Ever wondered if your business is actually doing okay—or if you’re falling behind? That’s where benchmarking comes in. Don’t worry, it’s not a fancy finance term you need to memorize—it’s simply comparing your numbers to industry standards so you know what’s normal, where you’re strong, and what could use some tweaking. In this episode of Creative Minds Smart Money, I’ll walk you through how to give your numbers context without spiraling into comparison. Instead of copying someone’s “six-figure month” on social media, you’ll learn how to use real benchmarks to figure out if your pricing, expenses, and profits are in a healthy range—and what to do if they’re not. In this episode, we cover: ✅ What benchmarking really means (and why it’s not about copying internet strangers) ✅ The financial numbers worth comparing—profit margin, owner’s pay, client retention, and more ✅ Real-world benchmarks for designers, photographers, product sellers, course creators, and social media managers ✅ What to do if your niche is unique (or you’re new) and don’t have an industry benchmark yet ✅ How to use benchmarks to raise prices, trim costs, reshape offers, and make better decisions—without shame or panic 🎧 Hit play now and learn how to see whether your numbers are “normal”—and how to use that knowledge to grow with confidence. 🔗 Resources & Links Website: https://www.firestormfinance.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firestormfinance/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@firestormfinance?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-e-8796b6176/ Newsletter: https://www.firestormfinance.com/newsletter 📝 Want to see a specific topic on the show? Submit your suggestion here! 📢 If this episode helped you feel clearer about your numbers, share it with a friend and leave a review—it helps more creatives build confident, profitable businesses.