Let’s cut through the noise. While your accounting software might track dozens of metrics, successful business owners focus on the numbers that drive real decisions. After years of working with businesses from construction to law firms, I’ve identified the metrics that actually move the needle.
The Only Numbers You Need to Watch Weekly
- Cash Flow Forecast
- Next 30 days of expected income
- Upcoming major expenses
- Available credit line balance
- Project or Service Profitability
- Direct costs per project/service
- Profit margin by project type
- Sales Pipeline Health
- Proposals outstanding
- Win rate percentage
Monthly Review Essentials
- Gross Profit Margins
- Overall company margin
- Margin by service/project type
- Industry benchmark comparison
- Operating Expenses
- Fixed vs. variable costs
- Expense trends
- Working Capital
- Accounts receivable aging
- Vendor payment timing
The Metrics That Don’t Need Daily Attention
Stop obsessing over:
- Revenue without context
- Bank balance without forecasting
- Year-over-year comparisons without seasonality
Making These Numbers Work For You
- Set Trigger Points
- Establish clear thresholds for action
- Create response plans for each metric
- Use Technology Wisely
- Automate data collection
- Focus on actionable reports
- Take Strategic Action
- Use trends to guide decisions
- Adjust pricing based on margins
The Bottom Line
Success isn’t about tracking every possible number—it’s about focusing on the metrics that drive real business decisions. Start with these core measurements, and you’ll have the insights you need to make better choices for your business’s future.
McEntire Financial Services 
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