With the kids back at school, it might feel like you suddenly have your brain back!
Perfect timing, because the last few months of the year can make a real difference to how your business ends 2025, and how you set yourself up for next year.
Here’s what business and marketing leaders should be focusing on right now:
1. Don’t try to do everything
September can feel like a fresh start. But don’t fall into the trap of loading your plate with every shiny new idea.
- Look at what’s worked so far this year. Cut what hasn’t.
- Put your time and energy into the few things that will really make a difference before Christmas.
A quick check of your reporting can tell you straight away which campaigns are worth doubling down on.
2. Make life easier for yourself
If you use a CRM, this is the moment to let it do the heavy lifting:
- Set up simple automations: things like follow-ups when someone downloads a guide or registers for an event.
- Check your sales and marketing teams are actually looking at the same numbers. (It’s amazing how often they’re not.)
- Run a quick forecast so you know if you’re on track, rather than waiting until December to find out.
Little tweaks like this can save hours and stop good leads from slipping through the cracks.
3. Talk to people like… people
Your customers have been through the same summer holiday period you have. They’re busy, they’re catching up, and they don’t want to read a 40-page whitepaper.
So give them things that actually help:
- Short guides or checklists.
- Quick webinars they can join on their lunch break or watch on demand.
- Messages that say “we get it, life’s hectic, here’s something useful.”
Organisations and brands that sound human will stand out a mile in Q4.
4. Keep an eye on the basics
There’s no need for super complicated dashboards. Just keep asking:
- Are we turning leads into customers in the most efficient way?
- Are our campaigns actually being read, watched or clicked?
- Are sales and marketing working from the same playbook?
If the answer is “yes” more often than not, you’re on the right track.
Finally…
The last quarter of the year isn’t about reinventing the wheel. It’s about focus, keeping things simple, and using the tools you’ve already got to make life easier.
Take a breath, pick your priorities, and finish the year feeling like you’re in control, not scrambling.
If you want some help working out where your focus should be, let’s chat. All you need is a clear plan and a few smart moves to take some of the weight off.