The fourth quarter is upon us, which means it's time to start wrapping up the year and preparing for the next one. For small business owners, that means taking stock of this year's accomplishments, setting goals for next year, finalizing holiday marketing plans, and more. Read on for a comprehensive guide from the Anderson County Chamber of Commerce to fourth quarter small business planning.

Review Your Goals for This Year

The first step in fourth quarter small business planning is to review your goals for this year. What did you set out to achieve, and how close are you to accomplishing it? This is a good time to take stock of what's working and what's not working so that you can adjust your strategy for next year accordingly.

Outline Your Goals for Next Year

Now that you've reviewed this year's goals, it's time to start thinking about next year. What do you want to accomplish in the coming year? Outline some specific goals and target dates so that you can start working towards them now.

Make or Finalize Your Holiday Marketing Plans

If you haven't already done so, now is the time to finalize your holiday marketing plans. Decide what promotions you'll be running and when, and update your web presence accordingly. Specifically in regards to your website and social media profiles, now is a good time to give them a fresh coat of paint. Update your branding to reflect the season, add any new products or services you'll be offering, and make sure all of your contact information is up-to-date.

Another great way to reach a huge audience of potential customers is to take pictures of what you’re selling, specifically highlighting any sales or holiday promotions, then use an online tool to convert to PDF for free. From there, you can send them out via email or have them downloadable directly from your website.

Check Your Inventory and Supply Chain

Another important task for small businesses during the fourth quarter is checking their inventory. This includes both physical goods and digital products (if applicable). Make sure you have enough on hand to meet customer demand during the busy holiday season, but don't order too much or you'll be stuck with excess inventory come January.

Accounting Review

Fourth quarter small business planning also involves reviewing your accounting from the past year. This includes things like income statements, balance sheets, profit & loss statements, etc. Doing so will help you get a better handle on where your business stands financially and identify any areas that need improvement.

Look at Your Business Structure

Depending on how your business has grown over the past year, you may need to consider changing your business structure. For example, if you're currently operating as a sole proprietorship but have hired employees, you may need to register as a limited liability company or corporation. Consult with an accountant or attorney to see if this is something you need to do.

Get a Head Start on Tax Season

Last but not least, fourth quarter small business planning involves getting ready for tax season. This includes things like gathering all of your receipts and documentation, ensuring your books are up-to-date, and meeting with your accountant (if applicable). The sooner you start getting organized for tax season, the easier it will be come April 15th!

The fourth quarter is a busy time for small business owners as they wrap up the year and prepare for the next one. There are a lot of moving parts involved in fourth quarter small business planning, but by following this guide step-by-step, you can ensure that nothing falls through the cracks. From reviewing this year's goals to preparing for tax season, there's a lot to do—but with careful planning and execution, you can make sure that your business ends the year on a high note and starts the new one even stronger!

Join the Anderson County Chamber of Commerce to connect with local entrepreneurs and resources that can help your business grow.