What's a good analogy for understanding how to prepare for Q4 sales?

Think of Q4 preparation like training for a marathon. Once you’ve signed up and put down a non-refundable deposit, you don’t just show up on race day. You immediately start eating healthier, cutting down on alcohol and sugar, and you begin training runs—first a mile, then three miles, then five miles. The marathon is Q4, and the minute you commit to it (which is now, seventy days out), you need to start training and getting your house in order. You can’t wait until the last minute. Just like marathon training, Q4 success requires consistent preparation and building up your capabilities over time.

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Asked by teaching context · Answered by Patrick Shanahan · art-marketing-podcast · 2025-07-23