10 things to do by Christmas

With just 10 business days to go before Christmas here is the top 10 things I think you should do to end the year strongly.

1 – Thank in person (or at least with a handwritten note) your direct report team, colleagues and anyone that has played a significant part in your success during the year. If you have a number of layers of teams reporting through to you be sure to send them a note of thanks.

2 – Thank at least 10 customers in person or by phone.

3 – Communicate your operating hours during the holiday period, including emergency support options, if appropriate.

4 – Review a list of sales leads and call at least 10 of them before the year is out, especially if your product or service can help them during this busy period.

5 – If you have an impact on invoicing or debt collection get busy get the invoices out and overdue accounts followed up. January can be a specifically tight cash flow month so get a head start.

6 – Block out 2 days in the new year to review with your team the previous 6 months performance and to refocus efforts for the coming 6 months.

7 – Clear your inbox, not only is it important to be timely in responding to communication but it will help set you up for the new year.

8 – Donate to charity, no man, woman or child should be hungry on Christmas day – a donation from you will make a difference no matter how small.

9 – Buy yourself a Christmas present, you work hard and you deserve to celebrate your successes. If you don’t think you’re worth a present why would anyone else?

10 – Be sure, before you leave for the holiday break, to setup and test your email out-of-office reply.

Get busy and have a safe and enjoyable festive season.