Halloween has passed, the holiday season is in sight which means the end of 2023 is near. Approaching the end of the year in your business is an important time to assess your company's performance, make strategic decisions, and set the stage for the upcoming year.

Reflect on the business goals and objectives you set at the start of the year. Have you achieved what you set out to do this year? Identify areas where your business excelled and where it faced challenges. Consider the struggles and difficulties you faced in reaching all your goals and determine how your business can adapt.

For those with employees, now is a great time to conduct performance reviews for and consider the goals that will be set for the next year. Has everyone in your office been Collaboratively trained? Consider getting those in your offices who have not been trained in the Collaborative Process trained. The skills learned in a Collaborative training can be applied to many fields of law and practice.

Now is also a perfect time to assess the effectiveness of your marketing efforts throughout the year. Are you getting the type of clients you want to get? Maybe you were recently trained in the Collaborative Process and have yet to get your first Collaborative matter. Re-shift your focus and goals for the next year to provide more out of court options and services to your clients. Set realistic and reasonable goals that you can market and reach.

If time permits, do personal outreach to thank those you were able to serve or referred clients to you this past year. This is a perfect time to ask satisfied clients to provide you with a review for your website or favorite review platform. Consider sending holiday greetings or small gifts to strengthen the relationships with your Collaborative colleagues and community.

Most important, now is the time of year to celebrate your business's achievements and milestones from the past year. Whether you are a solo practitioner or have a team in your office, it is important to recognize all the success you and/or your employees have had. Be proud of what you have achieved and build a positive outlook for the new year ahead.