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In this conversation, Mike interviews Chris Wheldon, an investor and entrepreneur, about the importance of understanding and analyzing numbers in small and mid-sized businesses.
Chris shares his experience in acquiring and investing in businesses and highlights the key metrics he looks at, including cash flow, profit, margin, cost structure, and return on capital. He emphasizes the need for business owners to have a strong grasp of their numbers to make informed decisions and ensure the sustainability of their businesses.
The conversation also touches on the value of data transparency and the benefits it brings during the acquisition process. Understanding and analyzing financial metrics is crucial for business owners and managers. It is important to measure the inputs that contribute to revenue and profit on a weekly basis, such as sales, marketing, and customer retention metrics. Monthly measurements should focus on understanding sales trends, cost structures, and budgeting for future expenses. Quarterly analysis should provide a full picture of financial performance, including working capital changes and cash flow generation. Annual reviews allow for a deeper understanding of the balance sheet and the true financial profile of the business.
The key takeaway is that while the numbers are important, they are a reflection of the decisions and actions taken by the business in serving its customers and stakeholders.

Takeaways.

• Understanding and analyzing numbers is crucial for small and mid-sized business owners to make informed decisions and ensure the sustainability of their businesses.
• Key metrics to consider include cash flow, profit, margin, cost structure, and return on capital.
• Having a strong grasp of numbers allows business owners to negotiate better deals and demand higher prices when selling their businesses.
• Data transparency and access to high-quality information are indicators of a well-run business and can attract potential investors.
• Focusing on both input metrics (e.g., lead generation, customer activity) and output metrics (e.g., financial performance) is important for monitoring business performance.
• Regularly reviewing and analyzing numbers on a weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual basis provides a comprehensive view of the business's health and progress. Measure the inputs that contribute to revenue and profit on a weekly basis
• Monthly measurements should focus on sales trends, cost structures, and budgeting
• Quarterly analysis provides a full picture of financial performance
• Annual reviews allow for a deeper understanding of the balance sheet and financial profile
• The numbers are a reflection of the decisions and actions taken by the business

Chapters

00:00
Introduction of Chris Weldon

03:04
Chris's Background and Current Venture

07:37
The Problem: Lack of Understanding of Numbers

13:08
The Importance of Knowing the Numbers

15:56
Key Metrics for Assessing a Business

22:21
The Owner's Understanding of Numbers

24:58
Metrics to Monitor Weekly

27:10
Metrics to Monitor Quarterly

32:20
Understanding Sales Trends and Cost Structures

36:46
Analyzing Financial Performance Quarterly

44:04
Deepening Understanding of the Balance Sheet Annually

46:08
The Numbers Reflect Business Decisions and Actions

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