Hi friends!

Welcome to the second edition of this newsletter, aka the email equivalent of me showing up awake and fully caffeinated.

I’ve been in plenty of rooms where someone drops an acronym like KPI or OKR, and half the people nod like they totally get it… while quietly praying no one calls on them. (I usually just ask. It’s faster.)

If you’ve ever had that moment of acronym-induced dread then this one’s for you.

This month, I’m breaking down what those letters actually mean—and more importantly, how small and mid-sized businesses can use KPIs to grow smarter (without turning into a walking spreadsheet).

Let’s get into it.

P.S. If this was forwarded to you, welcome! Click here to subscribe so you don’t miss the next edition.

🧪Alchemy Notes

The Metrics That Actually Matter

In this month’s blog post, I break down MBOs, OKRs, and KPIs (don’t worry, there’s no pop quiz). And I explain why KPIs, despite sounding like something from a corporate compliance manual, are secretly the most useful acronym of the bunch for small and medium sized businesses.

If numbers make your eyes glaze over, you’re not alone. But when used right, KPIs can help you:
✅ Catch issues early
✅ Make better, faster business decisions
✅ Focus your energy on what’s actually working

It’s not about making pivot tables for fun. It’s about gaining clarity and traction without burning yourself out.

👉 Read the full post here

📚The Alchemist’s Bookshelf

✨Read of the Month: Measure What Matters by John Doerr

It’s the OKR guide - but even if you are not adopting OKRs (aka going full Silicon Valley), it’s packed with helpful case studies and insights on setting goals that actually drive results.

More picks for wherever you are right now:

• For AAPI Month: Daughters of the Samurai: A Journey from East to West and Back by Janice P. Nimura

• For Mental Health Awareness Month: Sociopath: A Memoir by Patric Gagne

• For a trip (without the drugs): Rouge: A Novel by Mona Awad

• For help setting boundaries: F*ck no!: how to stop saying yes when you can’t, you shouldn’t, or you just don’t want to by Sarah Knight

• For the athlete: Good for a Girl: A Woman Running in a Man’s World by Lauren Fleshman

I only recommend books I’ve read and loved. Some of these links may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission - at no extra cost for you - if you choose to buy through them. It helps support this newsletter and keeps the good recommendations coming!

🫙Potion Shelf Pick

✨A favorite find that’s made life a little easier: Monarch Money

This is the budgeting app my husband and I use to keep tabs on spending, align on goals, and (mostly) avoid those “wait, what did we spend on the bunny?” moments.
Easy to use and actually helpful.

Check out Monarch Money (referral link - which means you get a discount and I receive a little credit).

👗 Still a fave: Armoire
Last month’s pick and still in the rotation—curated clothing rental that makes getting dressed way less annoying.

Try it here (referral link - which means you get a discount and I receive a little credit).

💡 Coming Soon

I’m working on a free KPI starter guide to help you figure out what numbers actually matter in your business.

It’s not quite ready yet, but I’ll be announcing when it’s ready for download on Instagram and LinkedIn when it’s live. Follow along so you don’t miss it.

📣Let’s Stay Connected

I’m Tara, founder of Alchemy Advising, a boutique consulting practice that helps small and mid-sized businesses make better financial and operational decisions without burning out.

After nearly 20 years in corporate strategy, finance, and ops, I now help founders and leaders with pricing, budgeting, and planning - through consulting, or on a fractional basis (aka expert help without the full-time cost).

If you enjoyed this newsletter, I’d love for you to:

• 👉 Follow along on Instagram and LinkedIn for more insights, reads, and behind-the-scenes of Alchemy Advising.

• 📬 Forward this to a friend who might need a little KPI clarity.

• 💬 Reply and let me know what you’d love to see more of—this space is evolving, and your input means a lot.