In 2019 before a client of mine engaged my services they had been working tirelessly every day. Her firm had steady clients, but somehow, she always ended the month broke.
Despite bringing in decent revenue, there was never enough left to pay herself. In fact, she had been relying on business loans just to keep the lights on.
Every month, it felt like she was running on a hamster wheel—working hard but getting nowhere.
Sound familiar?
Here’s the thing: My client wasn’t alone. Most business owners don’t realize that their business is hiding cash.
And that hidden cash could be the key to turning things around.
How to Know If Your Business is Hiding Cash
You might be wondering, Is my business hiding money from me? It’s more common than you think.
Let’s talk about three signs that indicate your business could be sitting on cash you didn’t even know was there:
You’re always surprised by how little is left at the end of the month. Does it feel like your bank balance is a mystery? If you’re bringing in revenue but struggling to pay your bills or yourself, that’s a big red flag.
You’re relying on loans to stay afloat. Are you leaning on business loans to cover everyday expenses? While loans can help in a pinch, they shouldn’t be your lifeline month after month. It’s a sign that cash is slipping through the cracks.
You’re paying for things you don’t need or use. When was the last time you looked at your recurring expenses? Subscription fees, software you no longer use, or services you don’t need might be draining your cash flow without you even noticing.
How to Find Hidden Cash in Your Business
The good news? You can start finding that hidden cash today. Using the Profit First method—a cash management system that thousands of businesses use—you can start chipping away at unnecessary expenses, setting yourself up for growth, and finally paying yourself consistently.
Here are three proven ways to uncover hidden cash and transform your business:
1. Chip Away at Expenses with an Expense Audit
The first place to look for hidden cash is your expenses. Many business owners are paying for things they don’t need or have forgotten about. This is where an expense audit comes in. Sit down and review every single expense in your business—from software subscriptions to office supplies. Ask yourself, Is this essential to my business, or is it just nice to have? Cancel any services or tools you’re not actively using. Even small savings can add up to hundreds or thousands of dollars over time.
My client found over $2,000 per year just by cutting unnecessary subscriptions. That’s $2,000 she could now use to reinvest in her business or finally pay herself.
2. Fire Bad Clients and Clone the Good Ones
This might sound harsh, but sometimes the best way to find hidden cash is to fire your worst clients. You know the ones—they pay late, complain constantly, and drain your energy. They cost you more than they bring in. Following the Pumpkin Plan method, you can focus on your best, most profitable clients and get rid of the ones dragging you down.
When my client let go of her worst client (who paid late and asked for free revisions constantly), she had more time to focus on her best clients. That extra focus allowed her to upsell those clients and make even more money—without the headache.
Once you identify your best clients, double down on them. Clone them by finding more clients who fit their profile—those who pay on time, value your work, and make doing business easier. These are the clients who will help your business thrive.
3. Hire an Implementation and Financial Accountability Growth Partner
Let’s face it, as a business owner, you’re juggling a million things at once. It’s easy to get caught up in day-to-day operations and lose sight of the bigger picture. That’s where a financial accountability growth partner comes in. They’ll help you stay on track, keep your expenses lean, and ensure you’re using your cash effectively. Having someone in your corner who understands the financial side of your business can be a game-changer. They help you see the hidden opportunities and make sure you’re staying profitable.
After my client hired an accountability partner, she was able to identify gaps in her financial strategy and make the necessary changes to finally pay herself consistently—something she hadn’t done in years.
Why Finding Hidden Cash Will Transform Your Life
When you take control of your cash flow and find the hidden money in your business, you’re not just saving dollars—you’re gaining freedom. You can stop stressing over bills, stop relying on loans, and finally start paying yourself what you’re worth. Imagine being able to reinvest in your business, hire more help, or even take that family vacation you’ve been putting off.
For my client uncovering the hidden cash in her business meant freedom from financial stress and the ability to grow her business without constantly worrying about money.
Ready to Find Your Hidden Cash?
You don’t have to keep struggling to figure out where all your money is going. By using the Profit First method, conducting an expense audit, focusing on your best clients, and getting financial accountability, you can start finding the hidden cash sitting in your business right now.
Here’s your next step: Download my FREE Quick Start Guide to help you conduct an expense audit and uncover those hidden dollars today. It’s time to take control of your cash flow, pay yourself, and build the thriving business you’ve always dreamed of.
Comments