The 3 Numbers You Must Know Before You Close Out the Year

subscribe on itunes / apple podcasts
subscribe on sPOTIFY

Welcome back, Product Bosses! The end of the year can feel like a blur—especially after the chaos of Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the final push for holiday sales. But before you rush headfirst into 2026, it's time to pause and get strategic. Because if you want to grow your product-based business in the new year, there are three key numbers you need to track. These aren't just metrics—they're your guideposts, your crystal ball, and your clearest path to real growth without overwhelm.

TRACK THESE 3 THINGS TO GROW YOUR PRODUCT-BASED BUSINESS IN 2026

In this episode, I walk you through the exact process I coach thousands of students across every revenue level—from $2K months to $80K months—to help them clarify what's working and where to focus next. First up is your best seller, which is more than just your top-selling product—it’s what you’re known for. I explain how the 80/20 rule applies to your product catalog, and why doubling down on what sells will help you scale faster—even if you feel creatively “bored.” Remember: your creativity isn’t threatened by success—it’s funded by it.

Then, we dive into average order value and how you can increase it without finding new customers. From creating irresistible product bundles to implementing free shipping thresholds and thoughtful upsells, I outline simple strategies that immediately boost your revenue. You'll learn how small shifts in your offer—like a three-pack of a consumable or a gift set of best sellers—can dramatically increase how much customers spend per order.

Finally, the episode breaks down your sales channels. Whether it’s in-person markets, email marketing, wholesale, or online platforms like Etsy or Faire, knowing where your revenue is coming from helps you focus your energy. Many business owners spread themselves too thin trying to sell everywhere, but the data often shows that 80% of sales come from just one or two platforms. By identifying the channels that convert best, you can stop guessing and start growing—with intention.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, scattered, or unsure of your next move, this episode is for you. Tracking these three numbers—your best seller, average order value, and top sales channel—can transform how you plan, market, and sell in 2026. It’s time to move out of reactive mode and into strategy. Because success isn’t random—it’s built by paying attention to what already works and doing more of that.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

00:00 The 3 numbers that predict your next season of growth.

04:30 How to identify your true bestseller using the 80/20 rule.

11:30 Why creatives must stop reinventing and start repeating.

16:30 How to calculate and raise your average order value.

23:00 How to increase revenue without finding new customers.

26:00 What sales strategy is worth doubling down on next year?

32:00 How to use data to lead with confidence into 2026.

Resources:

Connect:

Minna and Jacqueline