On Sleeping Better

I came across a blog that summarizes a recent survey from the American Institute of CPAs. It reports that 83% of small business owners worry most about adequate cash flow, a subject that frequently keeps them awake at night. Still, more than half don't use budgets or forecasts and 32% don't have metrics in place to track performance. The blogger concludes: "Surely you can do better. Take the time to determine key metrics for your business and make a pledge to keep on top of them next year. You'll sleep better."

It's not that I disagree with the call to action but the first thought that came to mind is why I find it hard to do what she says, especially after I spent an entire Sunday afternoon struggling with our forecast because I couldn't get the links and formulae to work in my spreadsheets. We put it off because it is lonely tedious work.

We are in private launch currently but actively seeking feedback on the service. It fundamentally is about taking lonely tedious work and making it more effective by engaging in a community-based service. Like the open source communities that were an inspiration of sorts, you can short-cut the planning and decision process by comparing yourselves to peers. So far we are getting great feedback but are looking for more.

As for the value proposition--we had adopted "make better informed business decisions faster" but I'd be willing to push for "sleep better!" Let us know what you think. And if you're interested in joining the private test community, please enter your contact info on the site and check the box for private launch.