Digital Tea

Most companies close their books in December, approve next year's budget in November, and lock vendor commitments before the holidays. So the strategy session in the second week of January is really a conversation about money allocated eight weeks earlier. The plan fits the budget instead of the budget being built around the plan.

Then there's lead time.

1️⃣ Content published in January doesn't compete in search until spring.
2️⃣ Paid campaigns need four to eight weeks before the data is worth reading.
3️⃣ Creative, landing pages, tracking, approvals all of it consumes Q1.

A January start realistically means the first quarter of real performance is Q2. Half the year is spent getting ready for the year.

That is why September is a better vantage point, for three reasons that have nothing to do with motivation and everything to do with sequencing.

1️⃣ Eight months of current data. Enough to see what actually happened this year, rather than reacting to a December summary of last year.
2️⃣ Budget influence instead of budget compliance. In September, next year's number is still a draft. A marketing plan built now shapes the ask. A plan built in January inherits it.
3️⃣ Q4 as a test window. Q4 is the highest-intent quarter in most consumer categories and the last spending window in most B2B ones. That makes it a live lab: test offers, channels and messaging with real money and real buyers, then enter January scaling what already works instead of scaling a hypothesis.

The companies that outperform in 2027 won't be the ones with the best January meeting. They'll be the ones who spent Q4 validating the assumptions their competitors will still be debating in March.

We're booking 2027 strategy sessions now. If the 2026 plan is still sitting in a slide deck somewhere, that's worth a conversation this month, not in eleven weeks.

Book your meeting with us today! https://digitaltea.com/get-started/

Places for you to try downtown during chicken month! 🍗

Ever wonder where the proceeds from a ReStore purchase actually go?

Straight back into our work, helping create homeownership opportunities for Edmonton families. Every quality used item you buy gives a piece a second life and helps build a home right here in our community.

Quality finds for less, with real impact behind every price tag.
See how it works hfh.org/qualityforless/

The letters are set 🫡

We received an email that CWCS has been nominated by a community member for the 2026 Chestermere Chamber of Commerce Business Awards 🎉🥰

We are so incredibly grateful for this nomination in recognition of our work supporting women and families in crisis. 💕 If we've made an impact in your life, had a meaningful connection, worked together or collaborated in the community, please take a moment to nominate us under Business Excellence Awards:
🫶 Best Community Impact

Nominations help spread awareness of our services in the community, so individuals know where to reach out for help and that they're not alone. 💗

Nominations close September 28!
Nominate here:
https://forms.gle/jzaVuKep2EYTdft38

Fall Gallery Walk | September 2026 | Explore Edmonton Come explore, connect, and get inspired at the 124 Street Fall Gallery Walk, happening September 19 & 20, 2026!