The Purpose

Create a structured yet simple monthly review process to track momentum, celebrate wins, and change course to continue growing.

The Background

Running a business without a monthly review is like driving without checking your fuel gauge—you might be making progress, but you have no idea if you're running on empty.

Just like restaurant managers gather at the end of each month to analyze sales, costs, and promotions, business owners should take time to reflect on performance, track key numbers, and determine next steps.

A structured monthly planning process helps you:

• Celebrate wins and acknowledge progress.

• Track financials and ensure numbers are accurate.

• Gather feedback and apply insights to improve.

• Review your business scorecard and adjust strategies accordingly.

By doing this regularly, you stay proactive instead of reactive, making data-driven decisions that fuel long-term success.

The Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to have an epic monthly review process:

• A dedicated space for tracking monthly progress (Notion, Google Docs, or a spreadsheet)

• Your financial reports (QuickBooks, Xero, or your accounting tool)

• Customer feedback (emails, surveys, text messages)

• Your business scorecard (tracking subscribers, leads, conversions, and revenue)

• A simple checklist for the review process

The Steps to Make your Monthly Reviews Happen

1. Celebrate Wins

   • Start with a positive mindset by reviewing the biggest accomplishments from the past month.

   • Document team achievements, personal milestones, and unexpected successes.

2. Track Key Metrics

   • Review financial transactions and reconcile bank statements.

   • Track revenue, new clients, conversion rates, and email subscribers.

   • Ensure financial integrity by verifying data accuracy.

3. Gather and Review Feedback

   • Collect feedback from surveys, customer emails, and support interactions.

   • Identify recurring themes and potential areas for improvement.

4. Review Your Business Scorecard

   • Check performance against your core business goals.

   • Compare numbers to previous months to identify trends.

   • Note any necessary pivots or strategy adjustments for the upcoming month.

5. Document and Adjust the Plan

   • Summarize insights and outline action items.

   • Assign tasks to relevant team members to ensure execution.

   • Keep everything in one place for easy reference next month.

Preparation Notes

• This doesn’t have to be complicated—use simple checklists and easy-to-follow steps.

• If you’re using multiple tools, integrate them to pull reports efficiently.

• If you’re new to tracking financials, work with an accountant or bookkeeper to set up a process.

• Consider automating parts of the process (e.g., automatic email reports, CRM data exports).

By building a habit of monthly reflection, you’ll make more informed decisions, celebrate progress, and stay on course for sustainable growth. The key is consistency—stick with it, and your business will thank you!