Know Your Numbers: A Chat About Navigating Small Business Challenges

Hey there, fellow Kiwi business owners — let’s have a real talk. Business out there at the moment? It’s tough. I mean, every day, I hear about another company shutting its doors, and honestly, it can feel a bit overwhelming. I could run through all the sobering stats, but the truth is, we all see it in our daily grind.

Here’s the thing — I’m a bit of a systems nerd. And I truly believe that without good systems in place, you’re always just one hiccup away from being caught out. It’s like walking around with zip ties and duct tape — it might keep things together temporarily, but it’s not a long-term solution.

Most small businesses start because the owner didn’t want to work for wages forever and had a passion for their trade. They decided to take matter into their own hands — and honestly, I say high five to all of you who’ve made that leap. It’s a massive step — no guaranteed income, no set holiday leave, late-night phone calls, and trying to balance family life. It’s a hard gig, way harder than it looks from the outside.

What I’ve noticed over the years working with small business owners is that you all share one thing — an incredible attitude. You're hardworking, honest, and really want to do a good job. That’s awesome.

But here’s where it gets tricky — many of you may not have the business know-how to keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes. Without proper plans, processes, and checks, it’s easy to get caught up in firefighting. And before you know it, things aren’t quite stacking up the way they should. The Zip ties stretch and the Duct Tape… Well we all know that never lasts if your moving too fast..

You got into this because you’re passionate about what you do, and it’s likely you had a long list of clients wanting what you offer. You worked your socks off providing that service. But amid all that hustle, it’s tough to find time to step back and look at the big picture.

And then, without warning, you start to wonder, where’s next week’s wages coming from? maybe even start dreading the 20th of the month.

Here’s a little secret — understanding your numbers, putting systems in place, and having a clear plan can make all the difference. Passion gets you started, but solid business practices keep you going.

If you’re feeling the pinch or just want to get a better grip on your business, I’d love to help you get back on track. Drop me a message, and let’s chat about simple steps you can take today to make your business stronger and more resilient, no matter what’s happening out there.

Remember, you’re not alone. - Reach out, I’m here to help