My Q4 Business Strategy Revealed – And You Can Do It Too! This is week 3 of breaking down the parts of strategy, how they fit together, and sharing behind-the-scenes peeks into how it’s going. Visit the last two blogs to see previous posts.
Ever feel like you’re working super hard but not seeing the results you hoped for?
Are you overwhelmed, unsure what to focus on to move the needle in your business? If that sounds familiar, it’s time to introduce you to the power of metrics!
What Are Metrics in a Small Business?
In a nutshell, metrics (also known as Key Performance Indicators, or KPIs) are the numbers you track to measure your business’s performance. These numbers reveal what’s working and what’s not, giving you the clarity you need to focus on the right activities.
Tracking metrics allows you to bring the scientific method into your business decisions:
- Form a hypothesis – What do you think will improve a result?
- Run an experiment – Make one specific change to test your theory.
- Measure the results – Did the numbers improve? If yes, keep doing it. If not, tweak or drop the strategy.
Metrics simplify decision-making by taking the guesswork out of what’s helping your business grow—and what isn’t.
Jasmine’s Story: Small Changes, Big Results
Jasmine owns a boutique filled with handmade clothing, accessories, and gifts. Her goal is to increase her average sale per customer by 20%, and right now her average sits at $87.52.
To hit her target, Jasmine uses metrics to test small changes one at a time.
First Experiment: She wonders if placing small, impulse-buy items near the cash register will increase sales.
- Change: Jasmine creates a display with purse-size lotions, keychains, and lip glosses by the register.
- Result: After two weeks, her average sale rises to $91.32.
Encouraged by the improvement, Jasmine refines her strategy.
- New Idea: She adds signs to promote the impulse items and places a lotion sampler at the register. She knows that once customers try the lotion, they love it.
- Outcome: The lotions fly off the shelves, with some customers buying two or three bottles at a time! But the other items still aren’t moving, so Jasmine decides to focus on what’s working—she triples down on the lotion and requests two new scents from her supplier.
Now, customers can try the lotion while she processes their sale, and she chats with them about how amazing it is.
After two more weeks of this strategy, Jasmine checks her metrics again. Her average sale has climbed to $97.56, bringing her much closer to her 20% goal!
This sparks even more ideas:
- What if she recommended accessories to complement clothing purchases?
- What if she offered styling appointments to help customers build outfits?
- What if she stocked basics like plain tees that customers could easily add to their purchase?
Using metrics, Jasmine continues to test, adjust, and improve—step by step.
The Key Benefits of Tracking Metrics
Here’s what happens when you start measuring the right numbers:
- Less Overwhelm
You’ll know exactly what to focus on—and what to stop doing. No more guessing! - More Time
You’ll avoid wasting time and energy on activities that don’t move the needle. - Increased Profit
By focusing on your most profitable activities, you’ll boost your revenue. - Scalability
Tracking metrics gives you the confidence to grow your business sustainably. - Adaptability to Market Changes
When the market shifts and strategies stop working, metrics will help you catch it early and make adjustments.
Getting Started with Metrics (Without the Overwhelm)
“Do I need to track every single thing in my business!?”
Not at all! The key is to start small and build from there. Here’s how:
- Pick One Metric
Choose one key number to track that aligns with a bigger goal. For example, if you want more customers, track your lead conversion rate or your marketing efforts. - Make One Change at a Time
Focus on one variable to test, like Jasmine’s impulse-buy strategy. If you change too many things at once, it’s hard to tell what’s working. - Measure the Results and Adjust
If the numbers improve, keep doing more of that activity. If not, tweak your approach or try something else.
Simple Metrics to Start Tracking Today
🛠 Examples of Easy-to-Track Metrics:
- Newsletter Open Rate – Are your subject lines causing people to open the emails?
- Social Media Engagement – Which posts generate the most likes, comments, or shares?
- Average Sale Per Customer – How much does each customer typically spend?
- Lead Conversion Rate – How many inquiries turn into paying customers?
- Client Retention Rate – How long do people stay once they become a client?
Take the First Step Today
The beauty of tracking metrics is that it’s simple, actionable, and incredibly effective.
Are you ready to take control of your business? Start tracking one metric today and watch the impact it has on your growth!
I have a few new metrics I’m adding to my coaching business as part of my Q4 strategy, and I’ll be sharing in future posts exactly how I chose them and how I’m tracking them.
If you’re unsure where to begin, I can help! Send me an email at laurajean@laura-jean.ca and let’s get you started!
With the right metrics guiding your decisions, you’ll work smarter, not harder—setting your business up for sustainable growth and success. 🚀
