Tried Profit First? Here's What to Do Next

Have you read Profit First by Mike Michalowicz? If not, let me save you a Google search: it’s brilliant. It’s simple. It’s transformative. And if you have read it, chances are you were inspired to finally take control of your business finances, feel more in charge of your cash flow, and start paying yourself like a real CEO.

You might’ve even said, “This! This is the missing piece!” and dove headfirst into setting up those five bank accounts.

But here’s the hard truth: believing in Profit First and successfully installing Profit First are not the same thing.

Where Self-Installation Gets Tricky

In conversations with chiropractors and other small business owners, I hear this story on repeat:

"I started setting it up... but then I got confused. I got distracted. I lost momentum."

Sound familiar?

If you’ve ever attempted to DIY Profit First and found yourself discouraged—or worse, feeling like a failure—please hear this:

You’re not broken. You’re not bad with money. You just need better support.

Many of us are not naturally "numbers people." I’m not stupid (and neither are you!), but when I used to stare at spreadsheets, I’d glaze over. Bookkeepers and accountants would try to explain my financials, and all I’d walk away with was a vague sense of, “I think I get it...?”

That’s why my first attempts at installing Profit First flopped. I understood the concept, but I couldn’t translate it into lasting habits—until I found my numbers whisperer, my now-partner Stacey Buck. With her help, everything clicked.

Why Profit First Is a Team Sport

Profit First isn’t just a cash management system. It’s a behavioral psychology hack that counters our natural money habits—the ones that sabotage us over and over again.

So when you try to install Profit First solo, you’re not just setting up a few bank accounts. You’re actively swimming upstream against your defaults. And that is hard to do alone.

That’s exactly why Stacey and I created the Profit First Book Club—a free community where you don’t have to figure it out on your own.

Whether you’re a visual learner, a question-asker, or someone who just needs accountability and cheerleading, this space was designed for you.

👉 Join the Profit First Book Club

Inside, you’ll get the first two chapters of the book for free and a community of fellow business owners on the same path—so you don’t have to white-knuckle it solo.

What Helped Me Stick With It

Along with community, one tool that’s made a huge difference is the Profit First App. It didn’t exist when I first installed the system (jealous!), but if it had, I would’ve jumped on it.

Here’s why:

• It’s under $20/month (essentials level)

• It gives you a simple, at-a-glance visual of your allocations

• It’s perfect for visual learners (hi, me)

• It keeps you motivated because you see the progress

You can use it on your phone, but I personally love logging in from my computer—more space, more clarity.

TL;DR — Here’s What to Do Next

If you’re working your tail off in your practice but still feeling stressed and underpaid, Profit First can help—but not if you’re stuck trying to do it alone.

Here’s what I recommend:

1. Join the Profit First Book Club — Get the support and momentum you need to install the system successfully.

2. Try the Profit First App — Visual clarity can be a game-changer.

3. Book a Discovery Call — If it’s all still feeling like too much, let’s figure it out together.

You can feel profitable. You can be the master of your financial future. And no, you don’t have to be a spreadsheet wizard to get there.

PS: 👉 Explore the Profit First App (Yes, it’s an affiliate link. No, it doesn’t cost you more. Yes, you get a $99 tool for just $19.99 a month when we team up.).

🚫 My Never Spam Promise

We’ll never waste your time with unsolicited sales messages. The P.S. line will always offer one way we can help, should you ever need it.

— Inspired by Chris Laping