Use summer to refresh your business vision

Doing business in the Phoenix metro area, we are used to things slowing down a bit during the summer. Partners, customers and investors often head out of town, and we may even get a chance to get away ourselves.

By Sidnee Peck  |  Director Center for Entrepreneurship

Doing business in the Phoenix metro area, we are used to things slowing down a bit during the summer. Partners, customers and investors often head out of town, and we may even get a chance to get away ourselves. Summer (or whenever your slower season may be) is a great time to take a step back and look at your business from 10,000 feet to make sure you are staying true to your vision. Ask yourself a few questions about your goals (now that we are six months into the calendar year) and do some thought-provoking reading to keep things sharp and fresh.

Staying true to vision.

When interviewing past Spirit of Enterprise Award finalists and winners (check out wpcarey.asu.edu/spirit for more info on the award, with a July 31 application deadline for this year) I was reminded how valuable it can be to ask yourself the kinds of questions people ask when you are a candidate for an award. Many of these questions are the ones you answered when you were just getting started.

These core value and key strategy questions can help you reflect on where you are today and what you need to do to get where you want to be. Use the Spirit application questions to get your mind going, or ask a friend to interview you about your company. Just get the conversation started!

Staying sharp.

I have been taking meditation more seriously and committing to a daily practice, as have some incredible founders and CEOs I know. Keeping your brain sharp is helpful in countless ways, but for your business, meditating 10 to 20 minutes a day or more can allow you to think more clearly and find restful moments that provide the energy you need in the midst of the chaos of daily life. I've read many mediation books, but the most simple and easy to apply so far is "The Miracle of Mindfulness: An Introduction to the Practice of Meditation" by Thich Nhat Hanh.

All of us know we should follow the thought leaders in our fields, but it can be challenging. Use Twitter, blogs and other online article sources to bookmark and create a stockpile of articles to binge-read while on a long flight or lounging by the pool for the afternoon.

Staying fresh.

Sometimes simply keeping up is all you feel like you can accomplish. Coming up with new, creative ideas and approaches can feel daunting. So, don't force it and just let the words of others inspire you. I am currently devouring "Bold: How to Go Big, Create Wealth and Impact the World" by Peter H. Diamandis and Steven Kotler. This book takes a straightforward view of the advancement of technology and what you should be aware of and strongly consider as you start, develop or grow your business.

The Wall Street Journal (or similar) is a great daily read that can get the mind thinking about new approaches coming from other industries. Or give Popular Science a try. Enjoy your summer — take time for you, your body and your brain.

First published in The Arizona Republic, June 29, 2015.