How to Prepare for Your Fourth Quarter (the OOO Way)
The fourth quarter isn’t just another three months—it’s your business’s final sprint and fresh start. Whether you’re closing out client projects, planning travel, or setting the stage for tax season, how you prepare now determines whether you step into the new year scattered…or in control.
At Out of Office, we believe Q4 prep should be strategic and freeing. Done right, it creates clarity, balance, and breathing room for both your business and lifestyle. Here’s how to approach it.
1. Review the Year Behind You
Before sprinting forward, pause. Look back at the first nine months:
What worked? (Revenue streams, marketing channels, client systems)
What drained you? (Overbooked weeks, clients that weren’t aligned, unnecessary expenses)
What’s unfinished but still worth completing before year’s end?
OOO Mindset: Take this review outside the office. A quiet café, a balcony with an ocean view, or even a flight—changing your environment sparks fresh perspective.
2. Lock in Year-End Revenue
Q4 is historically the strongest quarter for many industries. Don’t leave money on the table:
Create simple promotions or bundled offers for existing clients.
Upsell services that make their year-end easier.
Collect outstanding invoices early so cash flow isn’t tight in December.
OOO Tip: If you’re traveling or cruising this quarter, use “out-of-office” as a hook. Example: I’ll be OOO mid-December, so book your tax prep session now to lock in this year’s rate.
3. Prep for Tax Season Now
This is your chance to close the year tax-smart:
Review expenses and make necessary purchases before December 31.
Maximize deductions for business travel, training, or client entertainment.
Set aside funds for taxes so January isn’t stressful.
OOO Angle: If you’ve been traveling, ensure your trips are well-documented as business-related. Photos, agendas, and notes make it easier to justify deductions.
4. Reconnect & Strengthen Relationships
The holiday season is prime for networking—but in a way that feels natural.
Send genuine thank-yous to clients.
Host a small gathering (even virtually) to celebrate wins.
Connect while traveling—cocktails on a cruise ship or coffee in a new city can lead to powerful collaborations.
OOO Reminder: Networking doesn’t have to feel forced. The best connections happen when you’re relaxed and present.
5. Map Out Q1 Before the Year Ends
Your fourth quarter is also the launchpad for your first.
Draft your Q1 goals before the holidays.
Block out vacation or OOO dates now—so you design your business around freedom, not burnout.
Build systems that let your business run while you step away.
OOO Strategy: Treat your future CEO-self to clarity. Imagine landing on a January cruise or trip knowing your business is already mapped out for Q1. That’s leadership.
Final Thought: Balance Strategy with Inspiration
Preparing for Q4 isn’t about hustling harder—it’s about aligning your systems, numbers, and mindset so you can end the year strong and create space for inspiration.
Out of Office isn’t just about stepping away. It’s about designing your business so that travel fuels your clarity, connections grow naturally, and your numbers work in your favor.
Ready to design a Q4 that fuels both business growth and personal freedom? Subscribe to OOO for strategies that keep you productive, profitable, and inspired—wherever work (and travel) takes you.
