September is about getting back to business basics and preparing for the final four months of the year.
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September marks the start of a new chapter. For students, that means going back to school. For business leaders, it’s an opportunity to chart your course for the balance of the year. This includes getting back to business basics and preparing for the final four months of the year.
Reflecting on my experiences as a five-time CEO and now founder of my advisory firm, Terri Eagle Group, I’ve learned that strong finishes don’t happen by accident. They come from reviewing where you are, making necessary adjustments, and bringing your team together around a clear direction.
As you pack your “business backpack” for the remaining 4 months ahead, consider including the following essentials to hit the road for final success.
Take a Deep Dive into Your Business
September is an ideal time to step back and inspect business analytics. As a CEO or owner, look closely at performance year to date and compare the results with the goals you established at the beginning of the year. Also, request that your leadership team do the same and be prepared to meet as a team with their findings.
Identify what is working, what is falling short, and where there may still be opportunities to improve. While you want to acknowledge the challenges, you also want to recognize the wins your team has achieved. Those successes can provide valuable insight into what you should continue doing as you chart your course toward a grand finale at year-end.
Review KPIs with Your Leadership Team
Bring your leadership team together for an in-person roundtable to review KPIs. Discuss what is great, what is good, what presents a challenge, and what needs to be corrected as soon as possible. The leaders should come prepared with their insights rather than simply reporting numbers.
In addition to the group meeting, schedule a 1:1 breakfast or lunch meeting with each member of your leadership team. Prepare an agenda that allows the conversation to include both their priorities and the business’s. These meetings can create space for honest communication and a plan to reach year-end goals.
Profit-and-Loss Health Check
Your profit-and-loss statement tells an important story about the health of your business. Review revenue, expenses, margins, and cash flow, and compare the results with your budget against prior performance.
Look for unnecessary costs, along with patterns, and trends. Trim budget for immediate margin improvement. Mark any specific areas that need attention. If the numbers are not where you expected them to be, determine why and decide what can realistically be improved before the end of the year. A problem discovered in September still gives you time to respond in the final months.
Inspect Your Customer Relationship Marketing
I often advise leaders to “inspect what you expect,” and this applies to customer relationships as well. Review how your business communicates with customers and whether your relationship marketing practices are being followed. Are customers receiving timely responses? Are team members checking in consistently? Are concerns being addressed before they become larger problems?
Paying attention to these details can strengthen customer loyalty and help ensure that your best practices are in order for all seasons of the year.
Prepare for Holiday Events
The holidays may feel far away in September, but planning early can help your business make the most of this time. Delegate a team captain to coordinate your holiday event or year-end celebration. Give them a clear budget, expectations, and encouragement to move plans forward.
Celebrations should be meaningful and inclusive. Ask what getting together looks like for your team now, especially if employees work across different locations or schedules. Take time out to say thank you or give back to a special charity of choice on behalf of the company.
Cross the Finish Line Together
As you prepare for the final months of 2026, make sure your business backpack contains clear data, strong communication, financial awareness, customer focus, and an appreciation for your people.
Set the course and be ready to make adjustments as needed. Continue to inspect monthly with your team as you walk toward year-end. Most importantly, plan to recognize your team’s contributions. A strong finish includes both achieving the year-end goals and celebrating the people who helped the business reach the goal.
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