Closing Strong: A Small Business Guide to Year-End Planning for 2023

November 6, 2023 | Written by Jerry Nicklow

Maximizing Year-End Momentum:
Strategic Planning for Small Businesses as 2023 Winds Down

As the year 2023 begins to draw to a close, it’s a pivotal time for small businesses to take a step back and conduct a comprehensive review of the year’s activities, successes, and areas for improvement.

This period of reflection is not just about looking back but also about planning forward, setting the stage for a prosperous and strategic new year. It’s the perfect opportunity to dive into the financials, reassess goals, and ensure that the business is on a trajectory for growth and adaptation in an ever-changing market.

By engaging in thoughtful planning and analysis, small businesses can position themselves to not only survive but thrive in the upcoming year.

Items to include in you small business planning:

1. Review Your Financials: Look at your profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. Understand where your money went and identify any areas for improvement.
2. Review Your Business Insurance Plan:  Evaluate your existing business insurance plan to make sure it aligns with the risks and changes that occurred this past year. If your sales and/or payroll have increased, make sure to have a conversation with your insurance agent.  Proper planning now can prevent a surproise insurance audit at the end of your policy term.  Make sure you’re covered for any potential liabilities or damages.
3. Analyze Your Sales Data: Which products or services were hits? Which weren’t? Understanding customer preferences can help you make better decisions for inventory or service offerings in the coming year.
4. Evaluate Your Goals: Revisit the goals you set at the beginning of the year. Did you meet them? If not, why? Use this information to set realistic goals for the next year.
5. Update Your Business Plan: Markets and economies change. Make sure your business plan reflects the current state of your industry and includes any new goals or strategies.
6. Assess Your Team: Do you have the right people in place to achieve your goals? Consider if you need to hire, train, or make changes to your team.
7. Plan for Taxes: Consult with a tax professional to ensure you’re taking advantage of all tax benefits and to plan for your tax bill.
8. Review Your Marketing Strategy: What marketing efforts paid off this year? Which didn’t? Adjust your marketing plan accordingly.
9. Check Your Legal Compliance: Make sure all your licenses, permits, and insurance policies are up to date.
10. Set a Budget for Next Year: Based on your financial analysis, set a budget that supports your business goals.
11. Plan for the Unexpected: The past few years have taught us the importance of being prepared for unforeseen events. Consider what risks your business faces and how you can mitigate them.
12. Technology and Systems Review: Are there new tools or software that could make your business more efficient? Plan to invest in these technologies.
13. Customer Feedback: Gather feedback from your customers to see what you can improve. This can inform your product development and customer service strategies.
14. Personal Development: As a business owner, your personal growth is tied to your business’s growth. Plan to attend workshops, seminars, or courses that can enhance your skills.
15. Celebrate Your Successes: Don’t forget to acknowledge what you’ve done well. Celebrate your successes with your team.
16. Rest and Recharge: Finally, plan some downtime to rest and recharge. You’ll start the new year with more energy and a fresh perspective.

In Conclusion:

In wrapping up the year, it’s essential to not only focus on the strategic and operational aspects of your business but also to acknowledge the journey you’ve been on. The end of the year should be a time of celebration for the milestones achieved and the resilience shown. It’s a moment to appreciate your team’s hard work, to thank your customers for their loyalty, and to give yourself credit for steering the ship through another year.

As you finalize your plans, remember to carve out time for yourself and your employees to rest and rejuvenate. After all, the well-being of your team, including you as the leader, is foundational to the business’s success. With a well-rounded review and a refreshed outlook, you’re setting up your business for a dynamic start to the new year, ready to embrace new challenges and seize new opportunities.