How is it that some brands always seem to be one step ahead of their competition
By Jasontherrien · September 23, 2026 · Curated by George's Blog
How is it that some brands always seem to be one step ahead of their competition? 🧐
I have noticed that one portion of the year is treated differently by them than all the others.
These brands treat the fourth quarter as not just a busy season with budgeting and seasonal promotions, but are also doing the analysis to start their year before you do.
Brands that breakthrough are doing their audit work during the second half, testing in Q4 and then are running by the beginning of the year. 🏃♂️
This quote by my teammate sums up the opportunity to audit your brand’s efforts:
"An audit also gives you permission to question the things you’ve stopped questioning," Abi Warrell ✨, thunder::tech's Director of Communications, explains, "When something has become part of the routine, it can be easy to keep doing it without asking whether it’s still delivering value. A closer look can challenge those assumptions and surface opportunities that may have been overlooked simply because that’s how we’ve always done it.” 🔬
Dig in now to get out of the pack when the calendar turns! 🗓️
Happy marketing!
(Picture of a social media marketing audit presentation given last year - perhaps pleading with the audience to do this?)