Your Digital Space
Your physical desk might have some holiday clutter—sticky notes, half-empty coffee mugs, or that one Christmas card you’ve been meaning to send. But your digital workspace? That needs a little love, too.
Go through your email inbox and delete the spam (you don’t need to save every “Cyber Monday Sale” email). Organize your files in Google Drive or Dropbox. And please, for the love of all things tech, back up your data. Imagine starting the new year with a clean, organized digital slate—it’s a gift you give to your future self.
Pro Tip: Set aside an hour for this task. Turn on your favorite playlist, grab a cup of tea, and declutter away. It’s oddly satisfying, like Marie Kondo-ing your hard drive.
5. Show Gratitude to Customers and Employees
Let’s get a little sappy for a second. Your customers and team (even if that “team” is just you and your dog) are the reason your business keeps moving forward. Now’s the time to say thank you.
Send your customers a heartfelt email or holiday card. You could even throw in a small discount or freebie as a token of appreciation. For your team, consider a thoughtful gift or a simple shoutout. It doesn’t have to be fancy—just genuine.
Creative Idea: Post a year-end “thank you” video on social media highlighting your favorite moments of the year. Bonus points if you include some bloopers—it makes your business feel more relatable.
6. Evaluate Your Marketing Strategy
Marketing can sometimes feel like throwing spaghetti at the wall to see what sticks. But at year-end, it’s time to analyze which “spaghetti strands” actually worked. Did that Facebook ad campaign bring in sales? Were your email newsletters opened, or did they collect dust in inboxes?
Dive into your analytics (Google Analytics, social media insights, email reports) and figure out where your efforts paid off—and where they didn’t. Use this data to craft a smarter, leaner marketing plan for the new year.
Action Step: Create a “what worked” and “what didn’t work” list. Plan your Q1 content themes based on this intel, and if you’re feeling ambitious, schedule out some posts in advance. Future-you will be grateful.
7. Plan for the New Year
Finally, the fun part: looking ahead. Dream big, set new goals, and map out how you’re going to get there. But don’t stop at the dreaming stage—turn those dreams into actionable steps.
Want to grow your email list? Write down three strategies to make it happen. Planning to launch a new product? Set a timeline with mini-deadlines to keep you on track.
Pro Tip: Use a planner or project management tool (Asana, Trello, Notion—pick your favorite) to keep everything organized. And don’t forget to pencil in some self-care time—you can’t run a business if you’re running on empty.
Final Thoughts: Wrap It Up with Confidence
Year-end tasks don’t have to feel like a chore. Think of them as a way to celebrate your progress, tidy up loose ends, and set yourself up for an even better year ahead. By tackling these seven essential tasks, you’ll start 2024 feeling organized, focused, and ready to take on whatever comes your way.
So, grab your favorite beverage, carve out some time, and let’s wrap up this year like the rockstar business owner you are. You’ve got this!
With Love,
Camilla
