January can feel like a dead zone. The inbox slows down, clients disappear, and it’s tempting to cruise.

But January is also your best window all year to work on the business, not just in it.

This is an archive episode I’m re-sharing because the idea is simple and it works: treat January like the off-season. Rest properly, recover from the year, then use that quieter space to lock in a few foundational moves that make the rest of the year easier.

In this episode, I walk through how I approach January in my own production company, and what I get coaching clients to focus on so they can hit February with momentum instead of starting from scratch.

You’ll learn:

• How to use the “off-season” concept without switching off completely

• Why “locking in the gain” matters more than obsessing over the gap

• The marketing proof elements to tighten up in January so selling feels simpler

• What to update on your website without doing a full rebuild

• How to think about showreels (and why niche or industry reels can be a big advantage)

• Why your proposal template is worth fixing when things are quiet

• How to stack proof with testimonials and Google reviews

• How to choose one main outreach channel and set it up properly for February

If you’re heading into January with less client work on the books than you’d like, or you just want to start the year feeling sharper and more confident, this one will help.

If you want support, you can work with me.

Learn more at ryanspanger.com.