What comes to mind when you think of fall? For me, it’s cool, crisp days, brilliantly colored leaves, and going back to school.

Growing up in rural Wisconsin, summer was a wild time for kids. No one cared if our clothes had holes, were too big or too small, or if we had shoes on our feet. In fact, wearing no shoes was preferred because if you stepped in something unsavory, feet were easier to wash than shoes. We did our chores and ran out the door for a day of adventure in the woods.

Mid-August rolled around, and Mom started getting us ready for school. She’d take stock of our clothes; did we have any that still fit? Could we wear hand-me-downs from an older sibling? New shoes were almost always on the shopping list, as were haircuts.

We looked forward to fall with mixed feelings: going back to school meant we could see our friends again. But the long days of fun and sun were ending.

Many businesses operate in a similar manner. Management is more relaxed during summer; owners spend long weekends at the lake or on vacation.

Come September though, owners must again focus more on work and less on play. There are, after all, only four months left in the year. That means:

• Four months to buckle down and make this year productive and successful
• Four months to hit your annual sales goal
• Four months to determine the needs of next year
• Four months to prepare your company for the upcoming year:
  • Formulating a budget
  • Developing a strategic plan
  • Identifying training needs
  • Designing a fresh marketing program

As you evaluate how your business is progressing this year and preparing for2023, it’s just as important to reignite your personal goals. How will you enhance your life?

I suggest making a list of three opportunities for your business and your personal life. Then write a plan that will help you to take advantage of those opportunities.

Be proactive to be successful. Be the business owner who spends more time working on the business than in the business.

The road is easier together,

Linda Laitala, President
Raven Performance Group