The thought of summertime evokes visions of vacation, relaxation and time with family and friends. As you head into the warmer months, you’re probably winding down from a very busy first half and tax season. Hopefully, a well-deserved vacation is on the horizon and you take some time to recharge your batteries.

Many advisors fall into the summertime slump. To avoid it, try not to lose focus of the goals you set for yourself and your practice or postpone their progress. The summertime can be a productive time if you take some simple steps to keep your momentum going during these months.

• Review what you have accomplished in the first half of the year and determine what you want done before the end of the year. Now is the time to sit down and make a plan of action that will fuel your next 6-12 months into strong, active and fruitful times for your practice and yourself. Start by confirming that your marketing plan for the remainder of the year is solid—including a full schedule for client mailings, educational events, client appreciation events and other growth producing activities.

• Review your operating procedures. How are they working? Are there any improvements that can be implemented now, before the busier fall season? Top producing practices have effective standard operating procedures in place—do you?

• Hold a daylong team retreat for your staff. This is a nice way to coordinate your team members. Start it by thanking them for all their hard work. At this retreat, allow team members to share any ideas they have as well as concerns. This retreat should include a team bonding activity and a way to set the tone for the rest of the year. This is a good way to review what accomplishments have been achieved and what you’d like your team to pursue. We suggest the morning is spent discussing business and the afternoon is spent doing a healthy and fun teambuilding activity. You may also want to consider checking in one-on-one with each of your team members to ensure that they are positioned in the best roles for success and also let them know they are a valued member of your team.

Don’t fall prey to the summertime slump! Summertime is a great time for rejuvenation, but also a strategic time for reorganization and preparation for the busier months ahead. Happy summer!

Ken Unger is the founder of The Academy of Preferred Financial Advisor Inc., a coaching and training company for mid- to high-level financial advisors. Unger has over 30 years of industry experience, with over 16 years developing the industry’s top financial advisors.