One of my long term clients I signed on Christmas Eve as downtown office buildings were in full swing with holiday office parties; while others were closing early to let workers go home to do last minute Christmas shopping and spend time with their families; and still other businesses were simply closed in honor of the holiday.

Business can happen at any time.  But unless you are a retail business that makes a great deal of its profit during the Christmas season, the next 10 – 12 weeks are critical in your business.  For many businesses, the last quarter of the business year actually begins in the first week of September rather than October in regards to productivity.  Although it’s possible to do business during the Thanksgiving to Christmas holiday season, it is more difficult. 

Now I don’t want to give anyone the impression that they shouldn’t or can’t do business during the traditional holiday season, but we should especially be paying attention to the next 10 – 12 weeks and increasing our business efforts accordingly to protect ourselves from the slow down that inevitably happens in many businesses during the holiday season and calendar year end due to company budgets. 

Every single hour, every single day, between now and the business slow down period (whenever that is for you) may mean the difference between a good, profitable year or a mediocre or perhaps even a disastrous year.  Work hard and focus to do all the business you can do now so you don’t have to worry about meeting payroll and other expenses later.  Even if it is challenging to do business during the holiday season there are many things employees can do to prepare for the New Year and set the stage for a successful 2009.  Let’s remember that even during the holiday season operating costs and payroll still go on. 

Starting today, make every day count between now and Thanksgiving on November 27^th.