When it comes to business growth, few areas are as decisive as financial health. Money fuels strategy, sustains operations, and ultimately determines whether a business can thrive. But finances are rarely static, they require regular evaluations, adjustments, and sometimes, a complete financial pivot. The problem begins when we have a “set it and forget it” approach to profit goals.

“The devil’s in the details.”

When have you started towards a goal that seemed to be profitable, only to discover that things weren’t going to turn out as planned? What did you do? Did you push forward, change direction or just stop the plan altogether.

The central question we have to ask: Is your current growth path driving profitability, or is it time to pivot your financial strategy?

A Financial Check-Up

Take a moment to rate how these scenarios are influencing your business finances (1 = negative, 5 = positive):

• Progress on financial goals: Are your savings increasing, or is debt still holding you back?
• Life changes: Have personal or professional events impacted your financial stability?
• Momentum: Do you feel stuck without new opportunities for financial growth?
• Alignment with values: Are your financial obligations aligned with your long-term priorities?
• Income and expenses: Is your income sustainable, or are rising costs reducing your profitability?
• Market shifts: Have supply chain or industry changes affected your financial results?

What is your score? Close to 30 points, 20 points or below 10… No matter where you landed, now you have a place to start.

Re-Thinking the Results

Once you’ve scored yourself, revisit the core question:

Is your growth leading to stronger financial performance, or do you need to pivot your business strategy?

To get a little more clarity, start with your own P&L. Take your first-quarter numbers and multiply them by four. This projection gives you a clear view of your year-end financial outlook. Do these results align with your long-term financial goals? If not, a pivot in financial planning may be necessary.

Key Metrics to Track for Profitability

Tracking business performance isn’t just about total sales. Sustainable financial growth often comes from leading indicators. Consider monitoring:

• Number of leads generated
• Follow-ups and closed deals
• Client acquisition vs. client loss
• Market competition and positioning
• Production or service delivery efficiency
• Customer feedback and reviews

Each of these metrics provides insight into your profitability and potential need for a financial pivot.

Lessons and Adjustments

Ask yourself:

• What did you learn from your latest financial results?
• Are you paying yourself first, both in your business and household finances?
• Where should you adjust spending vs. investment?
• Are your current financial habits aligned with long-term business growth?

The Pivot: Next Steps for Financial Success

The heart of every successful financial pivot lies in asking: What comes next?

• What new revenue streams or categories could strengthen your profitability?
• What tools, technology, or financial resources could help?
• What skills need to be improved to support financial resilience?
• Who in your network can provide guidance or accountability?

Final Thoughts

A financial pivot isn’t a setback, it’s a strategic move toward resilience. The most successful businesses know when to stay the course and when to adapt. By staying attentive to the details, aligning your financial strategy with your values, and embracing innovation, you can build a stronger foundation for business growth and profitability.