It’s Not Too Late: Five Strategic Ways to Finish the Year Strong

We are in the third quarter of the year, and many business owners and leaders find themselves reflecting on the goals they set back in January. For some, those goals are thriving. For others, the vision feels stalled.

Success is not confined to the first six months of the year. In fact, the third quarter is a powerful window of opportunity, a chance to recalibrate, realign, and reclaim the momentum that will carry you into the new year stronger than ever.

At Leading with Lee, we are committed to amplifying voices, celebrating creativity, and equipping purpose-driven entrepreneurs and leaders with the tools they need to rise. Whether you’re building a business, leading a team, or carving out your own lane in your industry, the second half of the year is where breakthroughs often happen.

Here are five strategic ways you can still level up before the year ends:

1. Revisit Your Purpose and Refine Your Focus

Purpose is more than passion—it is the anchor that sustains you when challenges arise. Many entrepreneurs drift from their goals because they lack clarity about their “why.” By revisiting your purpose, you can sharpen your focus and reposition your strategy for greater impact.

Strategic Move: Audit your current offers and ask, “Does this still align with my purpose and the needs of my audience?” If not, refine or retire. Simplifying your focus allows you to channel energy into what truly drives results.

Our Step by Step Mini Guide to Uncovering Your Profitable Purpose is designed to help you cut through the noise and identify exactly where your purpose meets profitability.

2. Leverage Media and Visibility to Your Advantage

Excellence is not enough if no one knows your name. Visibility is currency, and media is one of the most effective ways to build credibility.

Strategic Move: Secure at least one media feature this quarter and learn how to repurpose it. A single feature can be turned into:

• Social proof on your website

• A press highlight in your email signature

• Content for social media campaigns

• A talking point for speaking engagements

  
  

Our Seen On Purpose package includes a digital feature in Leading with Lee Magazine and a 30-minute marketing strategy session, so you not only get the press but also the plan to maximize it.

3. Strengthen Your Leadership & Customer Engagement

Leadership is not measured by titles, but by impact. The way you engage with your audience, clients, and community determines the legacy of your business.

Strategic Move: Develop a quarterly customer engagement plan. Map out intentional touchpoints whether that’s a webinar, live Q&A, or curated email series that deepen trust and build loyalty.

At Leading with Lee, we emphasize leadership development that centers on connection, because influence without engagement doesn’t sustain.

4. Expand Your Network with Purpose

Opportunities flow through people, not just platforms. The right network can open doors to collaborations, referrals, and speaking opportunities.

Strategic Move: Set a goal to connect with five new industry peers each month this quarter. This could be through attending a virtual summit, joining a mastermind, or even reaching out to fellow entrepreneurs featured in Leading with Lee. Approach networking as a value exchange, not a transaction.

5. Build Systems that Support Your Growth

Many entrepreneurs struggle not because they lack vision, but because they lack systems. Without structure, growth quickly turns into burnout.

Strategic Move: Identify at least one area of your business that can be automated or delegated this quarter. Whether it’s scheduling social media, streamlining invoicing, or hiring part-time support, building systems creates space for innovation and leadership.

This season is not about how you started, it’s about how you finish. The third quarter is your invitation to step fully into your purpose, amplify your voice, and make the impact you were always meant to make.

At Leading with Lee, we believe every entrepreneur and leader deserves to be seen, heard, and celebrated. The time to level up is now.

Article by: Lee K. Whetstone, Purpose & Brand Marketing Coach, Founder & Editor-in-Chief