Wanting an A+ business with D+ financials

Ever seen a “business report card” like this one from Austin Netzley and 2X? It’s a gut punch in 12-point font. Most founders want an A+ company, but don’t realize they’re running with a bunch of C’s and D’s on the board.

Why it works

• Visual grading makes abstract business health instantly clear
• It triggers a self-assessment (you immediately start grading your own business)
• It’s simple and punchy—no jargon, just honesty
• The “report card” metaphor connects emotionally with everyone who’s ever been graded

Real-world examples

• HubSpot’s “Website Grader” tool uses the same idea: instant feedback, instant action.
• Alex Hormozi’s business scorecards give owners a 1–10 rating across key metrics.
• EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) makes teams rate each function weekly—just like this.

A simple “report card” can reveal where your business is really falling behind.