Understand the importance of tracking numbers in business. Tanner O’Brien explains that visibility into your metrics—good or bad—is essential for growth. For small business owners, numbers might seem tedious, but they’re key for making smart decisions, especially around cash flow. Regularly tracking financials, sales, and marketing metrics can help you see issues early, prepare for challenges, and invest confidently in future growth.

O’Brien stresses that “you can’t manage what you don’t measure.” Key metrics like KPIs and KAIs reveal trends and allow quick adjustments, making decision-making clearer and faster. Facing the numbers may take courage—they tell the truth without sugar-coating—but they bring clarity and help avoid emotional, reactive decisions. Monitoring cash flow weekly, for instance, lets you act in advance rather than getting caught off guard.