NOVEMBER 2024
I’m currently pausing new newsletters, but the archive remains open for reflection, insight, and tools that still speak. 🕊️
NOVEMBER 2024
Welcome to the first edition of The Small Business Strategy Trifecta Digest! 🎉
This weekly newsletter is your go-to source for purpose-driven strategies focusing on cash flow, process improvement, and performance management.
Today, we’re talking about something I know you’re familiar with: cash flow. But we’re putting a twist on it - because we’re not just about the numbers here. We’re about clarity and aligning those dollars and cents with what truly matters: your business’s mission and purpose.
So let’s get started on the journey of aligning your cash flow with your values for better financial health and sustainable growth.
Cash Flow Strategy of the Month
Small Expenses, Big Impact: Are Your Business Expenses Aligned with Your Values?
When was the last time you took a close look at where your money’s going? Small, unchecked expenses can eat away at your profitability - and worse, they might not even be aligned with the heart of your business.
This month, I challenge you to review your business expenses through the lens of your purpose. Here are a few steps to get started:
1. Make a List: Review and compile all your recurring expenses.
2. Ask Yourself: Does each expense contribute to the mission and long-term impact I want to make?
3. Cut or Reallocate: If the answer is no, it’s time to either cut the expense or find a more purpose-driven alternative.
🛠️ Free Resource: Using Google Sheets, I’ve put together a Cash Flow Clarity Worksheet to help you track and review your expenses with purpose in mind.
Process Improvement Insight
Streamline Your Invoicing with Google Workspace & Automation
You already know that invoicing is one of those tasks that can get messy if not managed well. The good news? You don’t need fancy software to streamline the process.
Using Google Workspace (and a little help from Zapier for automation), you can:
➡️ Create Invoice Templates in Google Docs or Sheets for a professional look that’s easy to customize.
➡️ Automate Invoicing by setting up a workflow where clients are automatically sent reminders to pay after a certain number of days.
This not only saves you time, but it also ensures you’re getting paid on time - boosting your cash flow without lifting a finger.
Spotlight on Performance Management
Key Financial Metrics to Track for Long-Term Success
Let’s face it - financial metrics can sometimes feel like a drag. But if you’re serious about growth, there are a few key numbers you have to keep an eye on.
Here are the top three metrics every purpose-driven entrepreneur should track:
1. Cash Flow Forecast: This helps you predict your future cash inflows and outflows so you can plan for upcoming expenses.
2. Profit Margin: Are you turning a meaningful profit? Knowing this number will help you decide where to invest and where to cut back.
3. Customer Lifetime Value (CLV): How much revenue does each customer bring in over the life of your relationship with them? This is crucial for long-term sustainability.
Tracking these metrics will give you a clear picture of your financial health and help you make decisions that support both your business and its purpose.
💡 Pro Tip: By eliminating just one or two small expenses, you can free up cash flow to reinvest in areas that align with your values and business growth.
Becoming Purpose-Driven
Why Cash Flow is More Than Just Numbers:
It’s About What You Value
We often hear that “cash is king,” but when you’re running a purpose-driven business, cash flow isn’t just about having money in the bank. It’s about making sure every dollar you spend is aligned with your long-term vision and mission.
Think of it like this: every dollar you spend or save is a vote for the kind of business you want to run. So, when you align your cash flow with your values, you’re creating a business that’s both financially successful and impactful.
Want to dig deeper? Here’s a thought experiment for you:
The next time you make a business decision - whether it’s hiring someone, buying software, or launching a new product - ask yourself, Is this decision moving me closer to my purpose?
When your financial strategy aligns with your mission, the results are always more powerful.
This is where I provide different tools and resources to help better streamline your cash flow and operations:
🛠️ Cash Flow Clarity Worksheet
A template designed to help you track and evaluate your expenses through the lens of your purpose.
Upcoming Services
Check out my Google Workspace Operations service, where I’ll use Google products and automation (Zapier) to bring simplicity and efficiency to your business.
I’d love to hear from you!
What’s the most unexpected business expense you’ve had to cut recently, and how did it impact your cash flow?
And that's it for this month’s edition of The Small Business Strategy Trifecta™ Digest!
Ready to take control of your cash flow and get aligned with your purpose? Be sure to download your Cash Flow Clarity Worksheet and make those small but mighty changes today.
Feel free to reply if you have any questions - I’d love to hear what’s on your mind. Until next time, keep aligning your business with your purpose!
Shalom,
Michelle Reyes
Small Business Bookkeeping & Operations
michelle@officemanageronline.com
(315) 220 - 0684