December Sprint: Why Your 2026 Success is Determined Right Now

The December Sprint: Why Your 2026 Success is Determined Right Now

By Edwin Duterte & Jennifer Wolfe
Co-Founders, Voxel Micro Video Labs by Donn Allan Experience

There is a dangerous myth in the business world that December is a "throwaway month." A time to coast, holiday shop, and say, "I’ll circle back in January."

Here is the hard truth: If you start planning in January, you won't start executing until March. By then, you have already lost 25% of the year.

At Voxel Micro Video Labs, we see it every year. The businesses that dominate the South Bay in Q1 are the ones that spent December building their infrastructure. Specifically, they spent December building the foundation for their Video Podcast Show.

A video podcast is not something you just "wing." It requires a Digital Ecosystem. This is your step-by-step guide to spending December 2025 wisely, so you can hit the ground running on January 2nd, 2026.

Phase 1: The Strategic Pre-Work (Weeks 1-2)

Before you ever touch a microphone or step into our San Pedro studio, you must define the battlefield. A show without a strategy is just noise.

Step 1: Define the "Transformation Statement"

Most people name their show something generic like "The Real Estate Show." Don't do that. Instead, define the transformation.

The Action: Fill in this blank: "My show helps [Target Audience] go from [Pain Point] to [Desired State] by [My Method]."

The Benefit

Instant Authority. When a prospect sees your show art, they immediately know if it is for them. This increases your click-through rate and attracts qualified leads, not random listeners.

Step 2: The "Sales Asset" Syllabus

Do not plan episodes based on "what you feel like talking about." Plan episodes based on what sells. We call this building a "Sales Asset Library."

The Action: List the top 10 questions prospects ask before they sign a contract. These 10 questions become your first 10 episodes.

Deep Dive: We explored this concept in our article "The Automated Entrepreneur," where we break down how to stop trading time for attention and start building a 24/7 sales machine.
Edwin’s Take (Strategy) "I call this 'Defensive Podcasting.' You are building a shield of content. By answering objections in December's planning phase, you ensure that every dollar you spend on production in January comes back to you in closed deals."
Jennifer’s Take (Mindset) "Anxiety comes from the unknown. When you wing it, you feel nervous. When you have a Syllabus, you feel prepared. This pre-work eliminates 'Imposter Syndrome' because you aren't performing; you're just following the plan."

Phase 2: The Digital Infrastructure (Week 3)

You cannot launch a show into a void. You need a digital "home" for your content that you own and control.

Step 3: The Dedicated "Show Page"

Your website needs a facelift. A simple blog post isn't enough.

The Action: Create `YourWebsite.com/Podcast`. This page needs:

  • A "Subscribe" button for email updates.
  • A Lead Magnet (e.g., "Download our 2026 Market Checklist").
  • A "Ask a Question" form to gather future content ideas.

Step 4: The Local SEO Setup

Prepare your site to be found by neighbors in Torrance, Palos Verdes, and Long Beach. The algorithm rewards "Near Me" relevance.

The Action: Pre-write the meta-descriptions for your Show Page using local keywords (e.g., "South Bay Business Podcast," "Real Estate Advice San Pedro").

Deep Dive: In "The 'Near Me' Domination Guide," we detail exactly how to script your replies and metadata to feed the local Google algorithm.

Phase 3: The Community Warm-Up (Week 4)

The biggest mistake businesses make is launching to "crickets." You need to build anticipation before the first episode drops.

Step 5: The "Behind the Scenes" Tease

Don't wait for the polished video. Document the messy middle.

The Action: Take photos of your planning notes. Take a selfie visiting the Voxel studio. Post these on LinkedIn and Instagram with the caption: "Building something special for 2026. Stay tuned."

Step 6: The "Cover Art" Vote

Involve your audience in the decisions.

The Action: Create two versions of your show's cover art. Post a poll on social media: "Help us choose! Option A or Option B?"

The Benefit

Community Ownership. When people vote, they feel like they helped build the show. They are 10x more likely to listen.

Phase 4: The Production Prep (December 31st Deadline)

Now, and only now, are you ready to step into the Voxel Micro Video Lab.

Step 7: Script the Trailer

You need a 60-second video that explains the "Who, What, Where, and Why."

The Action: Draft a script that answers: "Who is this for? What will they learn? Why should they trust you?"

Deep Dive: Establishing authority early is key. Check out our series on "The CRE Authority Blueprint" to learn how to position yourself as an expert, not just a host.

Step 8: Book the "Foundation Session"

The Action: Secure your studio time at Voxel for early January. Our calendar fills up fast with the "New Year Resolution" crowd.

The Benefit

Accountability. Strategy means nothing without a deadline. Putting money down on a booking date forces you to get serious.

Don't Wait for January. Win Now.

January is for Execution. December is for Engineering.

If you wait until the holidays are over to think about your video strategy, you are already behind. Let's spend December building your Roadmap, your Website, and your Confidence.


Book Your December Strategy Session