Are you ready for the second half?

Summer is the perfect time for a business health check, especially in a year like this.

The first half of 2025 brought market volatility and policy shifts. After a turbulent stretch driven by trade tensions and inflation fears, both the S&P 500 and S&P/TSX composite index reached record highs.

As we enter the second half of the year, it’s time to assess. A mid-year business assessment can help advisors realign their practices, refocus on core goals and prepare for a strong finish regardless of what markets do next.

Begin by reflecting on your performance across the first six months. Examine key metrics such as revenue, profit, new client acquisition and asset growth. Did you hit your targets, or did market uncertainty cause shortfalls?

Assess your time management, too. Were you focused on high-revenue tasks or derailed during times of market volatility?

Client relationships are just as important. Have you maintained trust and delivered meaningful support? Clients value consistent communication, especially during turbulent periods. Reflecting on how well you guided them, what worked and what didn’t, will help you adjust moving forward.

Realign goals and priorities

Next, review the goals you set at the beginning of 2025. Are they still relevant? Some may need to be revised or paused given new realities. Establish clear, updated goals, whether that’s growing assets under management (AUM), improving service metrics or recovering lost ground.

Then, revisit your client and prospect segments. Who are your top-tier clients by AUM, revenue or strategic value? Focus efforts where they’ll have the most impact.

Similarly, refine your prospect list to concentrate on high-potential opportunities. Summer is ideal for scheduling reviews with key clients or launching targeted outreach. This strategic focus ensures that your second-half efforts align with your most valuable relationships.

Tune up core areas

Mid-year is an ideal time to refine operations, technology and team structure. Start with your processes and tech stack. Are workflows efficient? Are your systems well-documented and easy to follow?

Look for opportunities to streamline and automate repetitive tasks. Maximize your CRM’s capabilities, especially for client communication and tracking.

Check your marketing, too. Do your messages still resonate? Does your online presence reflect your expertise? Refresh outdated materials and ensure your content resonates with your ideal audience.

Lastly, consider your team dynamics. Are roles clearly defined? If responsibilities feel overwhelming, consider exploring delegation or hiring. Can you free yourself to spend more time with top clients or strategic initiatives?

Summer is also an excellent time for professional development — strengthen your foundation before the fall.

Build a simple plan

To reignite momentum, build a focused execution plan for the second half. Identify two or three key initiatives that will move your business forward. By narrowing your focus, you give each initiative the attention it deserves.

Break your plan into six- to eight-week sprints to create urgency and adaptability. After each sprint, review the outcomes and adjust as needed.

Recommit to your goals by writing them down and sharing them with your team or a mentor for accountability. Set regular business reviews to stay on track and address challenges as they arise. With a simple plan and consistent check-ins, you create a structure for execution. That helps you stay focused, measure progress and improve performance as you head into year-end.

A mid-year reset is more than a feel-good exercise. It is a critical opportunity to refocus and realign. Advisors who take time now to evaluate, adjust and re-engage position themselves to better navigate what lies ahead.

Whether the second half brings renewed growth or continued uncertainty, clarity and preparation will set you up for success. Approach the second half with purpose. Reflect on the lessons of early 2025 and turn them into forward-looking strategies. Your clients are counting on you, and the work you do now can deepen trust, drive growth and lay the foundation for long-term prosperity.