Finishing Strong

October is the beginning of the last quarter of the year. As business owners, we all know how hard it is to finish the year off strong. With holidays taking up the last two months of this quarter, the weather getting worse, and customers focused on what they need to do to get things done, we have no chance to finish strong, right? WRONG!

Let me challenge your thinking. Most small businesses don't have a strong finish to the year, because they set low expectations and make excuses that become self fulfilling prophecies. As a business owner, how can you expect your sales team and employees to perform when you set the expectation that things will be slow during the holidays? I challenge you to get rid of this limiting belief system, and instill a more powerful belief system in yourself, as well as your employees. Here is how to make sure that the fourth quarter is your best:

1. Double your expectations, and double your incentives

The holidays are the best time to sell! Your competition is asleep at the wheel (based on their low expectations), and your customers need help and are looking to spend money. Remember, most companies have budgets, and if you don't use them, you lose them. Take advantage of this by doubling your expectations, and your incentives for your team.

2. Raise the bar, and hold yourself to a higher standard

As the business owner, your employees will follow your lead. If you are slacking off and making excuses, they will too. Set some aggressive goals for yourself. Be highly focused. Manage your time. Be a role model for your employees, and watch them follow your lead.

3. Get input from your employees

Sit down with your team, and let them know what your goals are for this last quarter. Then, get their help to develop the plan to make your goals reality. When you do this, you are enrolling them, and they will feel part of the program. Combine this with some solid incentives, and - look out!

If you want to make the fourth quarter your best quarter, change your mindset. Stop making excuses for poor performance, and raise the bar. Remember, you get what you ask for, so set your expectations high, and finish strong!