Patterns in Business and why it's so important to keep track of them.
If you’ve ever had a good month in business, followed by a not-so-great one… then another good one… you’re not alone. Cashflow often moves in cycles, and spotting those patterns can really help you feel more in control.
One easy way to do this is to keep a bit of a “business diary.” Nothing fancy – just some notes about what’s happening around you and how your business is tracking.
Things like:
Is it school holidays?
Was there a public holiday that meant people were away?
Did fuel prices spike and slow things down?
Are people feeling nervous about spending because of the news or economy?
Was the weather shocking and everyone stayed home?
Did you or your team get sick or need time off?
Was there a local event or roadworks that changed foot traffic?
Did a big bill hit all at once?
All of this affects how much money is coming in (and going out). And most of it follows a bit of a rhythm year after year.
Here are a few common things to keep an eye on:
1. Inflation (yep, prices going up)
When things cost more, your costs go up too. Customers might also hold back a bit. It helps to notice when price rises start hitting – so you can adjust what you do or how you sell before it bites too hard.
2. Overseas stuff
If your supplies come from overseas, changes in shipping, exchange rates, or even what’s happening in another country can affect your stock or pricing. Noticing delays or trends over time can help you plan ahead.
3. Confidence
When people feel safe and secure, they spend more. When they’re worried – about jobs, interest rates, the economy – they pull back. If sales slow down, it might not be anything you’re doing wrong. That’s when things like loyalty rewards or offers can help soften the dip.
4. Fuel prices
When fuel costs go up, so does everything that needs to be delivered. It affects suppliers, couriers, and your own travel. Track these spikes so they don’t catch you off guard.
5. Holiday seasons
Big rushes followed by quiet patches – classic. Whether it’s Christmas madness or Easter downtime, planning your stock, staffing, and cash buffer helps heaps. It’s all about being ready, not reactive.
6. Weather
Rainy days, hot summers, storms – depending on what you do, weather can really shift your sales or ability to deliver. Over time, your diary might show you when to expect those changes.
7. You (yep, you’re part of the pattern too)
Feeling run down, getting sick during winter, or juggling kids during school hols? It all plays a part. Keeping a note of when you tend to be stretched or under the weather helps you plan for more rest or support next time.
8. Tech issues or big admin changes
New systems, website updates, or even your booking tool crashing – these things slow down the flow. If you’re trialling something new or upgrading behind the scenes, note the impact it had. You’ll be better prepared next time.
9. One-off or seasonal bills
Insurance, tax payments, bulk stock orders – these often pop up once or twice a year and can give you a cashflow headache if you’re not ready for them. Add them to your diary when they hit so next year you’re ahead of the curve.
10. Local stuff
Is there a market, festival, or road closure? Has a new business opened up next door (good or bad)? These little things change the flow of people and money. Knowing what’s happening in your area helps you plan better too.
So why bother tracking all this?
Because when you’ve got a rough idea of when things tend to dip or spike, you can:
Save when times are good
Prep better for quiet patches
Stay calm when things slow down – because you saw it coming
Make smarter decisions based on real patterns
You don’t need a fancy system – even scribbles in your calendar or phone notes can do the job. Over time, you’ll start to spot the rhythm of your business. And when you understand that, you can run things with more confidence, less stress, and a clearer head.
After working with businesses across all sorts of industries, we’ve seen firsthand how powerful this simple habit can be. It’s not just a tip for people starting out – even well-established businesses benefit from stepping back and tracking what’s going on.
It’s so easy to get stuck in the day-to-day doing, that we forget to look at the bigger picture. The truth is, there are so many scenarios that can pop up – equipment breakdowns, natural disasters, changes in your industry, export prices shifting, politics, even a new competitor setting up shop.
It’s all part of the learning curve of running a business. The key is knowing you don’t have to figure it all out alone. We’re right here alongside you on the journey – helping you notice the patterns, plan for the bumps, and make the most of the good times.
Disclaimer
This blog is for general information only and is based on our experience working with a range of businesses. It’s not financial advice. Every business is different, so please seek your own independent financial advice before making decisions.
