Whether you’re just starting a business, growing a side gig, or you’ve been in business a while and still feel like you’re treading water—this one’s for you.
Most of us begin with an idea or passion. We jump in, start building, selling, creating—and before long, we’re deep in the day-to-day. Customer messages, product sourcing, last-minute orders, delivery delays.
Numbers? They feel like a luxury.
But here’s the truth:
If you don’t know your numbers, you don’t really know your business.
Why So Many Entrepreneurs Avoid the Numbers
Let’s be honest—many founders avoid finances because it feels overwhelming. You’re not alone if you’ve said, “I’m not a numbers person.”
But ignoring your numbers is like driving with your eyes closed. You might feel busy, but you won’t know if you’re going in the right direction, wasting fuel, or heading straight for a wall.
My Story: From Overwhelm to Clarity
There was a time in my business when cash flow was really tight. Margins were thin. I was doing the work, but money wasn’t sticking. I started missing supplier payments and feeling the pressure build.
Truthfully, I wasn’t sleeping well. I was anxious, juggling priorities, and second-guessing everything.
Then I did something simple but powerful:
✅ I opened a spreadsheet
✅ Listed what was coming in and going out
✅ Prioritised payments
✅ Focused on activities that made money
That one step gave me clarity. I could spread my limited resources to where they mattered most.
Knowing my numbers gave me peace of mind. It helped me lead with clarity, not chaos.
If You’re Just Starting Out…
Don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed. Start tracking your numbers now. It’ll help you:
- Avoid unnecessary costs
- Set sustainable prices
- Focus on what actually makes you money
If You’ve Been in Business But Still Feel Stuck…
You’re not alone. Many business owners feel like they’re running hard but getting nowhere.
This is your signal to pause and look closely. Your numbers will tell you
- What to stop
- What to double down on
- Where your money is going
The 5 Numbers That Matter Most
You don’t need a full finance dashboard. Just start with these:
1. Revenue – What’s coming in?
Track by product, service, or client. Know your strongest income streams.
2. Gross Profit Margin – Are you making enough per sale?
If it’s too low, you’ll feel stretched no matter how many sales you make.
3. Net Profit – What’s left after everything?
Revenue is vanity. Profit is reality.
4. Cash Flow – Can you cover your bills?
Even profitable businesses go under when they run out of cash.
5. Average Transaction Value – Are people spending enough?
Find ways to increase value per order—bundles, upgrades, or services.
You Don’t Need Fancy Tools
Start with what you have. A notebook. A spreadsheet. Anything is better than nothing.
Set a monthly reminder. Ask:
- Where’s the money coming from?
- What’s costing more than it should?
- Am I in control—or reacting?
Final Thoughts: Clarity Over Chaos
Success isn’t just about hard work—it’s about smart decisions. And smart decisions come from knowing your numbers.
Whether you’re just getting started or trying to grow something that’s struggling—this is where the shift begins.
In the next posts in this series, we’ll break down each number step by step. What it means. How to calculate it. And how to use it to build a business that doesn’t just survive—but thrives.
