Your Gut Is Not a Business Strategy: Why Data-Driven Decisions Save You Money

Hey, it’s Ben—and if gut instinct were always right, I’d be the proud owner of a perfect fantasy football record, a winning lottery ticket, and a dog that actually listens.

But let’s be real—gut feelings don’t always translate into great decisions. That’s true in football, in life, and especially in business. Too many owners trust their instincts over actual data, and that’s how money starts slipping through the cracks.

I’ve seen it firsthand: business owners making “smart” decisions that end up costing them thousands—not because they don’t know what they’re doing, but because they didn’t have the right numbers in front of them.

So today, let’s break down why data—not gut instinct—is your biggest profit multiplier.

Four Simple Ways Data Can Help You Stop Bleeding Cash

You don’t need a crystal ball to make better financial decisions—you need data. And lucky for you, your business is already generating a goldmine of it. The key is using that data properly. Here’s where you can make some serious cuts without sacrificing quality:

1?? Telecom: Are You Paying for Services You Don’t Even Use?

Phones, internet, and communication platforms are non-negotiables for every business. But here’s the kicker—most companies don’t realize how much they’re overpaying.

Example: A business I worked with was paying for desk phones in multiple offices… that had gone remote a year ago. Another had overlapping video conferencing platforms—one required by a client, the other a leftover from 2020.

? Action step: Run a telecom expense audit to identify unused services, outdated pricing, and redundant communication tools eating your budget. Don’t assume your current setup is still optimized—because it probably isn’t.

2?? SaaS & AI: The Hidden Costs of “Efficiency”

Every industry is racing to integrate AI and automation, but let’s be real—SaaS pricing is a minefield.

• Usage-based pricing can balloon costs unexpectedly.
• “Essential” add-ons? Often just upsells you don’t need.
• Auto-renewals? You might be paying for software your team isn’t even using.

Example: A business I worked with signed up for an AI-powered workflow automation tool. The base package was reasonable—until they hit a hidden usage cap that doubled their monthly bill.

? Action step: Audit your SaaS stack. Are you using all the features you’re paying for? Are there cheaper alternatives that meet your actual needs? Cancel, downgrade, or negotiate pricing before another renewal hits.

3?? Reduce Overhead by Outsourcing Non-Core Functions

Not every role needs to be in-house. HR, IT, and even bookkeeping can often be outsourced at a fraction of the cost while maintaining the same (or better) quality.

Example: A client was paying an in-house IT person to be on standby for minor website updates. Switching to an outsourced service cut costs by 50% with zero impact on response time.

? Action step: Look at functions that aren’t revenue-generating and explore outsourcing options.

4?? Tracking Mileage and Reducing Travel Expenses

Fuel costs and travel expenses add up fast, especially if your team is always on the road. Mileage tracking and AI-powered route optimization tools can significantly cut costs without reducing efficiency.

Example: A business I worked with found they were reimbursing employees for unnecessary mileage simply because they weren’t tracking routes. Adding a simple mileage tracking tool saved them thousands.

? Action step: Audit travel expenses quarterly to ensure efficiency and eliminate waste.

One Universal Cost-Saving Tip That Works in Every Industry

No matter what business you’re in, one universal truth applies—knowing your profit margins is non-negotiable.

Too many businesses focus on revenue, but revenue alone doesn’t mean profit. I’ve seen companies brag about hitting record sales, only to realize their operating costs swallowed every dollar. If you don’t track profit margins, you’re flying blind.

?? Gross Profit = Revenue - Cost of Goods Sold (COGS)

?? Net Profit Margin = (Net Profit ÷ Revenue) × 100

A business can look successful on paper but still be hemorrhaging money. One client of mine had consistent seven-figure revenue, but their expenses were out of control—leading to razor-thin margins. After a deep dive into vendor contracts, unnecessary SaaS subscriptions, and bloated operating costs, we freed up 18% in additional profit without cutting a single job.

? Action Step: If you haven’t reviewed your P&L statement in detail this quarter, now’s the time. Understanding where your real profits come from is the first step in keeping them.

Spotlight: White Water Consulting – HR Solutions That Work

Let’s talk about a business that gets the numbers and the people part right— Chuck Cooper with White Water Consulting.

Most businesses think of HR as a necessary evil—compliance, payroll, and paperwork. But the truth is, bad HR costs more than good HR. A toxic work culture, high turnover, and compliance violations don’t just hurt morale—they eat straight into your profit margins.

That’s where Whitewater Consulting LLC comes in. They help small- to mid-sized businesses balance profitability with employee well-being. Their HR consulting, compliance support, and employee engagement strategies actually increase workplace satisfaction without tanking your bottom line.

What They Offer:

? Cost-effective HR solutions that make running a business easier.

? Compliance audits to keep you out of legal trouble.

? Employee engagement strategies that actually work (no useless team-building exercises).

Why should you care?

Because a happy workforce is a productive workforce—and productive employees make you more money.

?? Check out his book here and see how smart HR decisions can lead to better business results.

Let’s Analyze Your Data for Free

Think your business is already running at max efficiency? Let’s put that to the test.

I offer a free cost analysis to uncover where you might be leaking cash or leaving profits on the table. No pressure, no sales pitch—just clarity.

Worst case? You confirm you’re already running lean. Best case? You find hidden savings that could fund your next big move.

?? [Let’s chat for a few minutes]("Is It Worth It!" <- Link to find out)—I’ll show you how data-driven decisions can unlock real profits.

Final Thought: Numbers Don’t Lie—They Lead to Profit

Making data-driven decisions isn’t just about saving money—it’s about sustainability. The companies that thrive long-term aren’t just guessing where their money goes; they know where every dollar is spent, why it’s spent, and if it could be spent better.

If you’re still making financial decisions based on gut instinct, ask yourself—are you running your business, or is it running you?

The best businesses don’t just track their numbers. They use them to win.

Talk Soon!

Ben Stradtmann