September is a reset. The air is crisper, the days are shorter, and the year’s final stretch is here. For Talbot County business owners, this is the moment to sharpen strategy, rally your team, and make every week count.
Here are five practical steps to help you finish strong in 2025.
1. Revisit Your Budget
By fall, your budget should be a living document, not just a plan on paper. Review where you’ve over- or underspent. Move leftover dollars into areas that generate the most return such as marketing, staffing, or equipment upgrades.
“Think of your budget as your game plan for the final quarter,” says Cassandra Vanhooser, director of Talbot County Economic Development and Tourism. “If you see you’re under budget in one category, consider reallocating those dollars toward high-impact areas like marketing or staff training.”
Quick win: If supply costs came in lower than expected, invest those savings into a targeted ad campaign, an inventory restock before the holidays, or staff training that boosts service.
Pro tip: Talk to your accountant about year-end purchases. Prepaying expenses or upgrading equipment before December 31 could provide tax benefits.
2. Maximize Marketing Momentum
Fall and early winter are prime marketing seasons. Customers are planning holiday purchases, nonprofits are ramping up fundraising, and companies are finalizing budgets for 2026.
“Marketing doesn’t have to mean big ad spends,” says Vanhooser. “It can be as simple as repackaging your existing services or highlighting your community involvement in a way that resonates during the season.”
Quick win: Choose two or three tactics you can execute well:
- Holiday promotions: Bundle products, sell gift cards, or create seasonal packages.
- Email campaigns: Send targeted offers to past customers.
- Social storytelling: Share behind-the-scenes moments, customer testimonials, or staff highlights to build trust and loyalty.
Pro tip: Align your promotions with community events and seasonal draws in Talbot County. A boutique could partner with a local café for a “shop-and-sip” night; a service business could team up with a nonprofit for a holiday fundraiser.
3. Streamline Operations Before the Rush
Inefficiencies cost you money during busy periods. A quick operational check-up now will save headaches later.
“Before the busiest weeks, take a hard look at your workflow,” says Vanhooser. “Small changes such as reorganizing your workspace, updating your online ordering process, or training staff on a new system can pay off immediately.”
Quick win: Audit these three areas:
- Inventory: Do you have the right products in the right quantities? Avoid both shortages and excess stock.
- Customer service: Prep your team for heavier traffic—whether in-store, online, or by phone.
- Technology: Test your website, payment systems, and scheduling tools to make sure nothing slows you down.
Pro tip: Even simple improvements such as reorganizing your workspace, adding signage, or offering refresher training can immediately improve efficiency and customer experience.
4. Energize Your Team
Your employees are the face of your business. An engaged, supported team is your strongest competitive edge heading into the busiest season.
“An engaged team delivers better service, which leads to better sales and repeat customers,” says Vanhooser. “Small things can make a big difference.”
Quick win: Share your year-end goals openly. Show your staff how their work ties into the bigger picture. Recognize their contributions daily.
Pro tip: Incentives don’t have to be costly. Consider flexible scheduling during peak weeks, public shout-outs or “employee of the week, or small perks from snacks and team lunches to handwritten thank-you notes.
5. Measure and Plan for 2026
As you sprint toward year-end, take time to measure results and capture lessons learned. Those insights will power a stronger start in January.
“Measuring results is more than just celebrating wins. It’s identifying what worked and what didn’t,” said Vanhooser. “That knowledge is invaluable for making next year’s plan.”
Quick win: Review KPIs such as sales by product line, average transaction size, customer retention, new customer acquisition, and ROI on marketing campaigns.
Pro tip: Write down what worked and what didn’t. Even a one-page summary will make your January planning faster, smarter, and more focused.
Final Word
September is a turning point. By tightening your budget, boosting your marketing, streamlining operations, engaging your team, and measuring results, you can finish 2025 with momentum and set the stage for a successful 2026.
Local business owners don’t have to go it alone. The Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism offers a variety of resources to help businesses prosper and grow.
“Our goal is to help Talbot County businesses not only meet their goals but exceed them,” said Vanhooser. “Finishing strong in 2025 sets the stage for a successful 2026.”
Need support? Visit talbotworks.org or call 410-770-8000.
About Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism
The Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism’s mission is to enhance and promote a business-friendly environment for current and prospective enterprises and to advocate for policies that support and strengthen the economic vitality of Talbot County. The department’s vision for Talbot County is built on the principles of strong communities, empowered businesses, and innovative solutions.
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