Winter is often a quieter season for many Perth businesses — and that can be a very good thing.
Instead of simply waiting for the phone to ring or for foot traffic to return, winter is the perfect time to step back and take a good, honest look at how your business is tracking.
This is your ultimate business health check: 25 strategic questions designed to help you audit your business — from the numbers to the people, the operations to the vision. Think of it as your mid-year tune-up to ensure you're ready to grow when things ramp up again in spring.
Financial Health Indicators & Red Flags
Start with the numbers — they don't lie.
- Is my cash flow stable for the next 3 months?
If not, a 13-week rolling forecast can help. - Are my financial reports (P&L, balance sheet) accurate and up to date?
Don't rely on gut feel alone, and assuming you have a decent accounting system they should be pretty easy to generate. - Am I profitable — or just busy?
Being flat out doesn't always mean you're making money. - What are my top 3 expenses, and are they still justified?
Are there subscriptions, suppliers, or systems no longer pulling their weight? - Do I have a tax/BAS reserve set aside?
If not, you could be caught short at the worst time.
Operational Efficiency Assessment
Your systems can make or break your capacity — especially when things get busy again.
- Are my processes documented and consistent?
If a key staff member left, could someone else step in? - Are we spending too much time on admin or repetitive tasks?
Automation and better tools can free you up. - Am I using my accounting and business software effectively?
If it's just a glorified invoice generator, you're missing its power. - Are my inventory levels appropriate for the season?
Excess stock ties up cash — lean into your slower months. - Do I have clear KPIs for operational performance?
If you can't measure it, you can't manage it.
Market Position & Competitive Analysis
How well do you know your customers and competitors — especially in a slower market?
- Do I know who my most profitable customers are?
Not just the biggest — but the best for your bottom line. - Has my target market shifted in the last 12 months?
Consumer habits, inflation, and tech all affect demand. - What do my competitors do better than me — and why?
Be honest. Then plan your comeback. If you don't know what your competitors are doing investigate, a little online "research" a couple of calls may really help you pin point their direction. - Is my pricing still competitive and sustainable?
Costs have risen — have your prices? - Is my brand still relevant to the market I serve?
A brand refresh or messaging update might be overdue.
Team & Systems Evaluation
Even if you're a solo operator, your "team" includes contractors, software, and support systems.
- Do I have the right people in the right roles?
Talent mismatches cost time and morale. - Are my staff (or myself!) burning out?
Slower months are ideal for leave, training, and recovery. - Do I have systems that scale — or bottlenecks?
Manual processes won't cut it when business booms. - Is communication smooth between team members and departments?
Silence = chaos waiting to happen. - Have I invested in training or skill development lately?
Growth stalls when your team's knowledge does. This doesn't need to be expensive. There are some great online options so maybe the Accounts Payable Officer can stay at home in warm PJs but learn a system that halves their data entry?
Growth Readiness Checklist
Let's get future-focused. If the perfect opportunity landed tomorrow, could you take it?
- Do I have a written business plan or growth strategy?
Even a one-pager can clarify direction. - What new products, services, or markets could I explore?
Use the winter slowdown to brainstorm and test. - Am I financially positioned to invest in growth?
That might mean funding, savings, or credit access. - Do I have strong advisory support?
Accountant, bookkeeper, mentor — don't fly solo. - What does success look like by June 2026?
Set your sights and map backward.
Don't Hibernate — Evaluate
Winter in Perth doesn't have to be a downtime — it can be your most strategic season.
Use this checklist to spark a mid-year review, address issues before they become problems, and position your business for a strong spring comeback.
Need help interpreting your numbers or streamlining your systems? Reach out to your bookkeeper or trusted advisor and make winter work for you.
