As we step into July, we’re officially at the halfway mark of the year. While summer brings sunshine and vacations, it’s also the perfect time for business owners to pause, assess, and realign. Whether you’re catching your breath or gaining speed, July is your opportunity to reflect on what’s working and refine what’s not.
Here are four ways to take advantage of July’s energy and move your business forward:
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Check in on Your Goals
Think back to January—what were your big plans? July is the perfect time for a mid-year business review.
- Are your revenue or growth goals on track?
- Have customer needs shifted since Q1?
- What unexpected wins (or setbacks) have come your way?
Take 30 minutes to jot down progress toward each goal. Then update your strategy to fit your current reality—not the one you started with six months ago.
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Plan Ahead for Q3 and Q4
If summer is slow for your industry, use that breathing room to prepare for the busy fall and holiday seasons.
- Create a content calendar now for September through December
- Brainstorm end-of-year promotions or holiday offers
- Review your staffing needs for the months ahead
A little planning now can help avoid scrambling later.
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Freshen Up Your Online Presence
Summer is a great time to give your digital storefront a light makeover:
- Update your website’s “About” or “Services” page
- Add recent testimonials or portfolio pieces
- Make sure your Google Business and social media profiles are current
If you haven’t posted in a while, now’s a great time to reconnect with your audience.
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Celebrate and Recharge
July includes Independence Day—but don’t forget to celebrate your own independence as a business owner. Take time to recognize your accomplishments so far this year.
- Host a mid-year team lunch or customer appreciation post
- Block out time for a real break—your creativity needs it!
- Reflect on how far you’ve come—and where you want to go next
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💡 Ready to Refocus?
The UMW Small Business Development Center is here to help you review your goals, adjust your plan, and build momentum for the rest of 2025. Our certified business advisors offer free, personalized consulting—plus access to tools like industry research reports and funding prep.
📅 Schedule a session with your advisor today or register for an upcoming workshop to keep your business growing strong this summer.
Bianca M. Guzman, Business Consultant