We are living in unprecedented times. As the world closes down and takes shelter at home in response to the coronavirus pandemic, small businesses are struggling to figure out how to keep their companies healthy through a prolonged interruption. Even businesses with steady cash flows in a normal climate are experiencing the impact of local, state, and national social isolation policies.
As a business leader, you are likely feeling the stress of trying to figure out how best manage your business in this very uncertain climate. Here are some things you should know, and some things you should do, to help manage these difficult times.
Financial Stability Starts With Operational Clarity
Your financials tell one side of the story.
Your operations tell the other.
If those two aren’t aligned, you’ll always feel behind.
In our work at Peek Advisory we see it all the time: good revenue. Decent product. But the numbers don’t match the effort.
Often it’s not a finance problem. It’s an operations problem.
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Inefficient processes = masked cost.
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Cash-flow drag = operations that don’t flow.
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Teams using outdated systems = productivity stuck in first gear.
When you start treating operations like part of your financial strategy — not just “the back office” — you switch from firefighting to steering.
One report notes that operational improvements (streamlining workflows, eliminating waste) are key to improving company value—higher profitability, lower risk.
Another highlights operational efficiency as a driver of value in mid-market exits.
That’s where value begins.
Operational Efficiency Is the Hidden Multiplier of Business Value
Buyers don’t buy revenue alone.
They buy confidence.
Confidence comes from: predictable revenue. Repeatable processes. A team that can run without you in the room.
Operational maturity delivers that:
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Documented workflows. Hand-offs that don’t drop the ball.
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Financials that don’t need a month of clean-up before due diligence.
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Systems that link productivity, profitability and people.
A business with clean operations isn’t just “making money”. It’s worth money.
As one guide puts it: operational efficiency influences valuation because it shows you can use fewer resources for the same output—increasing margin and reducing risk.
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Thinking Ahead: From “Keeping It Running” to “Positioning for Exit”
Exit readiness isn’t for tomorrow. It’s today’s mindset.
You might not plan to sell next quarter, but you want the option.
That means:
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Tight controls before they become red flags.
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Documentation so knowledge doesn’t walk out one night.
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Financial visibility so buyers (or lenders) don’t ask “what happened here?”.
A recent study showed that 88% of firms say exit readiness activities (operational and financial) matter—and many begin those 12-24 months before sale.
When your business is exit ready, you’re free.
You can scale.
You can walk away for a week.
You can hire smarter.
And your company doesn’t collapse without you.
That freedom doesn’t just raise valuation—it makes the company stronger now.
The Businesses That Thrive Now Do Things Differently
They build structure before they need it.
They don’t chase growth for growth’s sake. Growth becomes the by-product of systems that work.
They invest in:
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Clear bookkeeping and financial protocols.
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CFO insight, not just ledger accuracy.
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Operational systems (ClickUp, Slack, SOPs) that let people work, not scramble.
Because when those pieces align:
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Cash flow smooths out.
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Decision-making is data-driven.
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Growth becomes intentional.
This is how modern small and mid-sized businesses grow sustainably — and eventually exit on their terms.
Look Beyond the Moment
You don’t need another survival plan.
You need infrastructure that makes your business more valuable every quarter.
At Peek Advisory we help growing companies connect financial clarity with operational efficiency, so you can scale confidently, strengthen your valuation, and build a business that runs (and sells) itself.
If you’re ready to get your financial and operational systems working together, let’s talk. Our team of financial and accounting experts can help you choose the best solutions to keep your business strong and financially sound.
