End-Of-Year Checklist

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create an end of year checklist to close out the year strong!

Where has 2022 gone? If you are a business owner, this time of year can be doubly stressful between balancing holiday plans and end-of-year operations. That’s why we want to take a moment to focus on creating an end-of-year checklist—so you can focus on the important things!

Do I Need an End-Of-Year Checklist?

Yes, creating an end-of-year checklist is in your business’s best interests. It might seem tedious now, but your future self will thank you!

An end-of-year checklist can help you measure and analyze your business’s strides. Reviewing this checklist will set your company up for success and help you end the year strong.

Review the Previous Year’s Goals

Did you create goals during last year’s year-end season? Please take a moment to review them before proceeding. Then, compare them to what your company accomplished this year.

Were you on track? Which goals did you meet? What requires attention or reevaluation? Are the goals realistic?

It is essential to understand what worked and did not before creating a new checklist and setting new goals for the future. Doing so gives you a better mental image of what your business needs.

Use your employees’ input, customer feedback, and financial statements to assess your business goals. Focus on the strengths and weaknesses when trying to achieve these goals.

Prepare Financial Reports

It is time to take a big-picture view of your business. Evaluating your financial reports is essential because it provides an overview of business health.

End-of-year financial reports can help determine your business’s profits and losses. Insights provided by these reports can allow you to rethink your business goals for continued success. Involve a competent accountant when preparing and reviewing these documents to increase the report’s value.

Are you under the projected revenue? It might be time to make changes and reevaluate current operating procedures.

Over the projected revenue? Now might be a good time to invest in that new piece of equipment that could streamline efficiency.

Inventory

An inventory count allows you to identify products that sell well and those that do not. Then, use this data to assess which items you should restock or phase out.

For example, do you notice a product that is popular seasonally? Then, plan your order accordingly to account for any supply chain disruptions that may continue into the new year.

Take time to investigate any significant discrepancies in your inventory to avoid huge losses. Also, remember to document your inventory procedures to prevent errors and omissions.

Review Vendor Information

Ensure that you have accurate and updated information on your suppliers or vendors. List any new partnerships you established with them in your business end-of-year checklist.

Include information like contact name, email address, and phone number. Have a lot of vendors? It might be helpful to include a brief description of the vendor listing any defining characteristics to maintain organization.

You should also file and send 1099 forms to your company’s subcontractors and vendors before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) deadline. The IRS (Internal Revenue Service) will use 1099 forms to evaluate non-wage transactions and payments between your business and subcontractors.

Recognizing Business Success

Tracking your company’s accomplishments allows you to focus resources on profitable ventures. Your employees will also feel motivated every time you celebrate their achievements.

Document your achievements and share them with your workers, clients, and suppliers. Consider recognizing outstanding performers at your workplace with gifts or promotions to boost productivity.

Audit Your Business’s Website

Auditing a website might sound highly technical and tedious, but it does not have to be. Input your site’s URL through an online website audit tool to assess click-ability rates. You should also identify and fix any SEO problems lingering on your site. For example, SEO-related issues like keyword stuffing and improper formatting may make your site fail to be visible to your target audience.

With the help of a web designer, analyze your site’s design and user experience. Ensure that the menu is easy to use and load speeds are ideal for visitors to stay longer on the site. Website speed matters!

When looking at the site’s design, ensure that the texts and images align with the ideal formatting requirements. The audit should also focus on how your website drives traffic from your social media pages. Include links to your social media pages on your website and vice versa.

Backup Files

Create backups of all necessary company files, including creative briefs and valuable emails. Include client information and accounting documents in your backup process. The goal is to prevent data loss, which could have disastrous consequences.

Encourage your employees to save essential documents on the cloud and external hard drives as you prepare for a new business year. Consider incorporating these steps into standard business practices—you never know when a computer system might become corrupted.

Have at least three copies of the backed-up data if you lose the files to fire or hacking. For easier access, you should store the files in several formats (cloud, tape, or disk).

Need to Review Your Commercial Insurance Policy?

It is tricky to balance work-related tasks and family responsibilities as the year ends. Making an end-of-year checklist for business can help you keep track of these tasks and set you up for success and productivity in the coming year.

Reviewing your commercial insurance should be part of your business end-of-year checklist. You can count on us for property-casualty coverage suited for businesses like yours. Click here if you are ready to find the ideal coverage for your company. Our team cannot wait to help!

 

Manage (and Overcome) Holiday Stress

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We hope these tips help you manage (and overcome) holiday stress!

We’ve officially entered the holiday season, and Christmas is fast approaching. So, if you already feel overwhelmed by the festive hustle and bustle, please keep reading! Our Allied Insurance Managers staff hopes one of these tips helps you manage (and overcome) holiday stress.

Create a Plan

Keep track of any commitments in your calendar and update it as new invitations arrive. Doing so can help you visualize where you’ll be and when. It can also help you decide which invitations to prioritize in case multiple parties fall on the same day.

Will you host a holiday party? Take time to outline a guest list and menu. Include an inventory of groceries and ingredients you already own, then use this information to create a shopping list.

Consider creating a Plan B in case schedules change. Even a basic outline could make a difference and help you smoothly transition if someone’s flight is canceled, or an unexpected weather event occurs. Of course, if you burn the turkey, Denny’s or Chinese food are always options!

Focus on What Matters

Which is more important—a perfect holiday meal or spending quality time with loved ones? Of course, if you’re hosting or bringing a dish to a gathering, it’s natural to have high standards! However, it’s also essential to keep everything in perspective.

Keep an Eye Out for Safety Hazards

The last thing anyone wants is an ER visit during the holidays. So instead, reduce your holiday stress by properly thawing frozen foods, checking your fire extinguisher’s expiration date, and keeping hazardous foods away from your pets.

Managing Overpacked Stores

Stressed and overwhelmed by overpacked stores and long lines? That’s understandable! Always come prepared with a shopping list and a general idea of the store’s layout (if possible).

Focus on why you’re shopping. Are you getting the perfect gift for a friend? Or are you buying the remaining ingredients for your holiday feast? Maintain this thought in your head while waiting in line. Tell yourself the trip is worth it because of X, Y, or Z.

When possible, avoid last-minute shopping. Instead, when you create a holiday game plan, do your best to list anything and everything you might need. But, of course, we know this is easier said than done!

Maintain Healthy Habits

Humans are not perpetual motion machines, and our bodies need rest. So, make sleep a priority and give yourself time to recuperate from the busy holiday planning.

When was the last time you went for a walk—and no, the grocery store aisles do not count! Set aside time and walk around the block or through a park if there’s one nearby. Bring along your favorite playlist or podcast and let your mind rest from holiday planning.

Going for a walk could boost your mood and reduce stress. Give yourself time to decompress and enjoy the change in scenery.

Eat balanced meals when possible. For example, consider setting meal reminders if you forget to prioritize eating lunch when busy. Have plans to spend the day shopping? Pack a snack with high nutritional value; your future self will thank you!

Leave time to read a book, watch a show, play a game, or do your favorite hobby. Don’t let holiday stress overwhelm your schedule 24/7. Taking a few hours a day to do something you enjoy will not ruin your holiday plans.

Prioritize Community

Despite being “the most wonderful time of the year,” the holiday season can be incredibly lonely for many. So, reach out to friends or loved ones you haven’t seen in a while. Look into joining a book club or knitting group, or find other people with shared interests.

A strong social support network and community could work wonders in reducing stress and positively affecting mental health. Still trying to figure out how to build this support network? Focus on people you feel connected to and trust—including friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, connections from a religious organization, or that guy you see every Tuesday while ordering coffee.

Online connections count too! Technology is a fantastic tool, especially when maintaining a relationship with long-distance friends. If your loved ones can’t gather in person, set a time to have a video call.

Recognize Grief

If you have lost a loved one—no matter how recent the loss might be—do not forget to give yourself time to grieve. Grief is natural, and the holidays often exacerbate it. Consider finding a professional to speak with or a grief support group to join.

Just remember: there is no right or wrong way to celebrate the holidays. Go at your own pace, and do not feel pressured to attend a gathering if you don’t have the energy.

Find the balance between space and isolation. Again, community and social support networks are vital to supporting mental health.

 

We hope these suggestions help you manage (and overcome) your holiday stress. Whether you plan to travel far or stay local, we hope your celebrations go as planned—and remember to focus on what really matters!

Our staff at Allied Insurance Managers are here to reduce your holiday stress with our dedication to your safety and comfort. So, get a quote today if you’re ready to see how we’re the most reputable insurance manager to handle your personal insurance needs.

 

Updated 12/8/2022