Do You Really Know Your Numbers? Let’s Talk Cash Flow.
Running a small business is no small job. You are juggling customers, quotes, bills, maybe a bit of staff drama — and somehow trying to keep everything ticking along. It is a lot!
But there is one thing that can make the difference between feeling in control and constantly playing catch-up — knowing your numbers.
And no, I’m not talking about becoming an accountant or learning fancy finance terms. I mm talking about having a simple, clear picture of what is coming in, what is going out and what is left over at the end of each week.
So, what does “knowing your numbers” actually mean?
It’s easy to look at your bank balance and think, “Looks fine — I must be doing alright.”
But true cash flow visibility goes a bit deeper.
Every week, you should know things like:
How much cash you have actually got on hand.
What invoices are still unpaid (and how long they’ve been sitting there)
What bills are due soon.
What is coming in this week — and what is going out.
And do you have upcoming commitments like BAS, super, or tax?
If you can confidently answer “what is due, what is coming, and what is left?”, then you are well ahead of most business owners.
Why it is worth paying attention to
When you understand your numbers, everything feels a bit lighter. You stop guessing, start planning, and make better decisions.
Here is what it really gives you:
Peace of mind — no more surprises when bills roll in.
Confidence — you actually know what you can afford to spend or save.
Control — you can plan ahead for quiet periods or growth.
It’s like running your business with the lights on instead of fumbling around in the dark.
If this all feels a bit overwhelming… start small
You don’t need to overhaul everything at once. Try these small steps first:
Check in weekly. Spend ten minutes looking at what has come in and gone out.
Send invoices on time. Late invoicing = late payment.
Keep receipts and bills organised. Digital folders or accounting apps help.
Automate what you can. Let systems do the chasing and reminders for you.
Ask for help. Sometimes someone like me can make all the difference.
The takeaway
Knowing your numbers is not about crunching data — it is about running your business with confidence. It helps you stay ahead, make smarter decisions, and spend less time stressing about money.
So, if you’ve been putting this off, take it as your sign to start now. Open up your books, get curious, and see where things really stand.
Ready to make sense of your numbers?
If you’d like to get a clearer view of your cash flow and systems, I’ve got two easy ways to help:
Download my free Business Health Checklist – a simple way to spot where you’re doing well and where you might need support.
Book a quick chat with me – let’s talk through your numbers and find practical ways to smooth things out.