Because “we’ll get to it later” isn’t a strategy.
If you’re anything like me, Q3 has a habit of sneaking up on you.
One minute it’s Easter, you’re juggling April deadlines and wondering if the heating should still be on…
Next minute, you’re staring down the barrel of summer and realising: Right, we’d better get a proper plan in place.
Here’s the thing: Q3 is an underrated gem in the business calendar.
It’s not the frantic rush of Q4. It’s not the fresh-start energy of Q1.
It’s that golden middle stretch where smart, focused work can make all the difference before the year-end push.
So, whether you’re feeling ahead of the game or slightly underprepared (no judgement here), this is your guide to planning Q3 with intention.
Start with Reflection (Yes, Really)
Before you rush into planning, pause for a moment. Look back at Q1 and Q2. What worked? What didn’t? What surprised you?
Ask yourself:
- Where did we actually make progress?
- What initiatives dragged on longer than expected?
- Are we still clear on our biggest priorities?
This isn’t about beating yourself up. It’s about learning and adjusting. You can’t set a meaningful direction for Q3 without understanding the road you’ve already travelled.
Set (Realistic) Priorities
We all love a long to-do list, but let’s be honest: most of it isn’t going to get done.
For Q3, pick your big rocks—the priorities that will genuinely move the needle.
Consider:
- Projects that unlock long-term value (think: automation, process improvements, software upgrades).
- Quick wins that build momentum and confidence.
- Client initiatives that strengthen relationships and drive growth.
Pro tip:
Limit yourself to three major goals for the quarter. It’ll force clarity and focus.
Build in Flexibility
If the last few years have taught us anything, it’s that plans need to flex. Rigid roadmaps snap under pressure.
When planning Q3:
- Leave space for unexpected opportunities (or challenges).
- Set milestones, but review them monthly.
- Empower your team to make decisions and adapt quickly.
Flexibility doesn’t mean chaos—it means giving yourself room to breathe.
Communicate Clearly (and Often)
A plan locked away in a folder no one reads is as good as no plan at all.
Make your Q3 goals visible. Share them with the whole team. Revisit them in regular check-ins.
Why?
- It keeps everyone aligned.
- It creates accountability (in a good way).
- It builds a shared sense of purpose.
Plus, celebrating progress along the way keeps morale high—especially when you hit those inevitable summer slowdowns.
Use Tech to Stay on Track
No surprises here from me. The right tools make execution so much easier.
- Use project management tools (like Asana or Trello) to track progress.
- Automate routine reporting to free up time for actual problem-solving.
- Build dashboards for real-time visibility on your priorities.
And if your current tools are more “workaround” than workflow, maybe Q3 is the time for an upgrade.
Wrapping Up: Make Q3 Count
Q3 isn’t the warm-up act or the final sprint. It’s the sweet spot in the middle where focused action can set you up beautifully for the end of the year.
Get your priorities straight, stay flexible, communicate like mad, and use the right tools to keep things moving.
At Green Gorilla Apps, we help businesses build strategies (and software) that actually stick. Not just plans that look good on paper, but systems and solutions that keep you on track, even when things change.
Want to kick off Q3 with clarity and momentum? Let’s have a conversation. We’ll help you build a plan that’s ambitious but achievable.
PS: Even if Q1 and Q2 didn’t go exactly to plan (been there), Q3 is your chance to reset. Fresh quarter, fresh focus. Let’s go.
