Feel like you’re making decisions in the dark? It’s time to turn on the dashboard.

In this episode of Go Beyond Busy, Christine Abela from Oxygen8 Consulting breaks down how small business owners can use the right business metrics to guide smarter, faster, more profitable decisions – without drowning in spreadsheets or jargon.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why business metrics matter for growth, sustainability, and avoiding costly mistakes

• The difference between meaningful metrics and vanity numbers

• How to track financial, customer, operational, and growth metrics without overwhelm

• Critical numbers like MRR, ARR, profit margins, ROE, customer acquisition cost, retention rates, and cash flow

• How to build a simple, action-oriented tracking system that fits a busy owner's life

• How to turn insights into real improvements and results

• Common mistakes to avoid when starting with metrics

• How to foster a data-driven mindset for lasting success

Downloads available with this episode:

• eBook: Understanding Business Metrics Made Simple

• Checklist: Core Metrics Every Business Should Track

• 3 Guides: Setting up your business metrics dashboard, Cashflow monitoring framework, Customer metrics implementation guide

• AI Prompts: Using Data to Improve Your Business

• Toolstack: Recommended Tools for Tracking and Analysis

• Workbook: Building Your Business Metrics Dashboard

Get all resources at: https://GoBeyondBusy.com

Hosted by Christine Abela – experienced business consultant and tech strategist helping small business owners move from chaos to calm through practical, real-world advice.

Some content is created with the help of AI tools, but every insight is based on real-world consulting experience.

Running a growing small business can feel like you’re drowning in admin, firefighting, and repetitive tasks. This episode of Go Beyond Busy is all about how to change that.Christine Abela from Oxygen8 Consulting shares practical, real-world advice on how small business owners can harness automation to free up time, boost profits, and simplify operations - without losing the human touch.In this episode, you'll learn:- Why automation is critical for small businesses now, not later- How to spot automation opportunities using simple process mapping- Where automation delivers the biggest wins: email marketing, social media, customer service, accounting, and inventory management- How to implement scalable, cloud-based solutions without tech overwhelm- How APIs, Zapier, and cloud platforms can tie your systems together seamlessly- Why security, integration, and future-proofing matter for sustainable automation- How to measure the ROI of your automation projects (with time, errors, productivity, and cost savings metrics)Downloads available with this episode:- eBook: Getting Started with Automation- Checklist: Top Automation Opportunities for Small Business- Guide: Choosing the Right Tools for Your Business- AI Prompts: Automation Planning Templates- Toolstack: Recommended Apps for Small Business Automation- Workbook: Build Your Automation RoadmapAccess all resources at https://GoBeyondBusy.comHosted by Christine Abela – experienced business consultant and automation strategist, helping small business owners move from chaos to calm through practical, tailored advice.Some content is created with the help of AI tools, but every insight is grounded in real-world experience.

If you’re a small business owner who ends each day wondering where the time went – this episode is for you.In this deep dive, we unpack practical strategies for improving focus and productivity without burning out. Whether you're running a business turning over $1M–$10M or just trying to regain control of your time, this episode offers clear, actionable advice you can start using straight away.What You’ll Learn:- How to reclaim focus in a world of constant pings and notifications- Why multitasking is killing your productivity- Top-down vs bottom-up attention – and how to use it to your advantage- The science behind why even silent distractions mess with your brain- How to create a “focus haven” that actually helps you concentrate- Powerful tools like Pomodoro, “Eat the Frog”, and Parkinson’s Law- Why sleep, hydration, and food choices matter more than you think- How to build sustainable habits that actually stick- When to ask for help and how expert guidance can shortcut your progressThis episode includes two valuable downloads:- An eBook with tips and strategies for improving focus- Access to a 10-part video series on building focus and productivity habitsGet both at https://GoBeyondBusy.comHosted by Christine Abela from Oxygen8 Consulting – a business consultant with a strong tech background helping overwhelmed business owners simplify, streamline, and scale.Some content may have been enhanced with AI tools, but all insights are grounded in real-world experience working with businesses just like yours.

Cash flow problems don’t just hit struggling businesses – even profitable ones can crash and burn if the money doesn’t move right.

In this episode of Go Beyond Busy, we unpack the real-world strategies small business owners need to manage their cash flow better, avoid nasty surprises, and support sustainable growth. If you're running a business turning over $1M–$10M, this one’s for you.

Christine Abela, business consultant and tech strategist at Oxygen8 Consulting, shares practical insights on how to:

• Understand the difference between profit and cash flow (they are not the same)
• Forecast cash movement accurately so you’re never caught short
• Avoid the most common cash flow traps (like long payment terms)
• Track key cash metrics to stay in control
• Create a simple buffer strategy using liquid assets
• Use automation to manage receivables, payables, and real-time visibility
• Set up a financial dashboard that helps you plan, not panic

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Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

Download the workbook, checklist, and eBook that go with this episode at:👉 https://GoBeyondBusy.com

You’ll also hear stories of businesses that looked profitable on paper but nearly collapsed due to poor cash flow habits - and what they could have done differently.

Whether you’re scaling up, paying down debt, or just want peace of mind, this episode offers actionable tools you can start using today to manage your money more confidently.

This podcast may include content created with the support of AI tools, but the advice is all grounded in Christine's hands-on experience helping businesses thrive.

Are you running a successful online store but still struggling with margins, pricing strategy, or profitability? In this episode of Go Beyond Busy, Christine Abela — business consultant and automation strategist from Oxygen8 Consulting — breaks down how eCommerce businesses in the $1M–$10M revenue range can simplify their systems, price more effectively, and build toward long-term growth.

For a free download of the source material discussed in this episode, please go to https://GoBeyondBusy.com.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why 90% of new eCommerce businesses fail in the first 120 days—and how to avoid that trap
• The 3 financial pillars every online store needs: revenue generation, cost management, and profit optimisation
• The key metrics every store owner should track: gross profit margin, CLV, CAC, AOV, ROAS, and more
• How to price for value — not just cost — using psychology-backed strategies like price anchoring, bundles, and tiered offers
• Common hidden costs that eat into profits and what to do about them
• How to build a margin optimisation matrix to identify where your best improvements can come from
• Real-world tactics to introduce automation across inventory, fulfilment, marketing, accounting, and customer service
• What operational excellence looks like in a growing eCommerce business — and how automation fuels it
• How to build a financial framework that supports scaling without crashing your cash flow

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This episode includes ideas from Christine’s free resources:
Price and Profits of Online Stores (eBook)
The Ultimate eCommerce Profit Secrets (email course)

Available at https://GoBeyondBusy.com

Christine blends practical strategy with tech know-how to help small business owners move from chaos to calm. Whether you're scaling or just trying to improve your margins, this episode is packed with tips you can start applying today.

This podcast uses AI tools to enhance content, but all insights are grounded in real-world consulting experience.

Go Beyond Busy Podcast, Episode 2: How SOPs Create Freedom, Efficiency, and Growth for Small Businesses

If you're running a small business with $1M–$10M in annual revenue, chances are you’re juggling too many tasks, putting out fires, and feeling like there’s never enough time. This episode of Go Beyond Busy is your guide to breaking that cycle.

Visit https://GoBeyondBusy.com to get your free downloads and connect with Christine directly.

Join Christine Abela — business consultant, and tech strategist with Oxygen8 Consulting — as she explains how well-documented processes (SOPs) are the foundation of a more efficient, scalable, and stress-free business.

You’ll discover:

- Why SOPs are essential for consistency, efficiency, and team training- How to identify which processes to document first using impact, frequency, and error rate criteria

- A clear 3-step framework to write SOPs that actually get used- How to test and refine your SOPs using real-world feedback

- A proven training rollout plan to ensure your team follows the systems

- How SOPs enable smart automation—using tools like Zapier, Google Forms, CRMs, and project management software

- Why keeping SOPs updated is critical for ongoing success and sustainable scaling

Christine also shares tips from her popular eBook Scale Smarter with SOPs and her free email course The Perfect Process — both available at https://GoBeyondBusy.com.

Whether you’re just starting to document your processes or looking to streamline for growth, you’ll walk away with practical steps to start today.

Some content in this podcast was created with the help of AI tools, but all advice is grounded in Christine’s 35+ years of real-world consulting experience. This is her real voice—and her real passion for helping business owners fall in love with their business again.

Want to simplify your business and build the systems to grow smarter?

Visit https://GoBeyondBusy.com to get your free downloads and connect with Christine directly.

Go Beyond Busy Podcast: Episode 1 – Business Systemisation: Systemizing Your Small Business for Sustainable Growth

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Go Beyond Busy, where I, Christine Abela of Oxygen8 Consulting, guide small business owners from chaos to calm. With over 35 years of experience and a strong tech background, I provide practical strategies to streamline operations, boost profitability, and rekindle your passion for your business.

Visit https://GoBeyondBusy.com for additional resources, free downloads and to get in touch.

In This Episode:

- Understanding Systemization: Learn how implementing structured processes can reduce stress, enhance efficiency, and prepare your business for scalable growth.

- Benefits of Systemization: Discover how clear workflows and documented procedures can lead to cost reduction, improved performance, and better communication within your team.

- Leveraging Technology: Explore the advantages of integrating automation tools like CRM systems, project management software, and marketing automation platforms to streamline operations and improve customer relationships.

- Role of a Tech-Savvy Business Consultant: Understand how partnering with a consultant who has a strong technological background can help identify inefficiencies, recommend appropriate tools, and ensure seamless implementation tailored to your business needs.

Key Takeaways:

- Delegate Effectively: Free up your time by automating repetitive tasks, allowing you to focus on strategic initiatives that drive revenue.

- Standardize Procedures: Ensure consistency and quality across operations, leading to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.

- Enhance Communication: Utilize documented processes and digital tools to improve team collaboration and reduce miscommunication.

- Prepare for Scaling: Implement systems that facilitate efficient onboarding and training, enabling your business to grow without operational bottlenecks.

Resources Mentioned:

- CRM & Marketing Automation Tools: Ontraport, Keap, MailChimp, Salesforce, Pipedrive, Autopilot

- Project Management & Collaboration Tools: Asana, Slack

- Productivity & Efficiency Tools: Dropbox, Google Docs, Google Calendar, TextExpander, Alfred, Shortcat, IFTTT, RoboTask

- Workflow Automation Platforms: Zapier, Flow, Tallyfy

If you're ready to transform your business operations and achieve sustainable growth, visit https://GoBeyondBusy.com for additional resources and to get in touch.

Note: Some content in this podcast is created with the assistance of AI tools; however, the insights and advice are grounded in real-world experience.