When was the last time your business actually paid you first?
If you’ve ever felt like you’re making money but never keeping it, you’re not alone. In this episode of the Money First CEO podcast, I sat down with none other than Mike Michalowicz, the author of Profit First, to talk about how business owners can stop the cash flow chaos and finally create real, sustainable profit.
Profit First has completely changed the way I run my business, and it’s helped thousands of other business owners around the world do the same. In this conversation, Mike and I dive deep into why most businesses struggle financially, how to start small with Profit First, and what it really takes to build a profitable business without burnout.
Why Most Business Owners Are Stuck (and Broke)
One of the biggest money mistakes Mike sees over and over again is this:
“Business owners think they’re scaling when they’re really just growing – and growing often means spending more just to make more.”
Sound familiar?
Many business owners believe if they just sell a bit more, everything will fall into place. But often, more revenue just means more expenses – and still no profit. This mindset keeps them stuck, constantly chasing growth without financial reward.
The Profit First Shift: Take Profit Before You Spend
The Profit First method flips the traditional formula on its head. Instead of:
Sales – Expenses = Profit,
we use:
Sales – Profit = Expenses
In other words, take your profit first, and then learn to run your business on what’s left. Mike shares how even starting with just 1% can begin to build the muscle and mindset of profit.
“If you made $1,000 today, could you survive on $990? Probably. That $10 goes into profit. It’s small but powerful.”
The Fastest Way to See Results? Work With a Profit First Pro
While you can absolutely DIY the Profit First system, working with a certified Profit First Professional (like me!) helps you skip the guesswork and avoid costly mistakes. We help tailor the right starting percentages for your business, based on what’s realistic and sustainable.
Mike compares it to working out:
“You can go to the gym on your own, or you can hire a trainer and get there faster, safer, and with accountability.”
The Challenge for Women in Business
We also touched on how women often sacrifice the most when running a business. Unlike many men, who might sacrifice family time to grow a business, women often refuse to compromise on family – and end up sacrificing sleep, health, and their own income instead.
This is why putting your money first matters so much. You can’t take care of your family, your clients, or your business if you’re constantly running on empty.
The One Thing to Remember
Mike wrapped up with a powerful reminder:
“Your clients want you to be profitable. They just don’t say it. But they need you to be focused, calm, and committed – and you can only show up that way if you’re financially stable.”
Ready to Take Action?
Here’s your simple step:
Open a separate profit account and transfer just 1% of your income.
It might feel small, but it’s the first step toward a much bigger shift.
Want Help Getting Started?
We offer one-on-one support to help you implement Profit First the right way – tailored to your business, with practical advice and full accountability.
👉 Learn more about our Profit First Services
🎧 Listen to the full episode here:
How to Make Profit a Habit – Mike Michalowicz on the Profit First Formula
