With Thanksgiving now fully behind us in 2025 (already!), for many small businesses the months of December through February can present challenges on many fronts.

With the end of the year holidays and other end of year events, attention can often be drawn away from many of the services that small businesses provide.

Many of my clients stay quite busy this time of year due to a lot of factors, but for many that have a natural “ebb”, there are still plenty of opportunities in the wild.

On top of this previous list, here are some items you can add to your list to help you win the end of the year “turn”.

If You’re Local, Be Local

For many of the small businesses I work with, their local market is their primary market – serving customers close in proximity to their headquarters or primary business address.

And for many towns and cities, there are endless opportunities to get out in the community and “be local”.

From holiday parades to charity and volunteering events, do a bit of scouting to see where you can join in and represent your small business locally.

Show Off Team Training & Other Events

The end of the year is also a great time for internal training and other company events.

It’s a chance to come together and share those moments on social media and other important areas of your digital presence.

It’s typically best to use a professional photographer or videographer if possible, to help keep things looking sharp as you show off your small business events.

Customer Appreciation & Early Booking Promotions

It’s never a bad time to show customer appreciation, but the end of the year might be the best time for promotions like this.

As a way of giving back to past customers and attracting new customers, offering special promotions this time of year can often be a great way to stay connected.

It can also be a great time to offer early booking specials – start booking early for 2026 and even offer incentives to do so.

Maintain Momentum Heading Into Spring

You know that I’m big on momentum, if you’ve been following along this year.

Throughout the year there will always be natural cycles, but that doesn’t mean stopping and starting – which can wreak havoc on momentum.

Continuing your normal rhythm during those slower cycles is an opportunity to keep building up toward those next peak cycles – something that can put you in really great position as others pull back.

Play To Win, But Take Your Breaks

While I love momentum, it is also important to take breaks if you need them.

Staying fresh is important – and you want to stay fresh for your next big season, so plan your breaks accordingly this time of year, as well.