05: Profit First Doesn't Work....Or Does It?

Most builders don’t have a money problem. What they have is a visibility problem. When your financial systems aren’t connected, decisions get delayed, stress piles up, and you’re left guessing whether jobs are actually making money or just keeping the lights on.In this episode, Katie breaks down how connecting your job management system with Xero and Dext gives you real-time clarity without adding more admin to your plate. This is about seeing issues before they become blowouts, tightening up your quoting using real data, and finally running your business with confidence instead of constant catch-up.If you’re sick of chasing information, making decisions in the dark, or feeling like your numbers are always behind you, this episode will change how you think about your financial setup.In this episode of Profit First for Tradies, you’ll learn the following:00:31 - How disconnected systems quietly drain time and profit02:39 - How connecting job management with Xero creates instant clarity04:09 - How live financial feedback allows you to identify gaps early and make proactive decisions instead of reacting after the damage is done05:04 - How consistent tracking leads to tighter pricing, fewer surprises, and jobs that finish closer to budget expectations06:56 - How to review your financial system and identify one fixIf your financial system feels heavier than it should, this is your sign to stop pushing harder and start simplifying smarter.Better visibility doesn’t mean more work. It means fewer surprises, stronger margins, and decisions you can actually trust.CONNECT WITH KATIE CRISMALE-MARSHALLEmail: [email protected]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/profitfirstfortradies/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@profitfirstfortradies9503/featuredFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/profitfirstfortradies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ProfitFirstforTradies/Website: https://www.profitfirstfortradies.com.au/

Here’s the simplest financial upgrade most builders still haven’t made.If you’re running a building or trades business and constantly feel behind on cash flow, this episode cuts through the noise and gets practical - fast. It breaks down why so many business owners end up stressed, overworked, and financially reactive, not because they’re bad operators, but because they don’t have the right financial information at the right time.You’ll learn how a simple, connected financial system can replace guesswork with clarity. Instead of back-costing jobs after the damage is done, this episode shows how real-time job tracking changes the way you plan, quote, and make decisions.Because when your job management system, bookkeeping, and receipt tracking actually talk to each other, cash flow becomes something you can manage proactively rather than something that keeps you awake at night.If you’re tired of flying blind, reacting too late, or feeling like your business is eating all your time and money, this episode will help you see what needs fixing and where to start.In this episode of Profit First for Tradies, you’ll learn the following:00:28 - Why most builders struggle financially even when work is strong01:45 - How real-time job tracking replaces guesswork03:10 - How connected systems remove admin and duplication06:30 - How weekly financial visibility improves decision-makingIf you want your business to feel calmer, clearer, and more in control next year, this episode is a smart place to start. Take ten minutes, listen through, and reflect honestly on whether your current systems are helping you or holding you back.Small changes at the foundation level can create massive relief when they’re done properly.CONNECT WITH KATIE CRISMALE-MARSHALLEmail: [email protected]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/profitfirstfortradies/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@profitfirstfortradies9503/featuredFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/profitfirstfortradies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ProfitFirstforTradies/Website: https://www.profitfirstfortradies.com.au/

If you’re tired, flat out, and quietly hoping the numbers can wait until January then this episode is for you.End of year is where a lot of tradies fall off financially, not because they don’t care, but because they’re exhausted. The problem is, waiting almost always creates a harder January than necessary.In this episode, Katie brings things back to basics. No catch-up marathons. No perfection. Just a short, realistic reset that keeps you connected to your money so it can support you instead of stressing you out.This is a reminder that Profit First isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about keeping the habit alive, especially when things feel busy, tight, or messy. Because the tradies who stay connected, even loosely, always start the year stronger.Katie walks you through a simple 15-minute check-in you can do before Christmas that creates clarity now, reduces pressure later, and helps you head into the new year already a step ahead.Whether you’ve been consistent with Profit First, stopped and started, or never quite felt on track, this episode meets you where you are and shows you how to finish the year feeling steadier and more in control.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why waiting until the new year to “fix the finances” often backfiresThe true non-negotiables to stay on top of before ChristmasHow a 15-minute money check-in restores clarity and calmWhy progress beats perfection every timeHow your bank accounts quietly show you where to focus firstYou don’t need a clean slate or a perfect system to finish the year well.You just need a pause, an honest look at your numbers, and the willingness to keep going.This episode shows you how to do exactly that, so you can start the new year grounded, prepared, and already moving forward.CONNECT WITH KATIE CRISMALE-MARSHALLEmail: [email protected]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/profitfirstfortradies/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@profitfirstfortradies9503/featuredFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/profitfirstfortradies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ProfitFirstforTradies/Website: https://www.profitfirstfortradies.com.au/

Imagine stepping into January already knowing what you owe, what’s coming in, and what needs to happen next. Let’s make that happen.In this episode, Katie walks you through simple, practical steps to take right now to smooth out your finances so the break feels like a break, not a cash-flow crisis. You’ll learn how to get complete visibility over your upcoming bills, prepare for team holiday pay, tidy up your bookkeeping, and step into January with clarity instead of stress. No overwhelm. No complicated spreadsheets. Just clear, doable actions that protect your profit and give you real peace of mind heading into the new year. In this episode of Profit First for Tradies, you’ll learn the following:01:34 - The fastest way to get control of your bills before the break03:08 - Preparing for team holiday pay without the financial panic04:27 - The non-negotiable weekly habit that keeps your cash flow stable year-round05:22 - What to do if you’re overwhelmed and don’t know where to startA calmer Christmas break isn’t about luck. It’s about spending a few focused minutes getting your numbers lined up so you can actually rest. Do these steps now, and you’ll step into January knowing exactly where you stand and exactly what to do next. Your business will feel lighter, clearer, and more in control (and so will you).CONNECT WITH KATIE CRISMALE-MARSHALLEmail: [email protected]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/profitfirstfortradies/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@profitfirstfortradies9503/featuredFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/profitfirstfortradies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ProfitFirstforTradies/Website: https://www.profitfirstfortradies.com.au/

Dreading a broke January? You can change that before Christmas.If the first few months of every year feel like one long cashflow hangover, this episode will feel like a deep breath. You will learn a simple three step plan to get your cash in your bank account before Christmas and stop dragging unpaid invoices into January, February, and March. You will see exactly how to shorten the gap between finishing a job and getting paid, how to chase overdue invoices without feeling pushy, and how to reset your systems so the new year starts with money in the bank instead of panic in your chest.If you are a small business owner who is great at the work but tired of constantly waiting for cash to show up, this is your roadmap to a much calmer January. In this episode of Profit First for Tradies, you’ll learn the following:0:28 - Why the first quarter feels so stressful for small business owners 1:40 - How a non-negotiable invoicing habit transforms your cashflow 2:11 - A simple process to review who owes you money right now and how to follow up overdue invoices 2:26 - Hitting reset in January by repeating the same three steps 2:54 - Using templates and smart Xero reminders to automate more of the chasingChristmas rush now or cash crunch later? Here is how to make sure you get paid.Pop your headphones on, grab your invoice list, and use this as a working session to clean up your receivables and set your business up for a much calmer new year.ResourcesBook Your Free 15 minute SessionProfit First for Tradies Tool BoxCONNECT WITH KATIE CRISMALE-MARSHALLEmail: [email protected]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/profitfirstfortradies/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@profitfirstfortradies9503/featuredFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/profitfirstfortradies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ProfitFirstforTradies/Website: https://www.profitfirstfortradies.com.au/

just a myth?In this powerful snapshot episode, Katie and Mick Hawes challenge the idea that making more money automatically leads to a thriving business. Mick shares hard-earned lessons from years of financial stress, revealing why true success comes down to how you manage your money—not just how much you make. Meanwhile, Katie opens up about how her most profitable year happened while working 40% less.If you’re ready to stop running in circles and start building a business that actually gives you freedom, this is the conversation you need to hear.Listen to the full episode hereApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/041-maximising-profits-and-building-success-with/id1667206048?i=1000632314640 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/episode/2a8LcWe5YeFKmE2lHbxkfW 

After 10 years of Profit First changing businesses worldwide, and nearly a decade of helping tradies implement it, I know this system works. But I also know it doesn’t always go smoothly. Whatever your reason, I want to hear about it.Tell me your story. Why? Because your feedback helps me improve the way I teach Profit First, update my resources, and make sure more tradies can actually get results. In this episode of Profit First for Tradies, you’ll learn the following:Common reasons Profit First fails (01:30)Why I wants to hear about your Profit First struggles (03:07)Are you building the business you dreamed of? (04:33)Reach out and get a special bonus (06:03)This episode is all about YOU. If Profit First hasn’t worked in your business, I want to hear why. Your feedback makes a difference — not just for you, but for the entire trade business community.Let’s make your business permanently profitable!Resourceshttps://www.profitfirstfortradies.com.au/book-a-call CONNECT WITH KATIE CRISMALE-MARSHALLEmail: [email protected]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/profitfirstfortradies/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@profitfirstfortradies9503/featuredFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/profitfirstfortradies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ProfitFirstforTradies/Website: https://www.profitfirstfortradies.com.au/

Your business is making money, but where’s your profit? Let’s fix that.Today, we’re diving into Profit First, a cash flow system that ensures you actually keep more of what you earn. Forget paper profit that only looks good on reports. This is about real, tangible, cash-in-the-bank profit.You’ll learn how to flip the traditional accounting formula, structure your money in a way that ensures profitability, and finally escape the exhausting cycle of making money but never seeing any of it. Plus, Katie will break down exactly how to get started with Profit First without overcomplicating it.This episode is a must-listen for business owners who want less stress, more clarity, and a guaranteed way to get paid.In this episode of Profit First for Tradies, you’ll learn the following:How Profit First helps you finally see and keep the money you’re making (00:00)Cash flow struggles business owners face (00:52)How to start building a truly profitable business with just 1% (02:39)How simple habits help you plug the leaks in your business finances and ensure you always have profit set aside (06:30)The value of starting small and being consistent with Profit First (07:13)Getting in touch with Katie (09:40)Profit First isn’t just another accounting method. It’s a mindset shift. It’s about prioritising your financial success so that your business truly supports you. If you’re ready to stop stressing about money and start actually keeping what you earn, this is your first step. Resourceshttps://www.profitfirstfortradies.com.au/book-a-call CONNECT WITH KATIE CRISMALE-MARSHALLEmail: [email protected]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/profitfirstfortradies/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@profitfirstfortradies9503/featuredFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/profitfirstfortradies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ProfitFirstforTradies/Website: https://www.profitfirstfortradies.com.au/

Profit First is powerful, but only if you set it up right. Let’s fix that.So you’ve heard all the hype about Profit First and about how it transforms businesses and makes financial stress a thing of the past. So why hasn’t it worked for you? You’ve tried, you’ve shifted money around, you’ve followed the book, but somehow, it just isn’t clicking.The thing is, Profit First is a simple framework, but it isn’t necessarily easy. And if it’s not customised to your business, it won’t work the way it should. That’s where a Certified Profit First Professional comes in. Someone who’s trained, tested, and continuously improving their ability to make Profit First work for real businesses in real industries.In this episode, we break down why Profit First might not be working for you, how to adjust your system for success, and why getting expert guidance could be the best move for your business. In this episode of Profit First for Tradies, you’ll learn the following:Why treating Profit First like a DIY project can leave you with more confusion than clarity (00:15)Why working with a certified Profit First professional matters (01:03) Common pitfalls when you DIY Profit First (02:31)Why a customised framework and expert guidance can make all the difference in getting real financial results (03:17)The 3 biggest benefits of getting expert help (05:03)The fast-track to making Profit First ]work for you (07:33)You don’t have to struggle with Profit First alone. With the right setup, guidance, and a system that actually fits your business, you can finally see the financial transformation you’ve been hoping for. Resourceshttps://www.profitfirstfortradies.com.au/book-a-call CONNECT WITH KATIE CRISMALE-MARSHALLEmail: [email protected]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/profitfirstfortradies/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@profitfirstfortradies9503/featuredFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/profitfirstfortradies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ProfitFirstforTradies/Website: https://www.profitfirstfortradies.com.au/

Waiting for the perfect moment to fix your finances is the fastest way to make them worse. Here’s what to do instead.In this episode, Katie breaks down the biggest myths stopping business owners from taking control of their finances and why getting started now, even if everything feels like a mess, is the smartest move you can make. You’ll hear why waiting only makes things worse, simple steps you can take today (even if you’re overwhelmed), and why just 15 minutes a week can change everything for your business.If your finances feel like a black hole of stress, this episode is exactly what you need.In this episode of Profit First for Tradies, you’ll learn the following:Why perfection isn’t required to get started (just start!) (00:47)Why starting now, even in chaos, makes everything easier (01:39)Making managing your money a 15-minute habit (03:25)Three simple steps to take control of your cash flow (04:20)What to do right now to start fixing your finances (07:19)The best time to take control of your finances isn’t when things settle down. It’s now. No matter how chaotic your business feels, small steps today can prevent big problems tomorrow. Remember, you don’t have to do this alone. Together, let’s make your money work for you, starting today. CONNECT WITH KATIE CRISMALE-MARSHALLEmail: [email protected]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/profitfirstfortradies/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@profitfirstfortradies9503/featuredFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/profitfirstfortradies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ProfitFirstforTradies/Website: https://www.profitfirstfortradies.com.au/