Running a business requires a lot of attention and focus, sometimes we get so busy making sure everything is in order we forget to stop and checkin. When was the last time you set a routine and stuck to it?
For every business I work with, we have a monthly finance check-in and I also encourage that they also set up checkins with their key managers. Not just to focus on numbers, but with your mindset and your strategy too.
Here are three simple but powerful questions to ask yourself every month. They align with my “How I Work” method (Investigate, Plan, Implement), and are designed to keep you focused, proactive, and making confident decisions.
- What’s working, and what’s not? (Investigate)
This is where we shine the torch on what’s really going on in your business. Too often, owners skip this reflection because they’re buried in day-to-day tasks. But pausing to assess performance both financial and operational is where clarity begins.
- Are your revenue streams performing as expected?
- Are your expenses creeping up without clear ROI?
- Are your systems supporting you or slowing you down?
Using financial dashboards highlighting key performance indicators, we help our clients spot the story behind the numbers. If something feels “off,” this question helps you uncover it early, before it becomes a bigger issue.
- What do I need to focus on this month to move closer to my goals? (Plan)
This is your moment to reconnect with your big-picture strategy. Maybe you’re growing your team, preparing to inject capital, or increasing profitability. Whatever your current priority, this question ensures your daily work isn’t just busy it’s building momentum in the right direction.
Ask yourself:
- What ONE goal would make the biggest difference right now?
- What does progress on that goal look like this month?
- What support or systems do I need to make it happen?
This keeps you future-focused but grounded in action.
- Am I creating the freedom I want for myself and the business? (Implement)
This question is about sustainability. As business owners, it’s easy to build a business that needs us all the time. But what we really want is a business that supports our life, not consumes it.
Every month, reflect on:
- Am I working in the business too much, and not on it?
- Is my team empowered to make decisions without me?
- What small step could I take this month to build more freedom into how we operate?
Whether it’s automating processes, delegating more effectively, or building financial buffers, these are the decisions that move you from survival mode to scalable success.
Start small, stay consistent and focus on the extra 1% that compounds.
These three questions don’t take long to answer but over time, they’ll completely shift how you operate and grow your business. From experience I have seen that bringing the structure and intention to your financials and strategy ensures you are not just running businesses, your are building something sustainable and fulfilling.