This week I am at a retreat with some other creative artists. We each brought our own creative work, and we are offering support or advice  – business or art  – as needed. For some, the time is to sew needed samples for shops or classes; for others, it is to do personal sewing or reading. I brought a mix of some reading and plan to make a quilt top. What struck me is that these are women who are doing good work and striving to get it out in the world. They are also good business women who know where their efforts pay off. My question is, do you know where the return is in your business?We are quickly approaching the end of the year, and it is a good time to take a look at how your revenue looks compared to the goals you set early in the year. Are you on track or will you have a shortfall? Are your expenses in line? Have you looked at where the money comes in and where it goes out? For example, you may think that your fabric line sells a great deal, only when you go back and look at the royalty earned compared to your total revenues, you may be surprised it was not as high as you expected. Likewise you may have an activity that happens infrequently and it brings in more than you remember. You cannot make decisions based on something you do not know, so you need to look at your books.You still have time to make a difference in how the bottom line turns out in your business for 2013, plus you will have a better start on 2014. Take time to review what is working in your business and do more of it. And, if you have questions, set up a time to chat with an accountant to see what you can do to get better control on the financial end of your business.