Congratulations! You’re nearly 60 days into the new year — long enough to see how things are shaping up but early enough to make adjustments before the year takes off. Think of this 60-day business check-in as your business’s “performance review.”
Now’s the perfect time to assess what’s working, what’s not, and where you can make improvements to keep your business running smoothly. Here are five key areas to review—and some practical ways to tweak and tune up for a stronger year ahead.
1. Productivity & Time Management: Are You Running the Business, or Is It Running You?
The start of the year is often full of enthusiasm, but by now, reality has set in. Are you spending too much time on small tasks instead of focusing on big-picture goals?
Adjustment Tips:
- Automate where possible. Use scheduling tools, email templates, and invoicing software to cut down on manual work.
- Delegate smarter. If you’re wearing too many hats, consider outsourcing administrative tasks, hiring a virtual assistant, or redistributing workload among your team.
- Time-blocking for the win. Set aside dedicated time for emails, meetings, and deep work to avoid constant task-switching.
2. Financial Health: Are Your Numbers Adding Up?
By now, you have two months’ worth of data to analyze—so how’s your cash flow? Are expenses creeping up? Are sales meeting expectations?
Adjustment Tips:
- Trim the fat. Review subscriptions, software, and services—are you actually using everything you’re paying for?
- How much are you paying in credit card interest? Could this amount, if eliminated, pay for a bookkeeper?
- Follow up on unpaid invoices. If clients are slow to pay, consider automated reminders or incentives for early payments.
- Reassess pricing. Are your rates aligned with rising costs and the value you provide? A slight adjustment now can make a big difference over time.
3. Customer & Client Experience: Are They Still Happy?
Loyal customers are the backbone of any business. Have you checked in with them recently? If not, now’s the time.
Adjustment Tips:
- Send a quick survey. A few simple questions about their experience can reveal valuable insights.
- Review response times. Are you keeping up with inquiries? If not, consider chatbots, autoresponders, or improving internal processes.
- Add a personal touch. A handwritten thank-you note, a small discount, or a check-in email can go a long way in strengthening relationships.
4. Your Work-Life Balance: Are You Burning Out?
You can’t pour from an empty cup. If you’ve been working nonstop since January, it’s time to check in with yourself.
Adjustment Tips:
- Set boundaries. Define work hours and stick to them—no checking emails at midnight!
- Take a break. Even a short weekend getaway or a dedicated “no-work” evening can help reset your energy.
- Walk and talk. Are there clients or staff, you can walk and talk with vs. sitting indoors, online or at a coffee shop?
- Ask for help. Whether it’s hiring support or adjusting your schedule, don’t be afraid to lighten the load.
5. Goals & Strategy: Are You on Track?
Remember those shiny new year goals? How are they looking now? If you’re on track, great! If not, no stress—there’s still time to adjust.
Adjustment Tips:
- Break big goals into smaller steps. Instead of “grow revenue by 20%,” focus on specific actions like increasing marketing efforts or launching a new product.
- Stay flexible. If something isn’t working, pivot! Business success is all about adapting.
- Celebrate small wins. Recognizing progress (even small steps) keeps momentum going.
Final Thoughts
Running a business is a marathon, not a sprint. A 60-day business check-in isn’t about feeling guilty over what hasn’t been done—it’s about making smart, proactive changes to keep things moving in the right direction.
So, take a deep breath, make a few tweaks, and give yourself a pat on the back—you’re doing great.
Remember, we’re here to help. If your 60-day check-in reveals a need for change and if we can help, feel free to reach out to Compass CPA.
Here’s to a strong and successful year ahead! 🚀
