Profit First in a nutshell

Profit First in a nutshell

Profit First - A Simple but Effective Strategy for Small Business Success


If you're a small business owner, chances are you're always looking for ways to increase profits. After all, that's the whole point of being in business, right? While there are many different strategies you can use to achieve this goal, one that is often overlooked is known as "Profit First." So here is Profit First in a nutshell!


In a nutshell, Profit First is a simple but effective strategy that involves setting aside a specific percentage of your revenue each month to cover expenses and reinvest back into the business. The remaining funds are then used to pay yourself and any other shareholders. While this may seem like a no-brainer, the truth is that far too many small business owners fail to do this, instead opting to reinvest all of their profits back into the business in the hopes of achieving future growth.


The problem with this approach is that it often leads to cash flow issues down the road, as well as an unhealthy dependence on credit cards and loans to keep the business afloat. By adopting the Profit First strategy, you can avoid these pitfalls and ensure that your small business is profitable from month to month.


Profit First in a nutshell - How Profit First Works

The Profit First strategy is based on the simple premise that businesses should focus on generating profits first and foremost. To do this, you need to set aside a specific percentage of your monthly revenue to cover costs and reinvest back into the business. The remaining funds are then used to pay yourself and any other shareholders.


Here's an example of how this might work in practice: let's say your small business brings in £5,000 per month in revenue.


Under the Profit First strategy, you would set aside:

  • 30% of this amount (or £1,500) to cover costs such as rent, utilities, inventory, etc.
  • 50% would go to the business owner(s) as Owners Pay (££2,500)
  • 15% would go to tax (£750)
  • 5% would go to profit (£250)



Profit First in a nutshell - Benefits of Profit First

There are numerous benefits associated with adopting the Profit First strategy for your small business. Perhaps most importantly, it can help you avoid cash flow problems by ensuring that you always have enough money on hand to cover expenses and reinvest back into the business. It can also help you break out of the "reinvest all profits back into the business" mindset so often seen among small business owners.


Additionally, by focusing on generating profits first and foremost, you can help ensure that your small business is sustainable in the long run. This is because profits provide a buffer against unexpected expenses or downturns in revenue, giving you a financial cushion to fall back on during tough times.


If you're looking for a simple but effective way to increase profits at your small business, look no further than the "Profit First" strategy. By setting aside a specific percentage of your monthly revenue to cover expenses and reinvest back into the business, you can ensure that your small business is profitable from month to month—and sustainable in the long run! And that is Profit First in a nutshell


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About the Author

Annette Ferguson 

Owner of Annette & Co. - Chartered Accountants & Certified Profit First Professionals. Helping online service-based entrepreneurs find clarity in their numbers, increase wealth and have more money in their pockets.

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