Update Your Hours, Spread the Praise, and Save On This Year’s Taxes .. Plus More Nov-Dec To-Dos for Wide-Format Print Pros

“Innovation is saying no to 1,000 things. You have to pick carefully. I’m as proud of the things we haven’t done as the things I have done.” — Steve Jobs

Nov. 10-16

OPERATIONS Update your Google and Facebook pages to reflect any changed holiday hours or rush services. Add terms like “holiday hours” and “rush printing” to help you rank above competitors.

MANAGEMENT Keep a holiday season log—notebook or Google Doc. Track what worked and what didn’t for rush jobs, substrates, installations, and team workflows. You’ll thank yourself next November.

Nov. 17-23

ONLINE Clean up your digital footprint. Remove outdated project galleries, discontinued services, or expired promotions. Fresh content ranks better and converts more visitors.

MARKETING Remind retail clients their holiday signage deadlines are approaching. A quick call now saves panic orders later—and trains them to plan ahead next year.

Nov. 24-30

MANAGEMENT Schedule breaks, even during the sprint. Include “me time” daily. Don’t skip holiday celebrations—even a couple hours with family recharges you for the long haul.

MANAGEMENT Praise liberally. It’s the No. 1 way to guide work patterns and keep morale high. “Loved how you handled that rush install” goes a long way.

Dec. 1-7

OPERATIONS Stock up now: substrate you burn through, frequently used inks, cleaning supplies. Cold weather location? Get de-icing salt, space heaters, and a snow-plow service lined up.

LEADERSHIP Your team takes energy cues from you. Stay calm under pressure, solve problems quickly, focus on what matters. They’ll follow your lead.

PHOTO: ISTOCKPHOTO

Dec. 8-14

FINANCES Planning any major equipment purchases? Buy before December 31 to claim the deduction on this year’s taxes. Check with your accountant first—timing matters.

CUSTOMER RELATIONS Prep thank-yous for loyal clients. Handwritten note plus modest gift card (coffee, local restaurant) strengthens relationships heading into 2026.

Dec. 15-21

HOLIDAY SPIRIT Keep coffee or snacks on hand for UPS, FedEx, and courier drivers. They’re going flat out supporting your operation—show some love.

PERSONAL CARE Struggling to fall asleep despite exhaustion? Dr. W. Christopher Winter suggests lavender oil on your pillow. Fall asleep faster, sleep deeper, wake fresher.

Dec. 22-28

OPERATIONS Use post-holiday quiet to assess which rush orders were worth it. Adjust rush fees and minimum turnarounds before the next busy season.

REWARDS After the 25th, rest and enjoy the fruits of your labor with family and friends. You’ve earned it.

Dec. 29-Jan. 4

FINANCES New year, new scrutiny on costs. Check recurring expenses and subscriptions. Haven’t used it in three months? Cancel. You can always rejoin if needed.

MANAGEMENT As 2025 ends, ask yourself: Was my approach to that ongoing challenge the same one I used in 2024? If yes, time for a new strategy.

MONTHLY PROJECT

PROJECT: Start a Monthly Client Check-In System

1. Pull a list of your top 15-20 accounts by revenue and identify which ones you haven’t contacted proactively in the last 90 days. These are the relationships you can’t afford to neglect.
2. Assign one team member (sales lead, account manager, or even yourself) to own this process. Their job: make contact, not make a sale.
3. Create a simple check-in template with three questions: “How did [recent project] turn out?” “What’s coming up in the next quarter?” and “Anything we can help with?” Keep it conversational, not transactional.
4. Schedule 3-5 check-ins per week—calls are better than emails, but either works. Log responses in your CRM so you can spot patterns and opportunities.
5. By month’s end, review what you learned. Which clients revealed upcoming needs? Which felt neglected? Use these insights to refine your outreach cadence for 2026.