Kicking off 2026 with fresh energy, strategic focus, and real results! If you're tired of 2025's energy (or sugar overload), feeling fired up or easing yourself in and want to actually MOVE the needle in your business, your first 90 days of 2026 can pave the way for your best year in business yet. Rather than letting last year's challenges linger, now is the moment to reassess, refocus, and apply some simple, strategic changes that will actually move your business forward. Here's the four-step crash course, straight from this week's episode: 1. Assess What Worked (and What Didn't) in 2025 Pause before diving headfirst into new strategies. Objectively look back at the activities that generated results for you last year—and just as importantly, the ones that didn't. No self-criticism, just honest reflection. If you need help being objective check out the podcast episode "Sales planning season is here" to help you map out and analyse your sales activities without falling into the self-doubt trap. Link to podcast is in the key resources section. 2. Let Go of Wasted Time and Ineffective Activities It's not just about what didn't work, but also those things that sapped your energy without any ROI. Sometimes, we continue with activities simply out of habit or uncertainty. If something isn't bringing you leads, revenue, or joy, give yourself permission to stop for at least 90 days. There are plenty of ways to generate leads; don't get stuck on the "shiny object" that isn't serving your goals. 3. Supercharge Your Lead Generation The secret sauce for a breakthrough year is consistent, high-quality lead generation—with corporates, not just anyone. Jess explains why Q1 is especially crucial: Many decision makers change jobs in January, so old contacts may have moved on. Relying on last year's leads can leave you stuck if you realise too late that your pipeline has dried up. Most people pause for major holidays and during the summer, making now the ideal time to load your pipeline for the calendar year. Choose a lead generation method that fits your strengths and priorities, become proficient at it, and above all, be consistent. 4. Hone Your Sales Call Skills After all, leads only become revenue if you can handle the sales conversation. Jess stresses the need to build "muscle memory" for running effective, structured sales calls. Many salespeople—both new and experienced—fail here by not preparing well enough or treating every call as just another friendly chat instead of a targeted conversation. Mastering calls in Q1 not only boosts your conversions but sets up a pattern of confidence and competence for the rest of the year. Practical Takeaways Audit last year's efforts with compassion and objectivity. Cut out energy-draining activities—even if "everyone" else is doing them. Get serious about proactive lead generation NOW. Sharpen your sales call skills so you don't lose out on hard-won opportunities. Key Quotes; Maximising Your First 90 Days 00:16:2700:16:50 "It's really, really important that when you think about making the most of your first 90 days of 2026, you look at, well, what actually prod result it was supposed to last year and how can I make that better rather than how can I just overhaul my complete sales process because it actually might not need it." The Lead Generation Mistake Most Entrepreneurs Make 00:25:3800:26:08 "If you are looking to improve your lead generation this year and you fancy me taking some of the load off of you, then definitely check out expertservicesdirectory.com. Enter the code PODCAST at the checkout, you get a special free gift. But if you're thinking, actually, no, Jess, I want to do it myself, that is also fine. But I would encourage you to find a way to do it. This quarter of the year is one of the most important for lead generation." Mastering Sales Calls for Higher Conversions 00:40:0200:40:15 "You need to develop that skill structure and muscle memory for building out brilliant sales calls this year and doing that in the first quarter of the year, like I say, will give you the right foundations to take it forward." Why Motivation Alone Isn't Enough for Sales Success 00:10:0500:10:37 "Whilst that energy is good and that commitment to doing something new and having a positive attitude is brilliant and helpful, if it's not backed up with the strategic activity that you need to do, it's really, really quick for you to get disheartened and it's really, really easy to stop feeling so motivated and start looking at the harsh reality of why am I not getting the results that I want." Key Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Cold & Sold Bundle: Secure your spot at Converting Corporates 2026, get a year's inbound leads, plus access to the popular Cold to Closed course (8 sales calls in 4 weeks, anyone?) .https://smartleaderssell.thrivecart.com/cold-and-sold-bundle/ Episode sponsored by The Expert Services Directory: A key resource for coaches / consultants / trainers and done-for-you service providers to generate inbound leads. Access The Expert Services Directory here https://bit.ly/ExpertServicesDirectory and use code PODCAST for a special bonus. If you've enjoyed listening to 4 focus areas to smash your sales goals in the first 90 days of 2026 check out this episode. Sales planning season is here... what do you need to consider? https://bit.ly/SellingToCorporate139 If you would like to sign up for our weekly newsletter to stay in touch with the latest B2B sales tips and techniques click https://sellingtocorporate.com/newsletter/ Content Disclaimer The information contained above is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this article, video or audio are not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of this article, video or audio. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this article, video or audio. Jessica Lorimer disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this article, video or audio.
