The kids are back in school. Halloween candy is stocked on store shelves. And before we know it, the ball will drop on the new year. Have you done everything that you wanted to this year: on your website, in your publications, with your money? If not, now is the time to get busy. Here are six things to do before 2008 is history:

  • Marketing and online networking. If you’ve been considering adding a new element to your social-media deck, do it now. Start that blog. Sign up for Twitter. Listen to a podcast. Social networking is a great way to connect with members, customers and friends.
  • Planning ahead on publications. If you’re launching a new company newsletter or website, have you planned your content into 2009 yet? By doing so now, you’ll give yourself plenty of time for changes, updates and additions to your edit slate. Plus, you’ll keep your content fresh and dynamic by planning ahead.
  • Spending your money. You may have spent more money on marketing this year than you wanted to, but perhaps you saved on office supplies and dining out. As you complete your budget for 2009, keep those things in mind and plan accordingly.
  • Showing your appreciation. You don’t have to spend huge amounts of cash to show the folks around you that you appreciate them. The end of the year is a perfect time to show gratitude and generosity. Make a donation to a local charity in customers’ names (and perhaps get tax credit at the same time), organize a casual potlock meal or picnic for employees and talk about anything other than business, take friends you haven’t seen in ages to a ballgame.
  • Taking vacation. If you have days of vacation that you’ve earned through hard work and dedication, use them. Especially if they don’t roll over to 2009, you’ll want to make good use of them while you can. Take a slow Wednesday off to see a movie, take a nature walk or volunteer at a local animal shelter.
  • Making resolutions. Why wait until Dec. 31 to do something better (or more or less)? Make the changes now. Whether you’re hoping to jog more, drink less diet soda or add names to your association member list, starting now to work toward those goals will give you the upper hand on the folks who will wait until Jan. 1.