In the whirlwind of running an ecommerce business, it’s crucial for a Visionary or CEO to step back and reflect on personal and professional aspirations. Key questions to ask include, “What am I learning?”, “What do I want in my life?”, and “What am I going to do to get what I want?” These questions guide leaders to align their personal ambitions with their business goals, ensuring that the path they chart for their company resonates not only with market trends but also with their own vision and values. This alignment is fundamental, as it empowers leaders to steer their businesses with conviction, clarity, and a sense of purpose, ultimately fostering a culture of success and sustainability within their organizations. Coupled with an annual financial review, this introspective practice gives business leaders a competitive advantage.
The Annual Financial Review: A Tale of Two Companies:
The annual financial review is an opportunity to reflect on the past year’s performance and plan for the future. By examining a healthy and an unhealthy company, we gain valuable insights into what makes a business thrive or dive. In a recent Return on Podcast episode, two ecommerce companies are juxtaposed to illustrate the impact of financial strategies on business health. The first company, struggling financially, grapples with high product costs and an unsustainable marketing budget, leading to significant losses despite substantial revenue. Their excessive advertising costs and high overhead, particularly in salaries, outweigh their post-advertising gross profit (PAG), painting a picture of misaligned financial priorities. In stark contrast, the second company exemplifies financial prudence and efficiency. They enjoy a much lower landed cost of goods sold (COGS) and a more reasonable marketing expenditure. This strategic financial management yields a robust PAG, double the margins of the first company, and minimal overhead costs. This comparison underscores how judicious financial planning and cost management can propel a company to profitability and success, while a lack of it can lead to substantial financial strain, even with high sales.
Understanding PAG and Industry Benchmarks:
Post-advertising gross profit (PAG) emerges as a vital metric in this analysis. It represents the true profitability of a business after accounting for advertising expenses, providing a clear picture of what’s left for overhead costs. Comparing your figures against industry averages is crucial in this process. It helps in understanding where your business stands in the competitive landscape and guides decision-making for future improvements.
The Simple Formula for Health Check: TACOS + COGS:
One of the simplest ways to assess the financial health of your ecommerce business is by adding your Total Advertising Cost of Sales (TACOS) to your Cost of Goods Sold (COGS). This calculation offers a straightforward view of whether your business is operating efficiently or if there are areas where improvements are needed.
Navigating Budget Constraints and Growth Opportunities:
For businesses struggling with their marketing and salary budgets, renegotiating terms with suppliers can be a game-changer in improving profitability. Conversely, for businesses in a stronger financial position, there lies an opportunity to double down on successful strategies, explore new channels, and expand offerings to increase revenue.
The Perils of Messy Accounting:
Messy accounting can lead to ignoring vital data, making poor decisions, and ultimately harming the business. It underscores the importance of clarity in financial records to facilitate informed decision-making and necessary adjustments.
The Best Investment for Future Success:
As the year draws to a close, investing in time for strategic planning becomes paramount. Taking time off, perhaps in a cabin or Airbnb, to process, pray, journal, think, plan, envision, and learn from the past year is perhaps the best business expense. This reflective period is crucial in preparing for a successful launch into the new year, armed with lessons learned and a clear vision for the future.
In conclusion, the annual financial review is more than a fiscal exercise; it’s a strategic tool for visionary leaders. By asking the right questions, comparing against benchmarks, and planning with precision, ecommerce businesses can navigate the complex landscape with confidence and purpose, propelling towards a successful and impactful 2024.