Back in January, the BRA Network held its annual Manifest & Breakfast event. It was a beautiful time for BRA Members to come together as a community, reflect on the prior year, celebrate the wins, and more importantly, set intentions and create visions for 2024. To read more about this feel good event, check out our Manifest & Breakfast 2024 recap here.
Somehow, it’s been six months since Manifest & Breakfast (gasp!), which means we’ve hit the midpoint of the year. We think it’s a perfect time for entrepreneurs and small business owners to take a step back and think about the last six months.
A mid-year check-in is an invaluable opportunity to reflect on the achievements and challenges of the first half of the year, review your beginning-of-the-year vision board, and reset goals for the second half.
This process not only keeps your business aligned with its objectives, but can also inject fresh energy and focus into your goals. And we know that mid-year slump could probably use a boost! Here’s how to perform a mid-year check-in for your small business…
Reflecting on the First Half of the Year
The first step in a mid-year check-in is to reflect on the journey so far. Take a moment to celebrate your successes, no matter how small. Did you launch a new product? Did you see an increase in customer satisfaction? Did you learn something new or make an amazing connection? Recognizing these wins boosts morale and provides a clear picture of what strategies are working.
Equally important is to analyze the setbacks and challenges. What obstacles did you encounter? Were there any goals you failed to meet? Understanding these aspects helps in identifying areas that need improvement and prepares you to face similar challenges in the future. It also helps you avoid energy draining tasks that aren’t providing killer ROI.
Reviewing Your Vision Board
At the beginning of the year, many of you created a vision board filled with goals, aspirations, and milestones you hoped to achieve this year. We hope your 2024 vision board not only contains visions for your thriving business, but also visions of your thriving SELF. Now is the time to revisit this vision board, when we still have plenty of time for a recalibration.
In looking at your vision board, ask yourself… Where do you stand? What goals have you already crushed? Which ones are still pending? Are there any goals that no longer align with your business’s direction or your personal vibe?
Reviewing your vision board helps in realigning your focus and making sure that your daily activities are intentionally contributing towards your larger objectives. It’s also a good time to assess if your vision board needs any updates to reflect the current state and future direction of your business or your personal life.
Resetting Goals for the Second Half of the Year
With the insights gained from reflecting and reviewing, you can now reset your goals for the second half of the year.
No, you don’t need to bust out the magazines and glitter pens (although, feel free to do so!) But think about what you still want to achieve, and how to bring your focus back home to what’s MOST important. Whether it’s a financial goal, a personal goal or a spiritual goal, now is a great time to recalibrate. Break down these larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks to prevent feeling overwhelmed. Consider any new opportunities or challenges that have arisen and adjust your goals accordingly.
Remember to stay flexible; the business landscape can change rapidly, and being adaptable is key to sustained success. Also, when you created your vision board six months ago, you probably didn’t anticipate some of the personal changes you would be going through in 2024. This is why flexibility and grace are so important!
Recharging Your Team
A mid-year check-in isn’t just about goals and numbers; it’s also about recharging your team. If you work with a team, it is important to share the outcomes of your reflection and review with your team members. Celebrate the collective successes and discuss the areas needing improvement.
This transparency fosters a sense of ownership and accountability. Additionally, consider organizing team-building activities or training sessions to boost morale and enhance skills. A motivated and well-informed team is crucial for achieving your reset goals.
Looking Ahead
A mid-year check-in is a powerful exercise for small business owners. It offers a chance to reflect on the past six months, review the vision board, and reset goals for the remainder of the year. It can also be a bit emotional so be sure to do this when you have a little time and space for feelings to arise. Remember to approach this with excitement and grace for yourself and your business.
By taking the time to celebrate successes, learn from challenges, and realign your objectives, you can beat the mid-year slump, so that your business stays on track and continues to thrive.
Remember, the key to long-term success lies in constant evaluation and adaptation. Here’s to a productive and prosperous second half of the year!
Next Steps
If you are interested in joining a professional community for networking and growth, sign up for the next Fitting Room. You’ll discover how we can support you and your business during this free virtual orientation. You’ll also get to know our Founder, Carrie Murray, and network with some of our high-quality BRA Members!
