Profit First

Imagine finally being able to pay yourself a fair wage, cover your tax bills without stress, and still have money set aside every quarter. This redefines what it means to run a truly healthy business. Instead of viewing profit as something that happens after paying expenses, you learn the radical yet simple idea: profit comes first.

Many entrepreneurs race after top-line revenue, only to watch expenses expand just as fast. By the end of each month, they're drained by the constant scramble to meet bills. This book flips that formula, proving that consistent profitability is achievable by focusing on small, steady wins.

Before diving into specific tactics, this opening serves as your motivational nudge: keep an open mind about your true financial habits. The approach ahead might seem unusual at first, but it capitalizes on human nature, making sound financial discipline nearly effortless once you trust the process.

Much of the frustration around finances comes from the habit of waiting for a miracle deal or lucky break. You might feel pressured to 'grow your way' into profit, hoping more sales will eventually fix everything. But bigger isn't always better if you're just multiplying inefficiencies.

By reframing profit as essential and immediate, you replace the old 'Sales – Expenses = Profit' mindset with 'Sales – Profit = Expenses.' This shift encourages you to spend only what's left after profit. It removes the temptation to view profit as some future windfall and places it at the forefront where it belongs.

It can feel uncomfortable initially—like you might be shortchanging your own business. Yet this discomfort is exactly what pushes you to spot inefficiencies and question frivolous costs. Embracing this new thinking doesn't hinder growth; it channels it toward genuine, sustainable gains.