Tips For A Successful Fourth Quarter 2020

2021 is right around the corner. However, there’s one more big test that businesses will have to face before the year is over: The busy fourth-quarter sales push.

This promises to be a quarter like no other, as companies are still dealing with a variety of supply chain and operational issues due to the pandemic. At the same time, many companies are also still adjusting to remote work — making for an especially challenging few months ahead.

Here are some tips to ensure a safe, profitable, and successful fourth quarter.

Keep Communication Open

The fourth quarter is always a stressful time, especially for sales teams who are pushing to meet their quotas and make up for lost time.

Related: Why Your Business Needs Voice, Video & Collaboration Tools

Sales managers need to keep communications open with associates, using voice and video tools to exchange ideas and keep team members motivated. This is especially important for sales teams who are operating remotely for the first time. Managers should consider having regular check-ins, to offer support, and keep team members on track.

Set Firm Work Policies

The fourth quarter typically has many distractions, with multiple holidays coming up. And this year, it’s going to be even more challenging. For example, many workers are dealing with kids who are either going back to school or working from home. There are also more household distractions this time of year, such as winter storms.

Related: Staying Productive While Working From Home

Managers should consider addressing team members about acceptable work from home policies, to avoid running into awkward conversations down the road. It’s also worth going over topics such as after-hours communications and setting boundaries in this new remote era, as well as general availability and production requirements. Communication will be especially important this quarter.

Two technologies that can help remote workers during this stressful time are presence indicators and Find Me/Follow Me call forwarding. These tools offer stress-free accessibility that is both flexible and connected to the office workflow.

Use Secure Communications Tools

The fourth quarter is always an active time for cybercriminals, who look for easy opportunities to exploit. This year, cybercriminals will be looking to take advantage of employees working remotely using insecure communications tools and unprotected networks.

Related: Remote Desktop Top Benefits

Administrators should make sure all employees are equipped with communications technologies that are encrypted, password-protected, and tamper-proof. It’s also a good idea to invest in remote security solutions like virtual private networks.

Make Sure Your Business Is Available

Companies are under more pressure than ever to be on and available for customers. All businesses should consider using cloud-based voice solutions with intelligent call routing and failover so that customers can have access to agents whenever help is needed.

In addition, it’s a good idea to offer text messaging for customers. Customers should be able to have two-way text-based conversations with representatives, for speedy and efficient communications. Texting with customers is a great way to build trust and let customers know the company is committed to providing service.