The January Setup Work: What to Do in December for Q1 Success

January success gets built in December.

Use December to prepare.

The December Preparation Advantage

Preparing in December means:

January 1 execution, not planning Clear direction from day one Momentum from the start No lost weeks

December work pays January dividends.

The Marketing Material Refresh

Update before January:

New headshots if needed Updated bio Current market data 2025 success statistics Fresh testimonials

Look current on January 1.

The Social Media Audit

Review all profiles:

Profile photos current? Bio information accurate? Contact info updated? Cover images fresh?

First impressions matter.

The Content Calendar Creation

Plan January content now:

4 weeks of posts scheduled Email campaigns drafted Video scripts written Graphics created

January posting is automated.

The Email Template Updates

Refresh your templates:

New lead follow-up Showing follow-up Listing presentation follow-up Market update template

Current templates save time.

The CRM Campaign Setup

Build January campaigns:

New year buyer campaign Spring listing prep campaign Past client check-in sequence Sphere nurture campaign

Automation runs while you work.

The Technology Audit

Check all systems:

CRM working properly? Website functional? Email deliverability good? Scheduling tools active? Payment processing working?

Fix tech issues before January rush.

The Subscription Review

Audit all subscriptions:

Still using them? Still needed? Auto-renewing? Budget for 2026?

Cancel what you don't use.

The Lender Relationships

Connect with lenders in December:

Schedule January check-in Discuss 2026 goals Coordinate marketing Plan co-hosting events

Strong partnerships drive business.

The Vendor Coordination

Reach out to key vendors:

Inspectors Title companies Contractors Photographers Stagers

Confirm availability and pricing.

The Referral Partner Outreach

Connect with referral sources:

Thank them for 2025 Discuss 2026 collaboration Schedule regular touchpoints Plan joint marketing

Nurture partnerships.

The Listing Presentation Update

Refresh your presentation:

2025 success metrics Updated market data Current marketing examples Fresh comparable sales New testimonials

January listings deserve current materials.

The Buyer Consultation Refresh

Update buyer materials:

Current market conditions 2026 predictions Financing options Process timeline Area information

Help buyers understand current market.

The Farming Territory Decision

Choose 2026 farming areas:

Geographic targets Price ranges Property types Marketing strategy

Focus creates results.

The Lead Source Strategy

Plan 2026 lead generation:

Which sources to continue? Which to cut? New sources to test? Budget allocation?

Invest where it works.

The Personal Brand Review

Audit your brand:

Consistent messaging? Clear positioning? Differentiation obvious? Professional image?

How do people perceive you?

The Goal Documentation

Write down 2026 goals:

Income target Transaction goal Database growth Skill development Work-life balance

Put goals somewhere visible.

The Accountability Setup

Establish accountability:

Who checks your progress? How often? What metrics? What consequences?

External accountability works.

The Calendar Blocking

Block 2026 calendar now:

Daily prospecting time Weekly planning time Monthly review time Vacation weeks Personal commitments

Protect your priorities.

The Financial Planning

Meet with accountant:

Review 2025 taxes Plan 2026 estimated payments Discuss business structure Review deductions

Financial planning prevents problems.

The Skill Development Plan

What to learn in 2026:

Which courses? Which books? Which mentors? Which conferences?

Invest in growth.

The Team Assessment

If you have team:

Who's working out? Who's not? What roles needed? When to hire?

Build the right team.

The Office Organization

Clean your workspace:

File 2025 documents Shred old papers Organize supplies Clean desk

Fresh space, fresh start.

The December Execution

Week 1: Marketing materials and social media Week 2: Technology and templates Week 3: Relationships and vendors Week 4: Final reviews and rest

One month to prepare.

Your Next Week

Block 3 hours for January prep.

Start with marketing materials.

Update one thing daily through December.

January 1 you're ready to execute.

December preparation creates January success.

Tiffany Hampton is a seasoned real estate leader and MAPS Coach with over two decades of experience helping agents succeed through leadership, coaching, and innovative strategy. As the founder of AgentGrowth365.com, Tiffany delivers proven systems, tools, and training that empower agents and market center leaders to grow with clarity and purpose. Whether you're looking to hit 24 transactions, streamline your coaching systems, or lead your business with impact, AgentGrowth365 offers a full suite of solutions designed to meet today's challenges and scale tomorrow's success.