As summer winds down and the back-to-school season ramps up, it’s the perfect time for small business owners to reset, refocus, and set the stage for a strong end to the year. Much like preparing your kids for a new school year, getting your business organized can make all the difference in performance, confidence, and peace of mind. Whether you’re navigating new clients, shifting expenses, or seasonal promotions, August is a powerful time to revisit your operations and give your business the love and structure it needs to thrive.
Here are some actionable ways to show your business some love and get organized this August:
1. Revisit Your Budget – With Q4 approaching, it’s essential to reassess your budget. Are there areas where you’re overspending or opportunities to invest? For example, if your software subscriptions have added up, evaluate if you’re actually using each one—or if you’re paying for features you don’t need. Consider reallocating funds to marketing efforts, updating your website, or investing in new tools to increase efficiency. It’s also a great time to evaluate profit margins and explore ways to improve them.
2. Check in on Your Goals – Remember those annual goals you set back in January? Now is a great time to measure progress and realign your plans if needed. If you planned to grow your client base by 25% this year, check where you’re at and adjust your outreach, networking, or service offerings accordingly. Look at metrics like customer retention, revenue growth, and social engagement to evaluate what’s working and what might need a tweak.
3. Refresh Your Systems – Is your bookkeeping software still serving you well? Are you tracking inventory, time, or clients manually when you could automate? For instance, if you’re still sending paper invoices or keeping physical receipts, now might be the time to explore QuickBooks Online, Xero, or another cloud-based platform. These tools offer mobile access, better security, and time-saving features like automated bank feeds and receipt capture.
4. Tidy Up Your Records – Summer can get hectic and it’s easy to fall behind on recordkeeping. Schedule a few hours to reconcile accounts, label receipts, and update customer information. For example, make sure all expenses from recent trips or purchases are correctly categorized and attached to the right vendor. Organize your digital files and ensure backups are in place. Clean books mean fewer headaches at tax time.
5. Prepare for Q4 Promotions – Start thinking ahead to any fall or holiday promotions. Update your marketing calendar, prep your email list, and brainstorm content ideas. For example, if you’re planning a “Thankful for You” client appreciation campaign in November, start outlining your messaging and promotions now. Think about bundle offerings, early-bird discounts, or social campaigns you want to test.
Taking time to declutter, plan, and reset in August ensures you head into the busy fall season with clarity and control. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your business finances, don’t go it alone. At Tally Up Accounting, we specialize in helping small business owners get organized and back on track—so you can focus on what you do best. Reach out today to learn how we can support your goals this season.