Thanksgiving feels, in part, like the beginning of a sprint to the end of the year. That day of relaxed indulgence will soon give way to the frenzy of the holidays.

We tend to forget about the result of all that cooking - leftovers. With a little creativity, leftovers can be even more tasty than the original meal. As we contemplate the coming holidays, a time of giving - and receiving, why not try a business approach that mirrors this season?

Why not focus on those opportunities in your pipeline who were just not ready to buy the last time you talked? Think of them as leftovers. They aren't cold calls, they're really warm leads in need of a creative approach. You were nearly there the last time you talked, so what was holding them back? Get past that hurdle and you've made a sale. It's like a little gift just sitting there waiting to be opened. It's got your name on it, go ahead and open it! They'll probably be glad you called.