How to Make the Most of the Quiet Summer Months | 2 Sisters Accounting
Here at 2 Sisters Accounting we always find July and August are very quiet summer months for business, and we hear the same from a lot of our clients. If you run your own business, you might notice things slow down a bit during the warmer months, clients are on vacation, responses take longer, and your to-do list suddenly looks less like a fire drill and more like a leisurely stroll.
But before you panic or start Googling “summer side hustles involving paddleboards,” take a deep breath. The quiet season is actually a golden opportunity in disguise, ideal for the business planning summer season.
If the summer months are quieter for your business, this could be the ideal time to update your business finances, or automate your small business systems. In this blog we’ll give you our top tips to help you through the seasonal business slowdown, to make the most of it and maybe even enjoy yourself along the way.
Why Summer Feels So Slow for Small Business Owners
It’s not just you – July and August often bring a natural dip in activity for service-based businesses. Clients go on holiday, response times slow down, and projects pause or stretch out. If you rely on regular client interactions or seasonal income, the summer slowdown can feel unsettling. But recognising this pattern is the first step in reframing it as a useful part of your business cycle.
Treat the Summer Lull as a Strategic Business Opportunity
Instead of scrambling for short-term fixes, use the quiet summer months to work on your business, not just in it. With fewer distractions and a lighter workload, it’s the ideal time to review your finances, revisit your business goals, update your content and streamline how you work. From automating processes to chasing invoices and checking your pricing, small actions taken now can set you up for success during busier seasons.
Step Back and Reflect on Your Business Goals
Use the lull to zoom out and evaluate your business. Are you still aligned with your goals? Read our blog Start the New Year Strong with Flexible Budget and Financial Goals for Small Businesses for a refresher!
Is that weekly newsletter actually serving anyone (besides your mom)? Summer is a perfect time to do a mini audit of your operations, services, pricing, or even branding – without the constant ping of notifications distracting you.
Get Your Finances Up to Date (Yes, That Includes Chasing Invoices)
If you have been avoiding your bookkeeping or emails from your accountant, now is a perfect time to get yourself up to date and get everything in order. While you have some brain space to focus on it for a day, sit yourself down with some treats and get it done! You can also spend some time chasing invoices and getting your cash in. This will really help you see where your business is at and help with planning your budget for the next year.
Refresh or Plan Your Content Strategy
Been meaning to update your website, write new blog posts, or finally figure out TikTok without feeling like a confused time traveler? Now’s the time. Quiet months are ideal for creating evergreen content, revamping your portfolio, or scheduling social posts so you can coast through the busy season with confidence (and a tan).
Automate Repetitive Tasks and Save Time
Let’s be honest, there’s probably a task or two (or twelve) you do manually that could be automated. Summer gives you the breathing space to explore tools that can simplify your business. Email funnels, client onboarding sequences, scheduling apps, set them up now and high-five your future self later.
Reconnect with Clients (and Yourself)
Reach out to past clients just to say hello. Join a networking event with actual daylight and hors d’oeuvres. Schedule a coffee with that fellow business owner you’ve been LinkedIn-stalking. Relationships matter, and summer gives you the time and space to cultivate them, without three overlapping Zoom calls.
Also, go outside. Touch grass. According to Nat Geo, it’s good for your brain
Learn Something New or Upskill
Pick up that course you bookmarked in February and promptly ignored. Read a book that might spark a new idea. Listen to that podcast that keeps promising to “10x your mindset.” The summer slowdown is perfect for upskilling – or even dabbling in a hobby just for fun (remember those?).
And Finally… Rest. No Guilt Required.
This isn’t just a productivity tip in disguise. Actual rest is part of running a sustainable business. Take a long lunch. Take a nap! Take a vacation if you can swing it. Rest isn’t the enemy of success – it’s the recharge station. How often through the year can you get away from your computer without coming back to an inbox from hell that takes you 2 weeks to make your way through!
Let Summer Work for You
The slower pace of summer doesn’t have to mean stagnation. In fact, it’s a brilliant time to make intentional changes, improve how your business runs, and prepare for the busier months ahead. Think of it as your seasonal pit stop – a moment to fine-tune everything from finances to client experience, so you’re not playing catch-up come September.
Planning now means smoother seasons later
Taking a few hours now to review your operations, tidy your books, or schedule your content in advance will pay off massively when your inbox starts pinging again. Whether it’s reviewing your pricing, improving how you communicate with clients, or mapping out your budget for the next quarter, forward planning helps you feel more in control – and less reactive – when things ramp back up.
Use our tools and templates to make it easier
Not sure where to start? We’ve got your back. At 2 Sisters Accounting, we’ve created tools and templates specifically for small business owners like you – from cashflow planners to tax checklists and budgeting worksheets. They’re designed to take the overwhelm out of managing your money and help you focus on what really matters.
Check out our resources or get in touch to ask for one tailored to your needs.
