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Contributed by SBOC Member:
Founder of the Small Business Owners Community
Let’s be honest: 2024 has been a whirlwind. Whether you’re celebrating milestones or shaking off a few missteps, one thing is certain—you’ve earned your holiday break. But here’s the catch: it’s hard to relax when there are loose ends dangling like untamed tinsel. So, how do you tie up the year with a neat little bow and make space for a fresh start in 2025? Let’s break it down step-by-step.
Before you power down for the holidays, take a moment to hit pause and look back on the year. What worked? What flopped? What just felt right? Grab a notebook, open a doc, or heck, scribble on the back of an envelope if that’s your vibe.
Jot down at least five wins, big or small. Did you finally automate your invoicing? Land that dream client? Those count.
Write three things you’ll do differently next year. Maybe you spent too much time chasing leads that didn’t convert or let admin work eat your weekends.
Think about the things that caught you off guard—good or bad. This reflection builds resilience.
You know that nagging list of “I’ll get to it later” tasks? Now’s the time to tackle it. Think of this as Marie Kondo-ing your business before the holidays.
Follow up on unpaid invoices (yes, even the awkward ones).
Clear your inbox. Set up an out-of-office reply if you plan to be fully offline.
Wrap up or reschedule anything hanging mid-air. No shame in pushing some things to January if it feels realistic.
Whether you have clients, contractors, or a supportive LinkedIn community cheering you on, the holidays are the perfect time to show gratitude.
Gratitude isn’t just good manners—it’s good business. People remember how you make them feel.
Taking time off isn’t indulgent; it’s necessary. But for solopreneurs, it’s easier said than done. Start by setting clear expectations.
Let clients know your holiday hours well in advance.
Schedule social posts, email replies, or newsletters to run without you.
If you’ve got a VA or freelancer on your team, pass the baton for anything critical.
Before you hit the eggnog, spend a little time prepping for the new year. This isn’t about full-scale planning (you’ll do that in January); it’s about setting up a smooth re-entry.
Choose one thing you’ll tackle first in 2025—something achievable but exciting.
Organize your digital and physical workspace so you can hit the ground running.
This is the part most solopreneurs skip, but it’s essential. You’ve worked hard all year. Before you officially clock out, do something that feels like a reward. Buy the fancy chocolate, take a long walk, or binge that series everyone’s been talking about.
Taking a holiday break isn’t about stepping away from your business; it’s about stepping into the next year with clarity and energy. By reflecting, tying up loose ends, and setting boundaries, you’re not just ending 2024—you’re setting the stage for a spectacular 2025.
So go on, hang the “closed for the holidays” sign, pour yourself a drink, and kick back. You’ve earned it.
Join the SBOC, a group that understands what you’re going through and believes in where you are capable of going.
Pat spent two decades in broadcasting management and hosting. After leaving the radio industry, he spent time consulting small businesses and realized the support system for entrepreneurs was broken. Where could you find help for improving small businesses and building real connections with other like-minded people. In June of 2020, the Idea Collective Small Business Community was born.
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