Do not focus on numbers, focus on what you do best

Do not focus on numbers: This is a simple reminder from Cassey Ho, an entrepreneur, startup founder about focus on projections. Numbers are very exciting in a startup world, esp because you can see some quick changes. The results are often slow and painstaking, but just a reminder that it isn’t all about numbers.

Things we will talk about in this post are:

• Focus on projections, their quick variations and how far away from reality they can be
• Importance of USP, doing what you do best

Do not focus on numbers – meaning

Numbers are very exciting – they indicate where the startup is going. It is similar to a budget planning process in an established business, but you might do it in two stages for a startup. The first one is about your long term exit plan, a 5 year financial projection indicating investment stages and potential exit. This is particularly important in investment conversations with potential investors. (Read more: Types of funding available for your startup)

These numbers are based on many assumptions such as customer acquisition, churn, product market fit, rounds of investment etc. The most exciting one for a startup is the beautiful hockey stick that goes beyond inflexion points and starts giving you some amazing outputs.

Well, as much as I’d love to believe these projections, startups are hard work. There are too many unknowns, particularly around the market and how customers react to your product. You can only use these 5 year plans as projections and a North Star pointer to identify where you’re headed. Your results are on a day to day basis. That’s really the core meaning of this quote – do not focus on numbers.

I’d only say, keep coming back to your business plan – it is the central strategy of how things are supposed to work. Keep changing and adapting as per the market situation.

Focus on what you do best – USP!

Your unique selling point defines how special you are. This is something very unique to your business and operations. As a startup, this will be your closest ally as your investment conversations progress. People will want to know your USP and how you continue to maintain that leverage. You can find out more about USP here.

I’d advise some caution though – a startup isn’t only about what you do best. You must always take the market into account and be able to adapt as per the situation. The meaning of this quote is really to impress the need to focus on deliverables rather than spending enormous amount of time on projections and excel sheets. They are certainly a lot of fun, but these projections are only indicatory. Your real solution is out there and demands most of your time.

It is a very tricky balance isn’t it to ensure that you maintain what is right for the customers, your business vision and personally what you feel are the right numbers to focus on.

Do not focus on numbers is brilliant in its own because a business is more about value creation. It is about making small differences rather than focusing on profits and playing the number game. Although exciting, it is not always certain to produce the best results.

Do not focus on numbers. Focus on doing what you do best. It’s about building a community who want to visit your site every day because you create value and offer expertise

-Cassey Ho, Founder of Blogilates.com