200 episodes

For some, watching paint dry, or a poke in the eye is better than dealing with their business numbers. I get it, numbers can be scary, confusing, and boring, not what your business is meant to be about.

But here’s the thing. If you’re serious about your business, you need to grab hold of your numbers, and connect with them. Falling in love with them may feel weird, but at least be on friendly terms with them if you want your business to survive and thrive.

Numbers make you accountable, showing you the financial impact of your successes, a route map to success and highlighting those flip-ups. Above all, learning to love & use your numbers means you have a better chance of making money, what’s not to love.

Fundamentally business is there to make money. You need to make money to survive and have impact. It’s about knowing how your future is going to pan out.

As a business finance coach, financial story teller and tax advisor, I've helped thousands of businesses over the years.

I love numbers, but I get it that not many businesses will do so. I want to share my love of numbers through my podcast, to make it accessible, to help you and your business power forward.

My aim is to make this podcast listener friendly, jargon and BS free.

In the words of W.E.B. Dubois “When you have mastered numbers, you will in fact no longer be reading numbers, any more than you read words when reading books. You will be reading meanings.”

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

I Hate Numbers I Hate Numbers

    • Business

For some, watching paint dry, or a poke in the eye is better than dealing with their business numbers. I get it, numbers can be scary, confusing, and boring, not what your business is meant to be about.

But here’s the thing. If you’re serious about your business, you need to grab hold of your numbers, and connect with them. Falling in love with them may feel weird, but at least be on friendly terms with them if you want your business to survive and thrive.

Numbers make you accountable, showing you the financial impact of your successes, a route map to success and highlighting those flip-ups. Above all, learning to love & use your numbers means you have a better chance of making money, what’s not to love.

Fundamentally business is there to make money. You need to make money to survive and have impact. It’s about knowing how your future is going to pan out.

As a business finance coach, financial story teller and tax advisor, I've helped thousands of businesses over the years.

I love numbers, but I get it that not many businesses will do so. I want to share my love of numbers through my podcast, to make it accessible, to help you and your business power forward.

My aim is to make this podcast listener friendly, jargon and BS free.

In the words of W.E.B. Dubois “When you have mastered numbers, you will in fact no longer be reading numbers, any more than you read words when reading books. You will be reading meanings.”

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

    5 Useful Motivation Tips for Solopreneurs

    5 Useful Motivation Tips for Solopreneurs

    5 Useful Motivation Tips for Solopreneurs that are essential to keep you going when working for yourself. Initially, being your own boss sounds great. However, many solopreneurs discover that giving up their day job is not as glamorous as it seems. Loneliness and a lack of motivation will eventually creep in, and you may even miss your 9-to-5 job more than you thought possible. Nevertheless, remember that you went into business for yourself for a reason. Although motivation can be lost, it can also be regained.
    Make Your Business Adapt to Your LifestyleFirstly, align your business with your lifestyle to boost your overall satisfaction and motivation. Freedom is often the top reason solopreneurs leave the corporate world. For example, adjust your working schedule to accommodate personal activities, like socializing with friends or going to the gym. Therefore, integrating your business with your lifestyle will help you stay motivated.
    Find a Co-working SpaceSecondly, consider finding a co-working space. Working from home sounds fantastic, but being alone can be very lonely. Consequently, co-working spaces offer a social interaction that is often missing when working from home. Additionally, they provide networking opportunities and access to valuable events and workshops. Thus, a co-working space can significantly enhance your motivation.
    Find a Support NetworkFurthermore, having a support network is crucial. Co-working spaces are great for meeting fellow entrepreneurs who can empathize with your journey. Moreover, mastermind groups offer peer-to-peer mentoring, helping you stay accountable and motivated. Equally important, these networks provide insights and advice that can be invaluable.
    Balance Your WorkloadBalancing your workload is vital. Studies show that small business owners often work longer hours than the average worker. Therefore, set reasonable work hours and think of yourself as an employee of your own business. Consequently, avoiding burnout will keep your motivation high. Remember, your journey is a marathon, not a sprint.
    Reward YourselfFinally, rewarding yourself is an effective motivation strategy. Set small, achievable goals and attach rewards to them. For instance, take a break, enjoy a snack, or go for a walk once you accomplish a task. Hence, these small rewards can keep you motivated during long-term projects.
    ConclusionIn conclusion, staying motivated as a solopreneur involves enjoying the journey and remembering why you started your business. Balance work and life to sustain your motivation. We hope these 5 useful motivation tips for solopreneurs help you on your journey. Additionally, don't forget to check out the upcoming launch of the Numbers Know How business community, supported by I Hate Numbers. This community will offer valuable resources and support for your business. Listen to the I Hate Numbers podcast for more tips and insights to help you stay motivated and succeed in your business.
     
     


    This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

    Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

    • 8 min
    How to cope with business failure

    How to cope with business failure

    How to cope with Failure in Your Business? Failure is often seen as negative in business. When we hear the term, it sounds bad. The dictionary defines failure as a lack of success, especially in specific activities. However, we need to change this viewpoint.
    Famous Examples of Overcoming FailureWalt DisneyWalt Disney faced rejection 300 times before his idea of Mickey Mouse was accepted. Consequently, he built a legacy of theme parks and entertainment that lives on.
    Oprah WinfreyOprah Winfrey, born into poverty, was fired from her first job as a news anchor. Although she faced many challenges, her hard work and resilience led to immense success.
    Thomas EdisonThomas Edison famously said he found many ways that didn't work before succeeding. When he died, he held over 1,000 patents. Thus, failure can lead to incredible achievements.
    Dealing with Failure in BusinessAcceptance and ResponsibilityIn nearly 30 years of business, we have faced many failures. We lost money and made bad decisions. Nevertheless, each mistake taught us valuable lessons.
    Firstly, we must accept and take responsibility for our failures. Blaming others does not help. Instead, we should reflect, learn, and move forward.
    Enjoy the JourneySecondly, reframe our mindset. Set milestones and goals, but appreciate the journey. Enjoy the process and growth along the way.
    Positive Self-TalkAdditionally, avoid negative self-talk. It’s crucial to build self-confidence and focus on learning from setbacks. Negative thoughts can hinder our progress.
    PatienceLastly, practice patience. Success takes time. Overnight success stories are rare. By measuring progress and setting realistic timelines, we can stay motivated and on track.
    Final ThoughtsIn conclusion, learning how to cope with failure in your business is vital for success. Accept responsibility, avoid negative self-talk, and practice patience. Join a supportive community for further growth.
    Listen to the I Hate Numbers podcast for more insights and tips on managing your business effectively.
    Useful Links
    https://www.ihatenumbers.co.uk/budgetwhizz/
    https://www.ihatenumbers.co.uk/
    https://numbersknowhow.co.uk/


    This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

    Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

    • 11 min
    Increasing your profits - Four Effective Steps

    Increasing your profits - Four Effective Steps

    Welcome to this week's episode of the I Hate Numbers podcast. We are excited to share four steps to increasing your profits. Accordingly, these steps will help you keep more of the money you make. Moreover, they are designed to ensure your business thrives, despite external challenges. Every business faces numerous challenges, from changing customer habits to financial pressures. However, these challenges impact profitability. Therefore, adapting to these changes is crucial for survival and growth.
    Step 1: Focus on Customer RetentionFirstly, focusing on customer retention is vital. It is often said that retaining existing customers costs significantly less than acquiring new ones. Indeed, repeat customers spend more, leading to higher profits. Additionally, maintaining a strong relationship with your customers through regular communication, such as newsletters and loyalty programs, can enhance retention.
    Step 2: Effective MarketingSecondly, effective marketing goes beyond posting on social media. It involves understanding your customers' needs and pain points. Identifying your ideal customer allows you to target your marketing efforts more effectively. Consequently, this focused approach leads to better engagement and higher sales.
    Step 3: Streamline OperationsThirdly, streamlining your operations can significantly boost efficiency. Using technology, like digital accounting systems, simplifies record-keeping and invoicing. This blend of human effort and technology reduces stress and frees up time for business-building activities. Consequently, it enhances your overall profitability.
    Step 4: Improve Cash FlowLastly, improving cash flow is essential. Proper cash flow management ensures your business has the resources it needs to operate smoothly. Using tools for financial planning and maintaining strict invoicing practices can prevent cash flow issues. Therefore, focus on cash flow to keep your business financially healthy.
    ConclusionIn conclusion, by focusing on customer retention, marketing effectively, streamlining operations, and improving cash flow, you can significantly increase your business's profitability. These four steps to increasing your profits are practical and achievable. If you found this episode useful, share it with others who might benefit. Lastly, don't forget to listen to the I Hate Numbers podcast for more insightful episodes. Happy profit generation!
    Useful LinksBudget WhizzI Hate NumbersNumbers Know How


    This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

    Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

    • 8 min
    Conducting a Profitability Analysis

    Conducting a Profitability Analysis

    To start our journey towards understanding business success, we often overlook a vital tool: the profitability analysis. Yet, this oversight can hinder our ability to grasp our true financial standing.
    Calculating MarginsFirstly, let's delve into the calculation of profit margins through conducting a profitability analysis. By comparing our sales revenue with associated costs or direct provision costs, we gain valuable insights into our financial performance. Take, for example, a theatre; revenue from ticket sales must be weighed against expenses like actor fees and stagehand wages.
    Segmented Profit AnalysisAdditionally, we need to analyze profits on a segmented basis. By examining different revenue streams within our business, such as productions versus workshops in a theatre or sit-down versus takeaway in a restaurant, we gain a deeper understanding of where our profits lie.
    Client ValuationFurthermore, we should perform client valuations to assess the value of each client segment. By segmenting clients based on demographics or ordering habits, we can determine the profitability of each group and allocate resources accordingly.
    Historical AnalysisConsequently, it's essential to look at historical data to identify trends and patterns in our performance. This allows us to make informed decisions and understand our business's trajectory over time.
    BenchmarkingMoreover, comparing our performance against benchmarks, whether they be our own expectations or industry standards, provides valuable insights into our standing within the market.
    Benefits of Profitability AnalysisPerforming a profitability analysis can alleviate anxiety about our business's financial health while pinpointing areas for improvement. By utilizing tools like BudgetWhizz, we can streamline this process and pave the way for future success.
    ConclusionIn conclusion, conducting a profitability analysis is not just a task; it's a blueprint for long-term business growth. To learn more about optimizing your financial strategies, tune in to the "I Hate Numbers" podcast.
    Useful LinksBudget WhizzI Hate NumbersNumbers Know How


    This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

    Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

    • 8 min
    Understanding Financial Terminology

    Understanding Financial Terminology

    In the realm of business, understanding financial terminology is essential. It unlocks insights, reveals trends, and empowers decision-making
    At the "I Hate Numbers" podcast, we're committed to demystifying the complex world of numbers. In this episode, we'll delve into the essential concepts of capital and operating expenses, shedding light on their significance for businesses across diverse sectors.
    Explaining Capital ExpensesCapital expenses are the backbone of business investment, laying the foundation for future growth and prosperity. Whether you're an arts organization, restaurateur, manufacturer, or airline company, capital expenses encompass vital infrastructure and assets. Think lighting equipment for theatres, ovens for restaurants, machinery for manufacturers, and planes for airlines. These investments, also known as fixed assets or non-current assets , are pivotal for long-term success.
    Understanding Operating ExpensesExplaining assets and liabilitiesOperating expenses, on the other hand, fuel the day-to-day operations of a business. From electricity bills to maintenance costs, operating expenses ensure the smooth functioning of capital investments. Whether it's powering equipment in an arts organization, maintaining kitchen appliances in a restaurant, or servicing machinery in a manufacturing plant, operating expenses are indispensable. They're the lifeblood that sustains business operations, often referred to as overheads or running costs.
    Differentiating Capital and Operating ExpensesWhile capital expenses pave the way for future growth, operating expenses directly impact profitability. The key distinction lies in their treatment within profit calculations. While capital expenses are excluded from profit calculations, operating expenses play a crucial role in determining net profit. Understanding this difference is paramount for effective financial management and strategic decision-making.
    Exploring Cost of Goods Sold (COGS)Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) represents expenses directly attributable to the production of goods or services. Whether it's actors' fees for performances, ingredient costs for restaurants, or raw materials for manufacturers, COGS encapsulates essential expenditures. This metric provides insights into the profitability of core business activities, serving as a cornerstone for financial analysis.
    Importance of Profit MeasurementProfit serves as the ultimate gauge of business performance; consequently, it reflects the effectiveness of financial strategies and operational efficiency. Gross profit and operating profit are key metrics; therefore, they encapsulate revenue generation and expense management. Whether it's EBIT or PBIT, understanding these profit figures is essential for assessing business viability and sustainability.
    ConclusionUnderstanding financial terminology is not just a matter of semantics; it's a strategic imperative for businesses of all sizes. By deciphering concepts like capital and operating expenses, businesses can navigate the intricacies of financial management...

    • 8 min
    Cash Flow Management Tips : 5 Essential Tips

    Cash Flow Management Tips : 5 Essential Tips

    In last week's episode of I Hate Numbers, we emphasized the critical nature of cash flow forecasting for businesses. Now, in Episode 217, we're shifting focus to share five essential cash flow management tips every small business owner needs to know.
    Calculating Days Cash on HandTo kick things off, it's crucial to determine the number of days cash on hand. Additionally, most of us monitor bank statements, but they don't always reveal upcoming expenses. Therefore, ideally, aim for 45 to 90 days of cash reserves to weather unforeseen expenses. Moreover, consider utilizing overdraft facilities as a buffer when needed.
    Monitoring Payment TermsConsequently, keeping an eye on payment terms with customers is paramount. Similarly, negotiating shorter terms or taking payments upfront can alleviate cash flow pressures. Furthermore, utilizing digital accounting systems like Xero streamlines credit control and ensures timely payments.
    Managing Customer ConcentrationDiversifying your customer base reduces the risk associated with customer concentration. Also, relying heavily on a few clients poses a threat to business stability. Therefore, ensure you spread your risk evenly to mitigate potential financial jeopardy.
    Controlling OutflowNevertheless, maintaining good relationships with suppliers is essential. During cash flow challenges, negotiating extended terms can provide breathing room. However, open dialogue is crucial to avoid damaging supplier relationships.
    Utilizing Cash Flow Monitoring ToolsSimilarly, tools like Xero offer real-time insights into your financial health. Additionally, consider platforms like Budgetwizz for future planning and monitoring. Moreover, having a clear understanding of your cash flow allows for informed decision-making and proactive measures.
    In essence, healthy cash flow and adequate reserves are the backbone of any business. Therefore, effective cash flow management not only ensures stability but also creates opportunities for growth. Join us in optimizing your cash flow management and tips to achieve financial peace of mind.Tune in to the I Hate Numbers podcast for more insightful discussions on financial management strategies tailored for small business owners.


    This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

    Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

    • 8 min

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