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In Episode 115 of the CAS Podcast, we close out the year with a timely and practical discussion on how to review your business performance and create a better plan for the future. If you’re running a custom apparel business, this isn’t just about comparing revenue or checking your profit margin—it’s about evaluating what worked, what didn’t, and how to use those insights to grow, enjoy your work more, and earn more in the new year.

Mark and Marc walk you through the process of reviewing both metrics and meaning—because business success is measured by more than just numbers.

Key Performance Metrics to Review

Start with these foundational business health checks:

● Revenue growth year-over-year

● Balanced growth in both revenue and expenses

● Mix of new and repeat customers

● Healthy profit margins

● Cash in the bank

These are your hard numbers. Set aside time to evaluate them clearly and objectively—but don’t stop there.

Dig Deeper Into Your Success

To really understand what made this year good—or what held it back—ask yourself the following:

What Were Your Best Jobs?

● Most profitable?

● Most enjoyable?

● Most sustainable or repeatable?

Once you’ve identified them:

● How did you land those jobs?

● Can you encourage referrals from those customers?

● What common traits did these jobs have (type of customer, niche, product, or sales channel)?

Who Were Your Best Customers?

These customers may not have just spent the most—they made your business better.

● Were they profitable, easy to work with, supportive, or loyal?

● Did they refer others?

● Can you analyze what made them great and create a plan to find more customers like them?

Personal and Professional Growth Review

Running a business is also about building a life you enjoy. Ask yourself:

● What did you enjoy most this year?

     ○ If it was sales, can you delegate production?

     ○ If it was production, can you find help with marketing or sales?

● What skill did you master this year?

● What do you want to learn or improve next year?

● Create a skills development plan to match your growth goals.

Review Your Marketing and Sales Efforts

Which marketing methods actually worked?

● Did a local school ad generate leads?

● Did door-to-door outreach get new customers?

● Did improving your online presence bring in business?

● Were referrals your biggest driver?

Identify what worked and double down on it next year.

Apply the 80/20 Rule

Chances are, 20% of your customers brought in 80% of your revenue.

● Who are these top clients?

● Can you serve them better or more frequently?

● Can you find more customers like them?

This analysis can help you optimize your customer base, focus your energy, and improve profitability in less time.

Final Takeaway

The end of the year is the perfect time to reflect—but not just on numbers. Look at your customers, personal fulfillment, business systems, and marketing tactics to understand where to focus in the year ahead.

The best way to make next year better is to intentionally build on this year’s wins—and to avoid repeating the same mistakes. Your business deserves a plan that’s based on more than instinct—it should be based on data, reflection, and vision.