Measure: Value as the Ultimate Goalpost
Introduction
“Measure what matters.” John Doerr. He introduced the OKR (Objectives and Key Results) system at companies such as Google.
“What gets measured gets managed.” Peter Drucker
Every business owner sets goals—revenue targets, market share, or operational efficiency. But what is the ultimate measure of success? It’s the value of your business. Business valuation isn’t just about understanding what your company is worth today; it’s about establishing a clear goalpost for the future. In this blog, we’ll explore why value is the ultimate metric and how understanding it can drive strategic growth.
Why Value Matters
- It’s the Sum of All Efforts:
Every initiative, from marketing campaigns to operational improvements, contributes to the business’s overall value. - It’s Objective:
Unlike subjective measures like brand perception, valuation provides a tangible, quantifiable metric. - It’s Future-Oriented:
Valuation not only assesses your current position but also projects growth, risks, and opportunities. - Accounts for sustainability:
Reflects the long-term viability of your business model and its ability to adapt to changing market conditions
Case Study 1: Moving to e-commerce
A Toronto-based retail chain struggled with stagnating sales. A professional valuation revealed that one underperforming store was dragging down profitability. The owner decided to close the store and reinvest in e-commerce, which significantly increased the company’s value over two years.
Case Study 2: Reshuffling product mix
An Ontario-based manufacturing company was facing stagnating growth and profits. During the valuation process, a detailed contribution margin analysis was performed. The insight gained was that just by deleting negative margin products and by making major marketing investments in growth products, the company could add substantial value.
How Measuring Value Drives Strategy
- Setting Clear Goals:
Knowing your business’s value helps define what success looks like—whether it’s doubling the value in five years or preparing for a profitable exit. - Prioritizing Investments:
Understanding which areas of your business contribute most to value allows you to allocate resources effectively. - Mitigating Risks:
Regular valuations highlight vulnerabilities, such as overdependence on a single product line or client. - Identifying Value Drivers:
Highlight the factors that affect value, i.e., customer relationships, exclusive supply chain, management team, robust R&D, and brand reputation.
The Role of Professional Guidance
While valuation is a powerful tool, its effectiveness depends on depth of analysis and professional judgment. A professional business valuator not only calculates value but also interprets it in the context of your industry and goals.
Ready to Act?
Is your business on track to meet its ultimate goalpost? As a certified business valuator and virtual CFO in Canada, I am here to help you measure, manage, and maximize your business’s value. Take the first step toward measurable growth. Contact us for a 15-minute free consultation.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 6472977025
Visit: www.sankulinc.com
Visit: www.businessvaluegrowth.com