Have a 2026 planning ’thinkabout’

With less than 90 calendar days until the start of Q1, it’s time to revise (or begin) your 2026 strategic account plans. Strategic planning is not as hard as it sounds; focus on the following key areas:

1. Accounts: Target accounts that can get you to your number.

2. People: KDMs and Champion development.

3. Skills: What part of your game do you need to address and improve to hit your rev goals?

You’re in prime planning time for next year…get going.

Complete your strategic account plan for Q1 before you craft your entire ’26 plan.

1. Accounts: Estimate your revenue for each target account, including upside potential, and obstacles to hitting your high number.

3. People: Compile the list of Champs and KDMs who are needed to get you to your high rev estimate. Obsessively focus your attention on getting meetings with those people. (Don’t waste time with those who ”can’t say yes.”)

3. Skills: List the specific skills you need to develop to hit your high number.

If you think planning your ’26 strategy takes time and thought, wait until you see how hard it is for Dwight and Jim to plan Kelly’s birthday party in The Office.

Watch part of this funny five-minute clip only when you’ve crafted a head of steam against your Q126 plan.