From gut feel to data-driven decisions for business growth

As a business owner, you know that setting the right goals can make or break your success. In this episode of Less Than 15, I’m joined by Mitchell Brooks, Partner at DFK Hirn Newey in Brisbane, to show you how combining your gut instincts with real-time data can unlock your business’s full potential. We’ll discuss how to use technology to track key performance indicators (KPIs), measure your goals in real-time, and make smarter, data-driven decisions that drive real growth.

Key Takeaways:

Why You Need to Set Clear Goals:

Without clear, defined goals, your business risks losing direction with success happening by accident, rather than repeatable, scaleable design. Mitchell explains that having goals in your head is not enough—you need to vocalise them and share them with your team so everyone is aligned and working towards the same targets.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls:

One of the biggest mistakes business owners make is not communicating their goals. Whether you’re aiming to increase sales or reduce costs, it’s crucial to ensure your team knows what those targets are so they can contribute to achieving them.

Using Tech to Track Progress:

You don’t have to be a tech expert to use cloud-based tools like Xero to track your goals in real-time. Mitchell shares how you can easily set up dashboards to monitor KPIs such as sales, profitability, and customer growth—all without getting lost in spreadsheets.

Customising How You See Your Data:

Every business is different, and so is every business owner. Whether you prefer detailed reports or visual dashboards, Mitchell explains how you can tailor how your data is presented, making it easier to keep your finger on the pulse of your business.

Real-Life Application:

Mitchell walks you through a real-world example of how he’s helped clients use data to improve their profitability. From tracking gross profit margins to monitoring sales numbers, he demonstrates how to turn insights into action, driving growth and efficiency.

Why You Should Listen:

You’re busy, and so is your team. However, making time to set and track meaningful goals could be the key to unlocking more profit and smoother operations. This episode will give you practical, actionable steps to combine your business instincts with the power of data—helping you achieve goals that grow your business.

Our Guest - Mitchell Brooks

Mitchell Brooks is a Partner at DFK Hirn Newey, specialising in helping businesses leverage data and technology to make informed decisions and drive profitability. He has extensive experience working with small and medium-sized businesses, helping them set actionable goals and track their progress with real-time data.

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