We've just passed the halfway point of 2013, and here are a couple of thoughts to help you finish the year strong. The average growth rate across all U.S. small businesses last year was 8 percent, according to Libby Bierman, an analyst at Sageworks. I'm proud to say that my clients' average growth rate for that same period was 18 percent. You might be interested to know that there is a specific reason for this, and it's three words.

Here's a quick nugget, mini passionate plea, and something to think about on your next Clarity Break. I've just finished all of my annual planning sessions with all of my clients (30 in total), and they averaged a 16 percent growth rate in 2012. There is an interesting whipsaw effect going on from the downturn of the great recession to the impressive growth of the last three years.

Having world-class, rock-solid weekly meetings will make a difference in achieving your goals in 2013, as well as saving you time and building team health.

There is a lot coming up about culture in sessions this quarterly planning season. I'm often concerned about how much mental energy most leaders put into "building their culture"-i.e., trying to be overly creative with countless ideas like putting core values on banners, laminated cards, coffee mugs, and computer screens.

We are a couple of weeks from the halfway point for 2012. At this time you should have done your Q3 planning session or have it scheduled.