When, if ever, is it okay to talk actual numbers?

[Charnell]

I guess the title is pretty self explanatory, but I've never been in this sort of position before: talking to people about business, getting involved with others, etc.

Between friends, family, strangers, mastermind groups, or other entrepreneurs, when it is ok to talk about actual numbers. Revenue, sales figures, profit, percentages, anything else besides the usual rah rah motivational hype.

The last thing I want to do is come off as having a big head.

 

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[BlakeIC]

the only people i wouldnt mind honestly discussing numbers with would obviously investors and my parents

edit: no reason for me to discuss it with friends or any other people that i can think of

 

[Digamma]

I don't discuss numbers in the family. I learned that it's like shouting stuff from the rooftops.

 

[Lex DeVille]

I don't discuss numbers in the family. I learned that it's like shouting stuff from the rooftops.

Ha I totally agree.

The first time I mentioned how well something was going, the reply I got was "Awesome, that means you can give X a job!"

facepalm...

 

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[theag]

I only talk numbers with my dad (entrepreneur) and my accountant.

 

[AntEmpire]

I don't intend to ever talk numbers with anyone, especially my family. Most of them live on the sidewalk and survive by begging and borrowing from others. Instead of numbers, I intend to use generalities to explain my success:

Cousin: how much are you making from your business?

Me: enough to pay my bills.

Done.

 

[Vigilante]

It's nobody's business. Unless a specific reason comes up where it would be required for some business related issue, it's never appropriate.

 

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[Solrac]

It seems like you want to talk about numbers rather than having to talk about numbers.

It's nobody's business.

 

[GuestUser113]

Broadcasting that type of information leads to the crazies coming at you with their hands out.

 

[Blackadder]

The only people who get to know exact numbers are those i'd let make a withdrawal for me. (if you don't have my ring on or are in "bed with me" so to speak it isn't happening)

Also if asked how i'm doing "the pay is ok, but it makes me happy" is all the answer most people want...and far less people get jealous over "happy" then get mad over $$$$$$

 

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[Digamma]

I don't intend to ever talk numbers with anyone, especially my family. Most of them live on the sidewalk and survive by begging and borrowing from others. Instead of numbers, I intend to use generalities to explain my success:

Cousin: how much are you making from your business?

Me: enough to pay my bills.

Done.

Yes. As in the past, it's time to pull out this gem:

The only people who get to know exact numbers are those i'd let make a withdrawal for me. (if you don't have my ring on or are in "bed with me" so to speak it isn't happening)

Also if asked how i'm doing "the pay is ok, but it makes me happy" is all the answer most people want...and far less people get jealous over "happy" then get mad over $$$$$$

I like that. From now on, I will say "not much, but at least I do what I love", which is amusingly the opposite of the truth.

 

[Unknown]

If you can trust someone then there's nothing wrong with talking about money, but there aren't many people you can trust with that information. My wife is going to be staying at home soon, so I'll be going with "it helps make up for my wife's old job" if anyone asks.

 

[Silverhawk851]

"Men lie, women lie. Numbers don't lie."

when trying to help someone with their biz, the first thing I talk to them is about their numbers.
Got to know where you're at before you know where you're going right.

Numbers tell the true story of what's going on. What to stop doing, where to start improving, what direction to start going.

Guess that's life as a marketer

 

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[theag]

when trying to help someone with their biz, the first thing I talk to them is about their numbers.

Thats a completely different thing than being quiet about your own numbers to avoid unwanted attention and leeches.