The numbers on your books are nothing to be scared or ashamed about. In today's episode, I chat with reformed CFO Danielle Hayden about how data can empower you and your business.

After spending 10+ years in the boardroom as a corporate finance officer, Danielle has now found her sweet spot as the CEO of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., where she helps business owners with bookkeeping, financial analysis, and education. She is also the author of the Profit Planner book series. Tracking and understanding the data changes your mindset, says Danielle. She says as business owners, we have a tendency to make things seem worse off than they really are. But looking at the data, you can track the numbers to progress and find strength and encouragement.

Once you can pin down your numbers, you can make tactical decisions regarding questions like: Am I ready to hire? … How much can I pay them … How much do I pay myself? … Can I afford to join this coaching program?

Danielle reminds us there is nothing to be ashamed of when it comes to the numbers. Entrepreneurship is not a pass or fail system. You can separate the person from the business and ask yourself: What worked? What didn't work? How can I use these numbers to improve?

Use the numbers for data points. Use the numbers to grow without judgment.

Danielle believes in creating a culture of financial accountability and throwing out excuses like, "I'm a creative, I'm not a numbers person." You can likely build strategy for business decisions with data you have on hand already and own your success.

Pop in those headphones, and let's get to it!

===== Mentioned ===== Free gift for listeners: Guide to create a financial dashboard: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/dashboard

===== Next Steps ===== Transcend Your Money Beliefs, With Michelle Arpin Begina: https://youtu.be/7mpajCGy2so

Reveal Your Money Story With How You Spend: https://youtu.be/zNbBl2TJnCA

You Can Make Money Without a Following: https://youtu.be/-Xvm6dUM-8U

===== Connect with Danielle Hayden ===== Website: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DanielleHaydenOH Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daniellehayden__oh/?hl=en

===== Connect with Sarah ===== Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarahwaltonpage Instagram: https://instagram.com/thesarahwalton Game on Girlfriend: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_Jen-dhtrcPvkgdjasgiyAk1NgPbZYRS

Most business owners don't know how much money they actually need to make to feel free. It's time to break that trend. Download my free Freedom Calculator and figure out the perfect number for you: https://sarahwalton.com/freedom