Most business owners are running without a scoreboard

Hi !

Something new has started in our house recently.

Kris started coaching both of the boys’ soccer teams this season. 

Right now, they are still in their practice stage. No games yet. Just a lot of running drills, learning positioning, and figuring out how to work together as a team. 

Planning and hosting those practices got us talking about something important. 

Even in practice… the coach has to pay attention to the score. 

Not the big scoreboard yet, but the little indicators that show how the team is doing. 

Are the kids learning the plays? Are they improving week over week? Do they understand where they’re supposed to be on the field?

Practice is where you build the habits that show up in the game later. 

Business works the same way. 

A lot of business owners are working hard every day. 

Serving clients, leading their teams, and growing revenue. 

But they are doing it without a clear scoreboard. 

Money is coming in. Expenses are going out. 

Yet, they’re not always sure:

• Are we actually more profitable this year?
• Is our cash flow improving?
• Are we building a stronger business… or just a busier one?

Without a financial scoreboard, it’s easy to feel like you’re constantly sprinting but never quite sure where you stand. 

But when you know your numbers, something shifts. You can pause for a moment, look at the scoreboard, and say: 

• “Okay… we’re still in a solid position.” OR
• “We need to adjust a few things.”

That clarity brings a lot of peace to running a business. 

Because just like those soccer practices, the habits you build now determine how you perform when the pressure is on. 

Business Finance in Plain English

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): KPIs are simply the handful of numbers that tell you how your business is really doing. Think of them as your business scoreboard.

Some of the most common ones include: revenue, profit, profit margins, break-even point, and cash in the bank. 

💡 Why it matters: You don’t need to track everything. You just need the right few numbers that show whether your business is improving… or needs attention. Because when you know the score, you can lead your business with more confidence.

How to Apply This in Your Business

If you’re not currently tracking KPIs, here’s a simple way to start:

1. Pick 3–5 numbers that matter most. Start small. Revenue, profit, cash in the bank, and profit margin are a great starting point.
2. Look back at the last 12 months. Understanding where you’ve been gives you context for where you're going.
3. Set targets for the next 12 months. Think of these like your game plan for the season.
4. Track them consistently. Review them weekly or monthly so you can see trends early.
5. Adjust as you go. When you know the numbers, you can make small corrections before they become big problems.

You don’t need something complicated.

You just need a scoreboard you will actually look at.

In Case You Missed It 🎙️

Two new podcast episodes to support your financial clarity:

• Hidden Bookkeeping Mistakes Costing You Profit with New Light Financial Solutions → A conversation about small bookkeeping mistakes that quietly eat away at profitability and how to catch them before they become expensive problems.
• Cash Flow Confessions: "I Wasted Thousands on Leads" with Billy Sammons → An honest look at what happens when marketing spend gets out ahead of the numbers and what business owners can learn from it.

If you’re reading this and thinking, “I probably should be tracking these numbers…” but you’re not sure where to start, we put together something simple to help.

It’s a CFO Worksheet that helps you:

• See your key numbers from last year
• Set targets for this year
• Start building your business scoreboard

Just reply to this email with “CFO Worksheet” and we’ll send it your way.

Sometimes the first step to clarity is just having the right place to start.

To your financial success,

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Looking for more? Here are 3 things that can help you generate more cash in your business:

1. Book a complimentary cash flow strategy session with us to see how we can help you generate more cash in your business.
2. Watch our free webinar to see how to turn your business into a money-making machine.
3. Check out our podcast to learn more about the things impacting your revenue, profit, and cash flow.

DISCLAIMER: The information provided by New Light Financial Solutions is for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be considered financial, tax, investment, or accounting advice. Always consult with a qualified professional who understands your specific financial situation before making business decisions.

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