Ah, summertime. It’s the season for beaches, barbecue and bonfires. But for small business owners, it’s also business as usual.
While the warm weather can be a great incentive for short days and long weekends, it’s important to stay on top of your priorities and keep your company running smoothly. Whether your industry slows down or ramps up during summer, it’s the perfect time to take stock of your current situation and plant the seeds for a successful second half of the year.
So before you hand off the keys and take your well-deserved holiday, here are a few simple steps to stay on track for the rest of 2016.
Reassess. Given that summer marks the mid-way point of the year, it’s a natural time to revisit your annual goals and revise your strategies to reach said goals. While summer may not be the ideal time for a complete company overhaul, looking at what’s worked and what hasn’t – and tweaking your approach accordingly – could help your bottom line. Maybe one form of 
marketing is working far better than another. Perhaps one particular product has been flying off the shelf while another is collecting dust. Evaluating your year-to-date success in a few key areas is a great opportunity to cut costs, increase revenue or (hopefully) both.
Recharge. Yes, hard work is essential to the success of a small business. But so is striving for a healthy work/life balance. While winter getaways can provide a nice break from the cold, summers are truly the best time to unplug from technology, take up hobbies, spend time with loved ones, and enjoy the great outdoors. Giving your employees something to look forward to is equally important. One way to stir up some summer excitement is to organize a day of fun for you and your staff. Whether it’s a company BBQ, a day at the beach or even a weekend camping trip, group activities are a great way to build community and boost morale.
Refocus. Now that you and your team have rested up and recharged your collective battery, it’s time to come back more motivated than ever. A little bit of rest and relaxation can also be conducive to some inner reflection. While most of the year is spent focusing on the day-to-day operations of your business, some time away from the office allows you to see the bigger picture. What were your reasons for starting a business in the first place? A passion for your industry? Financial independence? What do you still want to accomplish? Sometimes taking a step back is the best way forward.
