If you've ever pulled your sales report and thought, "We did okay this week... I guess?" — this episode is for you.

In today’s solo episode, Meg walks you through a simple but powerful tool to help you track what’s really going on in your bakery — without fancy software or a finance degree.

We’re talking about the Leading Indicator Scorecard — a weekly habit that gives you more clarity, more control, and fewer surprises at the end of the month. You’ll learn how to identify the metrics that matter most (beyond just sales), so you can catch issues early, spot new opportunities, and build toward your goals with more confidence.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to get more strategic with your numbers, this episode offers an easy first step.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The difference between leading indicators and lagging indicators, and why it matters for your bakery
• Simple weekly data points that can tell you whether you’re trending in the right direction
• Meg’s step-by-step advice for building your own scorecard using tools you probably already have
• How to use your numbers to make more informed decisions around staffing, production, marketing, and more
• Info on how to start a repeatable, low-lift habit that helps you stay focused and in control of your business performance

Episode Resources:

• KPI Tracking Episode (Throwback!)
• Book Mentioned: Traction by Gino Wickman
• POS Systems Mentioned:
  • Square for Retail
  • Shopify
  • Hotplate (I kept calling this tool "Hotjar" in the episode ... Hotjar is a different software tool ... the POS system is called Hotplate!)

Episode Summary:

In this episode, we’re breaking down one of the most important—yet overlooked—numbers in bakery business success: your break-even point. Whether you’re feeling stuck, wondering if you can keep your doors open, or just want to make smarter decisions for your bakery’s future, understanding your break-even number is the first step. On this episode, Meg shares why “busy” doesn’t always mean “profitable” and a simple, actionable method to calculate your break-even—even if you’re not a “numbers person.” She also shares real-life stories from Spilt Milk and other bakeries, and practical tips you can use right away to start running your business with clarity and confidence.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why so many bakery owners struggle with making ends meet, even when sales seem strong
• The difference between “busy” and “profitable”—and why it matters
• What the break-even number is, and why it should be your business’s North Star
• How to quickly calculate your own break-even (with simple examples)
• Common pitfalls to avoid when doing these important calculations
• Tips for estimating monthly sales if you’re brand new or have seasonal swings in your revenue numbers
• How your break-even number can guide decisions on hiring, pricing, and growth
• Why monitoring your numbers regularly is absolutely key to staying profitable

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Did you enjoy this episode? If so, we'd be very grateful if you'd leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!

Have a question or topic you want covered on a future episode? Send me a message—I loves hearing from you!

Episode Summary:

Meg returns to the Kitchen Notes podcast after a six-month break to share what’s been happening behind the scenes at Spilt Milk Pastry and Bakery Business Academy. In this quick catch-up episode, Meg opens up about why she paused the show, exciting new projects underway, and what listeners can expect from Kitchen Notes moving forward—including more frequent episodes, updated resources, and a special invitation to help beta test a brand new bakery recipe costing app.

Whether you’re a longtime listener or new to the podcast, tune in to get up to speed and find out what’s coming next!

Episode Highlights:

• Why the podcast took a pause (and the power of supportive listeners!)
• What’s new at Spilt Milk Pastry:
  • Relaunch of the catering menu
  • New Spilt Milk branded jams, jellies, and frozen products
  • Launch of a new subscription program
• Changes and pivots in the bakery business—letting go of the liquor license and focusing on core strengths
• Behind the scenes at Bakery Business Academy:
  • Curriculum updates for the Bakery Finance Essentials e-course
  • Mini-courses in development: subscription programs, online ordering, and leveraging AI for bakeries
• Progress on the long-awaited Recipe Costing App for bakery owners (and how you can become a beta tester!)
• What to expect from upcoming episodes:
  • Regular new episodes
  • More interviews, practical tips, and community stories
  • Fresh resources for running a more profitable, efficient bakery

Resources or Links Mentioned:

• Bakery Business Academy – bakerybusinessacademy.com
• Bakery Finance Essentials E-Course
• Beta Tester Sign-Up: Interested in testing the new Recipe Costing App? Email Meg at hello@bakerybusinessacademy.com to get in touch!
• Have a question or topic you want covered on a future episode? Send me a message—I loves hearing from you!

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Did you enjoy this episode? If so, we'd be very grateful if you'd leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!