This week, my company will hold a quarterly meeting. It usually lasts all day, during which time we discuss our achievements, and challenges Usually, we all come in revved up with new ideas to share about how to scale our business.

Awesome. But.

It’s in these moments that I realize we already have most of what we need. A team dedicated to our mission. Revenue streams. Admirable leadership. Helpful products that serve. Solid marketing. A growth mindset. And of course, a mindful culture. What it boils down to is this one question: Are we utilizing everything we’re lucky enough to have built in the most effective manner?

While kind of obvious, we’ll review our revenue and the metrics that back it up. Inevitably, we’ll all start spitballing new ideas to boost that revenue for the next four quarters. Then we usually review our systems to determine if we need to update them. Then we chat about marketing, and what new products we could create and promote.

I bet your meetings are similar. Here’s my peer advice, fellow business owner: Take what you have and elevate it.

Where do you traditionally start this company wide audit, if you will? This month I ask you to join me in starting with your bottom line, your cash. While life and business isn’t all about the money, we need it to grow, contribute, serve and survive. It’s here that I suggest getting back to basics.

Step 1: Get empowered – and knowledge is power! Take The Profit First Instant Assessment. “Noooo Mike. Come on. Please don’t make me do homework.” Welp, it’s time for a little tough love. Get to it. Here’s the link for a downloadable chart. Why am I asking you to complete this? Because even if you’ve filled out this assessment last year, it’s different this year. I get some guff about this assessment. It’s a natural reaction for some – if we have trepidation regarding what the results hold, we procrastinate to the point of paralyzation. However, this exercise is the foundation and the first step to scaling and the sustainability of your company.

If you’re new to implementing the Profit First methodology or simply need a refresher, here’s the Profit First FAQ. And, here are the rest of the Profit First resources. They’re free and all yours! If you have questions, please reach out to Support@profitfirstprofessionals.com. The guides will take a moment to answer a few of your questions and make sure you’re on the right path. (A free service, of course!)

I cannot wait to hear about what you achieve this year. Please keep me posted on your ups and downs. I will celebrate and assist you with both.

Wishing you health and wealth always,

Mike