Discovering Your Magic Number: A Guide for Small Business Owners in Regional WA

Teagan Csepany
Oct 19
3 min read

Updated: Nov 25

Let’s be honest—most small business owners don’t start out because they love numbers. We begin with passion: people, food, creativity, community, and freedom. Then, somewhere along the way, the spreadsheets sneak in, the bills pile up, and before you know it, you’re crossing your fingers, hoping there’s enough left to cover next week.

Sound familiar? I’ve been there. Running Burnt Barrel out here in regional WA taught me a lot about juggling a dozen moving parts and hoping the numbers add up. But here’s the truth I learned (the hard way): you can’t make smart decisions if you don’t know your numbers.

That’s where your Magic Number comes in.

What’s Your Magic Number?

Your Magic Number is the total amount your business needs to bring in each month to cover both your business and your life—bills, wages, stock, rent, utilities, and even your own pay.

It’s not just about what your business earns; it’s about what it needs to thrive. It’s the difference between just coping and truly feeling in control.

When you finally sit down and calculate it, it can feel confronting at first. But once you do, the clarity that follows is game-changing. You stop guessing. You stop underselling yourself. You start pricing, saving, and planning with confidence instead of panic.

Why It Matters (Especially in Regional WA)

When you know your number:

You know exactly what to aim for each month.
You can set fair prices without guilt.
You start making decisions from clarity, not fear.
You can see where your hard-earned money really goes—and why it sometimes doesn’t go far enough.

For many business owners, this clarity shifts things from just getting by to building something sustainable. Whether you’re running a café in Carnarvon, a trade business in Geraldton, or an online shop from the Wheatbelt, knowing your number helps you plan smarter and feel more in control—no matter what the season brings.

The Emotional Impact of Knowing Your Numbers

Understanding your Magic Number isn’t just about the dollars and cents. It’s about peace of mind. It’s about sleeping better at night, knowing you have a plan. It’s about feeling empowered to make decisions that align with your goals.

Imagine waking up each day, not stressed about finances, but excited about what you can achieve. That’s the power of knowing your numbers!

The Takeaway

Once you know your number, everything else starts to make sense. It’s the foundation for profit, planning, and peace of mind. No fluff, no fancy software—just a simple figure that helps you see exactly where you stand.

Because when you understand your numbers, you gain something even more valuable: freedom.

Taking Action: Steps to Calculate Your Magic Number

List Your Expenses: Start by listing all your monthly expenses. Include everything from rent to utilities to wages.
Add Your Personal Expenses: Don’t forget to include your personal expenses. This is crucial for understanding your total needs.
Calculate Your Total: Add everything up. This total is your Magic Number.
Review Regularly: Your Magic Number may change over time. Review it regularly to ensure it reflects your current situation.
Plan for Growth: As your business grows, your Magic Number will evolve. Keep an eye on it to ensure you’re always on track.

Want to Dig Deeper?

If this idea has your gears turning and you’re ready to figure out your own number (without the overwhelm), we’ve got you covered.

Our Connect members have access to our FREE course “What’s Your Magic Number?”

Available HERE via our online CONNECT Portal: https://www.thebusinesssocial.com.au/connectcourses/magicnumber?programId=6a110084-1cfc-4712-bc99-cc6fc0e77f48

A short, practical workshop built around real regional businesses!

We’ll break it down step by step so you can walk away with a clear, confident plan for your finances and future.

Because knowing your numbers isn’t just smart—it’s powerful.

And it’s the first step toward true financial freedom for small business owners across regional WA.