As the year comes to a close, the holiday season can bring a whirlwind of responsibilities and distractions. To help studio owners prioritize effectively and drive impactful results before December 31st, the BFS Team has compiled a tactical checklist. This guide provides essential tasks to ensure studios are well-prepared for the upcoming year, allowing owners to customize it to fit their specific needs.
November: Laying the Groundwork for Success
The focus in November is on strategic sales and marketing preparations, setting the stage for successful holiday promotions. Even if you’re not planning a holiday promotion, this time can be used to refine ongoing marketing tactics and sales funnels. As the month progresses, attention will shift towards leadership and team management to maintain high energy levels as distractions increase.
Key Tasks for November:
- Black Friday Preparation: Finalize promotions, marketing channels, and promotional materials.
- Financial Clean-Up: Review and complete your P&L statements and balance sheets in preparation for the new year.
- Holiday Schedule Prep: Communicate holiday hours and staffing needs with your team.
- Nurture Processes: Develop processes to encourage new clients who purchase holiday promotions to return consistently.
- Organizational Check-Up: Conduct an internal review to assess operational effectiveness and team engagement.
December: Ending Strong and Planning Ahead
As the year wraps up, the emphasis shifts to reflection and planning. Studio owners should focus on aligning and rewarding their team while preparing for a strong revenue push in January with a new promotion or offer. The checklist highlights crucial end-of-year tasks that will set the stage for success in 2025.
Key Tasks for December:
- Team Meeting: Hold an end-of-year meeting to discuss team performance, goals for the new year, and address any operational concerns.
- New Year Promotion Planning: Craft your messaging and marketing materials for the upcoming promotion.
- Studio Maintenance: Schedule any necessary maintenance for equipment and the studio space, and involve your team in a thorough cleaning.
- Labor Law Updates: Review any changes to labor laws that may affect your studio in the new year.
- Vendor/Supplier Audit: Assess your current expenses and explore better options for consistent purchases.
To ensure a successful transition into the new year, studio owners are encouraged to reflect on their achievements and identify areas for improvement. This process includes setting key annual goals across various categories, such as marketing, client retention, revenue, and operations. By establishing a clear vision and actionable steps, owners can create a roadmap that leads to growth and success in the upcoming year.
The 2024 end-of-year checklist serves as a vital resource for studio owners looking to finish the year strong and prepare for what lies ahead. By focusing on strategic marketing, operational efficiency, and team alignment, studio owners can not only navigate the busy holiday season but also position themselves for a successful start to the new year. Embracing this proactive approach will ensure that studios are ready to welcome new clients and thrive in 2025.
