Owning a business is exciting—but every decision carries weight. Pricing changes, marketing spend, hiring employees, and expansion all shape the future of your company. When decisions rely solely on gut instinct, even the right choice can leave you wondering, “Did I make the best move?”
Here’s the good news: math can transform uncertainty into confidence.
I always say, “People can lie, but math doesn’t—if you do it correctly.” Numbers don’t judge; they clarify. They tell you what’s realistic, what’s possible, and what’s worth pursuing.
Using math to guide business decisions doesn’t eliminate risk—but it creates a clear, actionable roadmap so you can move forward with confidence.
Think of math as your business GPS. You may still encounter bumps along the road, but now you know where you’re going and how to adjust along the way. Math doesn’t need to be complex to be powerful—it just needs clear assumptions, basic calculations, and sound reasoning.
When business decisions are backed by math:
Math doesn’t dictate your decisions. It simply helps you see clearly and choose wisely.
Many business owners track too much data and still feel overwhelmed. The key is focusing on the numbers that actually drive decision-making and profitability:
When you understand these numbers, decisions stop feeling stressful and start feeling structured. You regain control.
Marketing decisions often feel exciting—but unpredictable. Math slows the decision down and gives you clarity before money is spent.
You’re considering a 15% discount and a paid marketing campaign:
Every marketing decision starts with assumptions—and that’s okay as long as they’re acknowledged.
Estimated sales:
20,000 × 2% × 50% = 200 shirts
With the marketing campaign:
Without the campaign:
The campaign works—but the more important question is:
Are you comfortable with the worst-case scenario?
If the downside is acceptable, you already have your answer.
Math won’t drive the car for you—but it’s an excellent GPS.
Hiring is one of the most impactful decisions a small business owner can make. Fear of giving up current profits often holds businesses back—but math reveals the bigger picture.
Opportunity cost:
($150 − $33) × 25 hours × 52 weeks = $152,100 in potential lost revenue
Hiring someone allows you to:
Math shows that hiring isn’t a cost—it’s an investment in scalability and leadership.
Large companies invest in private jets—not for status, but for efficiency. Operating a private jet may cost $10,000 per hour, but for executives whose time is worth more than that, wasted hours can cost millions annually.
At a certain level, it becomes a necessity—not a luxury.
Small business owners should apply the same principle on a smaller scale. Investing in your time allows you to grow faster, make better decisions, and avoid burnout.
You don’t need perfect forecasts—just visibility. Forecasting helps business owners move from reacting to planning.
Forecasting allows you to:
Even simple spreadsheets or basic AI tools you already have access to can assist with light forecasting. These tools should be taken with a grain of salt—not trusted for deep analysis—but they can help you anticipate challenges earlier.
Math doesn’t remove uncertainty—it creates guardrails.
With a decision framework:
Even when outcomes aren’t perfect, decisions feel intentional, confident, and empowering.
At Oakridge Consulting, we help business owners turn numbers into clarity and confidence.
We help you:
Our goal is simple: replace stress with structure, so you can grow your business intentionally and lead with confidence.