It’s December and we’re in the home stretch of the year. Everyone I talk to is burned the eff out and we’re all just trying to make it to whatever break we’re taking – amiright?

So I’m guessing you DO NOT want to read another cheery post about how to finish the year out strong and nail those BD goals.

But what if you could fake until you make it?

Listen, if you want to do absolutely nothing until next year, I’m not going to tell anyone. That’s fine and totally on you.

But if you want to get a couple of things done between now and the new year, which may help just tide you over until you get some mojo back, then this is the post for you!!

• Find your sweet spot: We all know what our list of favorite BD activities is – some people thrive at cocktail parties, while others love to connect online, and others are better at speaking engagements or writing articles. Whatever your go-to is for business development, pick at least one or two of those for this month and schedule it. If you have things on your calendar for this month that you absolutely HATE, you have my permission to cancel them as long as you schedule the things you enjoy instead.
• Put together a plan: I’m a planner, so I particularly love this one. Maybe you’re feeling too overwhelmed by everything on your list for this month, so think about what next year looks like. Identify the goals you’d like to achieve – they don’t have to be huge ones; consider your short-term goals first and you can work on the big ones later. Then, break up those goals into the small steps you need to reach them. For example, do you want to meet with three of your top clients in the next month? Include on your calendar reaching out to them by email or phone, make a note to follow up once you’ve done that, and include open dates on your calendar when you can get together. Want to blog more? Put in firm dates that you’ll publish, and then back into those times that you’ll edit, write, research topics, etc.
• Develop an accountability group or buddy: We all could use a little motivation at this time of year. Even if you don’t develop any actual business in the next few weeks, find someone at your firm (or a few someones) and meet with them a few times to connect and discuss what your goals are for the next few months. It will help with motivation and you’ll feel like you’re coming back on the right foot in the new year – you’ll also already have your accountability group/buddy ready to go!
• Have some fun! Who said that business development has to be boring? One of my lawyers writes all of his IP articles with a theme – the most recent one was about Thanksgiving leftovers (PS: they’re the most popular posts that we have by FAR – but when you have fun with your writing and you enjoy it, your readers can tell!). Invite your clients to have hot cocoa with you. Create a themed article yourself – invite your clients to co-author it with you. Ask your clients where they volunteer, and offer to join them.  Host an ugly sweater contest at the office and invite your clients. Get creative about how you connect at this time of year – it doesn’t have to be JUST holiday parties.

The next few weeks are going to fly by – so let’s have some fun and let go of the pressure!