On this special episode, Brian dives into the all-important mid-year business review. Whether you're navigating the early stages of entrepreneurship or deep into running a medium-sized business, the mid-year business review is the perfect opportunity to take stock of your progress so you can stay on track toward your goals. Learn why the mid-year review is essential, what key areas to focus on, and three practical steps to conduct a thorough assessment.
Episode Highlights
1. Revisit your mission, vision, and values.
Your mission statement is the heartbeat of your business, articulating its core purpose for existing. To evaluate your mission, ask yourself the following questions:
Is your mission statement authentic? Does it reflect the values and aspirations that drive your business forward?
Is your mission statement still relevant in the current business, landscape, and societal context?
Is your mission statement clear and concise, communicating your business's purpose in a compelling and easily understandable manner?
Does your mission statement align with the needs and aspirations of your target audience?
Your vision statement paints a compelling picture of where you aspire to be and serves as a beacon of inspiration and guidance for your business journey. To evaluate your vision, ask yourself the following questions:
Is your vision bold and ambitious enough to inspire action and innovation?
Is your vision adaptable to changing circumstances and evolving dynamics?
Does your vision align with your mission and core values? Is it in harmony with the overarching purpose and principles of your business identity and direction?
Does your vision inspire excitement, enthusiasm, and commitment among your team members and stakeholders?
Your core values are the ethical principles and beliefs that guide your behavior and decision-making as a business owner. To evaluate your values, ask yourself the following questions:
Are your core values rooted in honesty, transparency, and integrity?
Do your core values promote accountability and responsibility among your team members?
Are your core values inclusive and respectful of diversity?
Do your core values empower and inspire your team members to unleash their full potential?
2. Conduct a comprehensive financial review.
Your business's financial health is not just about the bottom line -- it's a reflection of your ability to create value, manage resources efficiently, and sustain growth for the long term. By conducting a mid-year review of your financial performance, you can gain insights into the health of the business, identify areas for improvement, and make informed decisions.
To conduct a mid-year financial review, take the following steps:
Analyze your revenue streams - Analyzing your revenue streams allows you to identify growth opportunities, optimize your product or service offerings, and prioritize resource allocation effectively.
Review your expenses - Conducting a thorough review of your expenses allows you to identify inefficiencies, streamline processes, and optimize cost structures.
Examine your cash flow - Managing cash flow effectively is essential for ensuring liquidity, stability, and resilience in the face of economic uncertainty.
3. Evaluate operations.
Optimizing workflow, effectively leveraging technology, and nurturing high-performing teams are essential for business innovation and growth. Conducting a mid-year review of your critical systems allows you to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and opportunities to improve in the second half of the year.
Below are three key areas to review when assessing your operations:
Assess your workflow - Identify bottlenecks, streamline processes, leverage technology, and continuously improve to minimize waste and deliver value to your customers.
Review your technology stack - Evaluate current tools, identify new technologies, ensure integration and compatibility with existing systems, and provide training and support to improve collaboration and unlock new opportunities for innovation and growth.
Evaluate team performance - Assess the alignment of your team members with business goals, review individuals' skills and competencies, review resource and support needs, and foster a culture of collaboration and communication to create a culture of excellence.
Resources + Links
Brian Thompson Financial: Website, Newsletter, Podcast
Follow Brian Thompson Online: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X, Forbes
About Brian and the Mission Driven Business Podcast
Brian Thompson, JD/CFP, is a tax attorney and certified financial planner who specializes in providing comprehensive financial planning to LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs who run mission-driven businesses. The Mission Driven Business podcast was born out of his passion for helping social entrepreneurs create businesses with purpose and profit.
On the podcast, Brian talks with diverse entrepreneurs and the people who support them. Listeners hear stories of experiences, strength, and hope and get practical advice to help them build businesses that might just change the world, too.
