Back to School!

Today is Labor Day, marking the transition from summer to fall. While the “newness of fall” is not exactly a familiar phrase like the “newness of spring,” this is a time of reinvigoration in the business world – “back to school for adults,” as I like to say.

In a business context, Labor Day is more of a new beginning than New Year’s Day. Summertime distractions and vacation delays are in the rearview mirror, making it easier to get the attention of customers eager to get things done before the upcoming year-end. A sense of urgency increases to make the numbers before the year comes to a close. Executive teams want key decisions made and in place before the New Year begins. Conferences and networking events will soon be in full swing, generating new ideas and new connections. The rapidly-approaching fourth quarter is a time for strategic and tactical planning, a time to think about the big picture and set goals and objectives for next year, and to develop a budget that aligns with those plans; now is the time to make sure these activities are properly planned and scheduled.

Like the school year, the new business year starts now. Think of it as a fresh start, for yourself and for your business. Approach it with the same enthusiasm you had when you were a kid, boarding the yellow bus on the first day with a knapsack full of brand new school supplies.

Happy Labor Day!