A lighthearted list post about the quirks of running a business in midsummer.
Ah, July. While everyone else is sipping poolside piña coladas and ghosting their inbox, you’re over here trying to figure out why your lead flow dried up faster than a Texas kiddie pool in 100-degree heat.
If you run a small business, July hits different. It’s the month of sunburns, sales slumps, and spontaneous strategy sessions (usually on your back porch with a lukewarm iced coffee). So in the spirit of solidarity — and a good laugh — here are 15 signs you’re definitely a small business owner in July:
1. You’ve considered turning your out-of-office on… but realized you are the office.
2. Every “Sorry for the delayed reply — we’ve been out of the office!” email makes your eye twitch a little.
3. You scheduled a “strategy session” on your calendar, but it was really just you, pacing with a popsicle, wondering where all your clients went.
4. You posted a July 4th social media post and haven’t logged back into Instagram since.
5. Your calendar has more crossed-out vacation days than actual meetings.
6. You’ve seriously debated offering a “Summer Slump Sale” just to spark some movement.
7. You tried batching content outdoors once. Your laptop overheated and your dog knocked over your iced matcha.
8. You’ve had at least one mini business existential crisis — but made it aesthetic by journaling in the sunshine.
9. You’re getting DMs from old leads who suddenly want to “circle back” in August. Uh huh. Sure, Chad.
10. Your to-do list says “Plan Q3” but you’ve mostly just been rearranging your Google Drive folders.
11. You watched a webinar to feel productive — then rewarded yourself with an afternoon nap.
12. Your idea of a summer intern is your niece helping you make TikToks at the family BBQ.
13. You’re caught between “take a break” and “must hustle harder” — and neither option comes with clear instructions.
14. You briefly thought about launching something new… then remembered July is chaos in flip-flops.
15. You’re secretly excited for August so you can get back to your regularly scheduled programming (and possibly actual pants).
TL;DR: You’re Not Alone
If this list made you laugh, cringe, or sigh in knowing solidarity — we see you. July is weird. But it’s also a golden opportunity to slow down, reflect, and prep for the growth season ahead.
And if you’re ready to stop winging it and start building systems that work (even in the slow seasons), we’ve got tools, tips, and the Beefiest team ready to help.
👉 Book a discovery call with us — Let’s make the rest of the year your best one yet.