As the Christmas period fast approaches, it’s easy to get caught up in the festivities and lose focus on wrapping up your business before you break off.
Today, we’re looking at five things you should be doing this December to make your transition into the new year – and new decade *gulp* – run as smoothly as possible.
Communicate with your clients.
If you’re planning on being out of office over the break, let your clients know your availability.
Whether it’s a direct email or a reminder in your email signature, letting people know what your hours is not only good for them, but should reduce the chance of you getting a call on Boxing Day morning.
Chase late payments.
Yep, late payments are a real grinch and it’s at this time of year your business can feel a real pinch.
Don’t be afraid to chase those late-paying clients who are still putting off squaring up their invoices.
We’ve written a short guide on how to encourage your customers to pay on time.
Goals for 2020.
Evaluate what went right this year, and what didn’t quite work out.
Outline some of your goals for the new year and always write down the actionable steps you can take to make them happen. It could be anything from refining your processes and expanding your services to getting more clients.
Whatever it is, be specific with what you want and how to action them in 2020.
Good luck!
Prepare for January.
There’s a tendancy to shove a lot of your non-emergency to-do list into January.
But, bear in mind that you may not be as raring to go as you think you will be on January 2nd.
It can be hard to get back into a routine after a week or so of not knowing what day it is and living purely on turkey sandwiches!
Plan out your first week back and make it as easy as possible for your future self to understand what needs to be done.
Note down any small details that you may forget about by the time the tinsel is taken down.
You’ll thank yourself later.
Self Assessment.
Ugh, we know, it’s not what you’d love to be doing in the run up to Christmas, but if you haven’t sorted out that tax return, get a head start now so that it’s not a big rush in January. Here are some common Self Assessment tax return mistakes and how to avoid them.
Bonus points if you get it filed in time for Christmas eve…
If you have any questions, or need a hand with your business wrap-up for 2019, give us a call today.
