As summer winds down and Q3 kicks into gear, now is the perfect time to hit “refresh” on your business strategy. For entrepreneurs and small business owners, July isn't just another month—it’s a crucial midpoint. A moment to look back, realign, and set a clear, data-driven path for the second half of the year.

At Bernstein Tax Group, we work with business owners to turn mid-year reviews into real financial momentum. Whether you're trying to boost revenue, reduce expenses, or prepare for year-end taxes, this guide will help you refocus and accelerate growth through Q3 and beyond.

Step 1: Start with the Data—Evaluate Q2 Performance

If you want to improve, you need to measure. Before setting new goals, you need to understand how your business performed in Q2.

Pull reports and review the following:

• Revenue: How close were you to your sales goals?

• Expenses: Any surprises? What can be reduced?

• Profit margins: Are they improving, shrinking, or staying flat?

• Tax payments: Have you been making estimated payments?

• KPIs: Marketing ROI, customer retention, average order value, and other key metrics

Ask yourself: What worked? What didn’t? Where are the leaks?

Most business owners are leaving thousands on the table simply because they’re not tracking or reviewing their numbers regularly. Don’t let that be you.

✅ Pro Tip: Use your accounting software’s dashboard or link it to a KPI tracker to automatically visualize trends.

Step 2: Set SMART Targets for Q3

With a clear picture of where you’ve been, it’s time to define where you’re going.

Use the SMART goal framework:

• Specific: Set clear targets (e.g., “Increase revenue from consulting packages by 20%”)

• Measurable: Use real numbers to track progress

• Achievable: Set goals that challenge but don’t overwhelm

• Relevant: Align goals with your broader business vision

• Time-bound: Limit goals to Q3 or a specific deadline

Examples of solid Q3 goals:

• Increase monthly recurring revenue (MRR) by $5,000

• Reduce overhead expenses by 15%

• Launch a new product or offer by August 15

• Build a cash reserve of 3 months of operating costs

• Book 25 client strategy calls before Labor Day

By focusing on the next 90 days, you give yourself enough time to create change—without losing urgency.

Step 3: Revisit Tax and Cash Flow Checkpoints

Mid-year is a prime time to check in on your tax strategy and cash flow.

Review Estimated Tax Payments

If you're self-employed or running an LLC/S-Corp, you're likely making quarterly tax payments.
Missed or underpaid your June 15 payment? There’s still time to adjust for Q3 and Q4.

• Schedule your next estimated payment: September 15

• Update your projections to avoid overpaying or underpaying

• Consider accelerating deductions (e.g., equipment purchases, bonuses) if profits are high

Forecast Summer Cash Flow

Many industries experience seasonal dips in July and August.
Now is the time to:

• Adjust budgets

• Revisit payment terms with vendors or clients

• Launch low-cost/high-value campaigns

• Consider a short-term line of credit (if appropriate)

Don't let a slow season sneak up on you. With planning, you can turn downtime into development time.

Step 4: Use Tools to Track and Stay Accountable

Even the best plan fails without execution. The good news? You don’t have to do it all manually.

Here are a few tools we recommend to our clients:

🗓️ Calendar Mapping

Use Google Calendar or Calendly to:

• Block strategic planning time each week

• Schedule tax deadlines, payment due dates, and launch goals

• Set recurring CEO time for performance reviews

📊 KPI Dashboards

Tools like Live Plan, Fathom, or Microsoft Power BI can help you visualize trends in:

• Revenue vs target

• Profit margins

• Client churn

• Marketing ROI

Or keep it simple with an Excel or Google Sheets dashboard updated monthly.

✅ Project & Goal Trackers

Try Notion, ClickUp, or Trello to:

• Track team deliverables

• Align tasks to Q3 goals

• Keep everyone accountable with deadlines

When you align your systems with your strategy, it’s easier to stay focused and consistent.

Bonus Tip: Use This Simple Mid-Year Checklist

Here’s a quick Q3 Prep List to guide your review and reset:

✔ Pull Q2 financial statements

✔ Analyze income, expenses, and profitability

✔ Compare Q2 results to your 2025 goals

✔ Set SMART goals for Q3

✔ Schedule or make estimated tax payments

✔ Adjust your cash flow strategy for summer

✔ Update your calendar with key financial tasks

✔ Set reminders for Q3 tax and business deadlines

✔ Book a strategy session with your tax advisor

How Bernstein Tax Group Helps You Grow Smarter in Q3

At Bernstein Tax Group, we do more than file your taxes—we help you make smarter, faster, more confident decisions about your money.

Our Q3 Growth & Tax Planning Sessions are designed to help you:

• Uncover hidden profitability opportunities

• Refine your tax strategy to reduce year-end liability

• Reallocate funds for better returns

• Set up systems that make you feel in control—not overwhelmed

📞 Book your Mid-Year Strategy Session now.

We’ll review your Q2 performance, set Q3 goals, and make sure your tax plan keeps pace with your business growth.

Final Thoughts

Success doesn’t come from working harder—it comes from reviewing, realigning, and refocusing. That’s what Q3 is all about.

Don’t let the second half of the year slip by. You’ve got time, talent, and the tools to finish 2025 stronger than ever.

Let’s make it happen—together.