You don’t have to love numbers to understand them
For many of the business owners we work with, dealing with “finances” brings a mix of emotions. Stress, avoidance, and maybe even a twinge of guilt. If that’s you, you’re not alone. Numbers often feel like a foreign language, especially when you’re juggling everything else that comes with running a purpose-led business.
But here’s the truth: your numbers aren’t here to shame you. They’re here to help you. They can tell you when something needs your attention – before it becomes urgent. They can show you what’s working. And they can give you the confidence to grow in a way that feels right for you.
There is a story behind your numbers
Every line in your profit and loss report has a story. The increase in your revenue might reflect a great new client relationship. A sudden drop in profit could point to having to sell old stock at a hefty discount. A steady increase in cash reserves might mean your decisions are paying off and you suddenly have new choices opening up.
At Starfish, we often use tools like Fathom or Syft to turn lists of numbers into easy to read graphs and reports. It’s less about spreadsheets, more about giving you a meaningful view of your business. Having access to graphs that show your income trends over time, and dashboards that highlight where your profit is really coming from (or disappearing to!) can help you to really understand what is making your business tick.
This helps you ask better questions. Do I need to review my pricing? Is my team at capacity? Can I afford to hire? What would it take to take a break without everything grinding to a halt?
Watch out for warning signs
You don’t need to wait for a financial crisis to take control of your numbers. There are some red flags that are always worth paying attention, preferably while you still have time to fix underlying problems.
- Cash flow is consistently tight, even when sales are up
You might be growing, but if money’s always tight, something isn’t quite adding up. It could be late paying customers, out of date pricing, or overspending. - You’re relying on gut feel more than facts
Trusting your instincts matters. But when every big decision feels like guesswork, it’s time to get some clarity. - You avoid opening your accounting software
If looking at your numbers fills you with dread (or you’ve stopped looking altogether), that’s your sign to bring someone in who can make it feel manageable again.
When to ask for help, and why it’s not a failure
We often meet business owners who have put off asking for financial advice because they think they should have it all figured out. But needing support isn’t a failure. Understanding you can’t do it all is a strength. It means you care about doing things right. It means you’re ready to push your business forwards.
Whether you want help making sense of your financial reports, streamlining your bookkeeping, or simply talking through what the numbers are telling you, we’re here. No jargon. No judgement.
Clarity is like having crystal ball
Understanding your finances doesn’t mean becoming a spreadsheet whiz. It means gaining the clarity to make decisions with confidence. Decisions that reflect your values, protect your business, and get you closer to your version of success.
If you’d like help figuring out what your numbers are telling you, let’s talk. We’d love to show you just how empowering a little financial clarity can be.
