“What gets measured gets managed.” – Peter Drucker
This simple yet powerful quote is a reminder that progress isn’t accidental – it’s intentional. When you measure something, you gain clarity, and with clarity comes the ability to take action and improve.
From cash flow stress to confidence
I have a client that has seen real results in tweaking and continuously improving how he runs his business. To give you some perspective, last December wasn’t all smooth sailing when it came to cash flow for this client. December brought a cash drop, as it often does, but this year was different. Instead of stressing about the slowdown, he was prepared. He knew it was coming so we strategised around ways to create cash flow. Instead of scrambling and worrying about January, he enjoyed a well-earned holiday, knowing his business was financially secure.
How? By focusing on what he can change to create positive impacts on how the business runs.
The power of preparation
He didn’t just hope things would be better this year – he made sure of it.
- Pre-selling January and February meant he came back to a full book of work. No slow start, just momentum.
- Reviewing geographical data helped him focus his advertising budget in the right areas, ensuring better returns on investment.
- Asking the right questions about his business helped him spot opportunities he might have missed before.
Now, he’s over the moon with his progress, and it’s shaping up to be a strong year.
Business is like gardening
Running a business is a lot like tending a garden.
- If you plant seeds but never water them, they won’t grow.
- If you fertilise once a year and expect lush growth, you’ll be disappointed.
- If you neglect it for months and then suddenly give it attention, the results won’t last.
The same applies to your business. You can’t just turn the tap on and off when you feel like it. Continuous improvement means consistent effort.
Small steps lead to big success
My client has a big vision for his business, but he also knows that without breaking it down into actionable steps, it’s just a dream.
Quarterly planning is great, but real progress happens in the day-to-day decisions. Every week, every month, he’s focused on getting better – fine-tuning his pricing, tweaking the marketing strategy, improving his efficiency, maintaining a wonderful working environment to keep motivated employees, and ensuring he’s always one step ahead.
That’s the difference between hoping for success and creating it.
What can you measure today?
If you’re serious about growing your business, ask yourself:
✅ What key numbers am I tracking?
✅ What patterns do I see in my business?
✅ What changes can I make today to improve tomorrow?
Because what gets measured does get managed – and what gets managed gets better.
