I’m making my end-of-year list and checking it twice! What am I missing that’s on your December to-dos?

1. Writing client strategy addendums

Each year we go through a planning process with our clients. This is our chance to understand their business goals and priorities for the year ahead and adapt our communication strategies accordingly.

📋 STATUS: In progress! Due by early January.

2. Onboarding new clients and projects

My favorite time of year to bring in new opportunities is December. It’s the perfect time to strategize so that we can hit the ground running on January 1.

📂 STATUS: Happening now!

3. Highlighting wins

    Several years ago, we started putting together year-end highlight reels for our clients. Each customized deck is personalized to the client and includes key wins and outputs from the past 12 months as well as the return on their investment in our firm. 

    🏆 STATUS: In development! Deadline to send Dec. 13.

    4. Lighting the A.wordsmith tree

    Like many, our in-office team looks different than it did 10, 5, even 1 year ago. But nothing brings the holiday spirit out like a miniature fake tree lit to the hilt! 

    🎄 STATUS: Complete!

    5. Defining our goals

    Our annual business plan isn’t some multi-page document. It’s a streamlined one-pager that focuses on our top 6 priorities for the upcoming year, the biggest obstacle we face for each and first 2 steps toward progress. Thanks to Drew McLellan at Agency Management Institute for this template. 

    🎯 STATUS: In development. Leadership meeting on Dec. 5. Plan due by Jan. 17.

    6. Crunching the numbers

    What is our desired revenue? Profit? And how do we get there through business development and operational decision making? It’s a core piece of our 2025 planning and how we keep pushing ourselves forward as a healthy, innovative business.  

    🤓 STATUS: Due Dec. 18 so they can be built into annual plan.

    7. Mailing holiday cards

    We might be old fashioned, but who doesn’t love getting Christmas cards? So, pop open the bubbly, grab those Sharpies and get signing. Thanks to our incredible designer Kris for helping us spread the cheer this year (and always).

    📬 STATUS: Cards are here. Next up: signing, stamping and handing off to USPS by Dec. 11.

    8. Sending thanks with a side of cheer

    Without our clients we’d be absolutely nothing. And while it’s a bit trickier to send holiday gifts in the age of remote work, we still love doing it! Plus, it’s always fun to send a little bit of Portland magic to our clients across the country. Spoiler: this year it’s Straightaway Cocktails and Stumptown coffee beans!
     
    🎁 STATUS: Gifts all here. Pack and ship by Dec. 11.

    9. Celebrating with the team

    This year marked 15 years in business for us, and like we’ve done every year prior we’ll come together to eat and raise a glass in celebration of this incredible team and another year we’re proud of. 

    🍹 STATUS: Spicy margaritas booked for Dec. 12!

    10. Enjoying ourselves

    We’re grateful to have a team that ensures every client need and deadline is met. It’s for those reasons that we’re also big on closing up shop for a few days, spending time with loved ones and recharging so we can come back ready to what lies ahead in the new year! 

    🥂 STATUS: Working towards it!

      Happy Holidays and Cheers to 2025!