Profits Over Gross

I’m going to keep saying this until I basically can’t talk anymore.

Profits over gross.

I asked this question earlier this year, and I’m asking it again because it changes everything:

What’s your profit margin?

Seriously.
That one question changes the game.

via GIPHY

I don’t give a damn how much you make.
I care about how much you keep each month — especially if you’re trying to grow, adapt, and actually build a business instead of surviving month to month.

If you want less stress and more control, you have to operate like a profitable business. That’s how you prepare for the times when things don’t go exactly as planned.

Start With the Basics

Here are a few things you can (and should) do right now.

Check Your Net Profit Margin

Here’s the simple formula:

Revenue – Expenses = Profit

What does that number look like?
Is it healthy — or uncomfortable?

Audit Your Operating Expenses

Take a hard look at where your money is going.

• What recurring subscriptions are you paying for but not using?
• What expenses are quietly creeping up?
• Are your costs outpacing your revenue?

Cut what doesn’t matter.
Then ask yourself: what could I add or improve on the sales side to increase profit?

Plan Your Growth Intentionally

Start listing out:

• Upcoming projects
• Marketing initiatives
• Lead acquisition plans
  
  

Profitable businesses are growing on purpose, not sitting stagnant and hoping things improve.

Make Profit a Game

Too many business owners only look at revenue.

You shouldn’t.

Track both:

• Your total profit
• Your profit percentage
  
  

Then try to get that number up — even a little — month by month.

Ask yourself:

• Can I improve my margin?
• Can I sell extra products?
• Do I have upsells?
• Add‑ons?
• Merch?
• Premium programs?

There are so many ways to increase profit without burning yourself out.

Pay Yourself Like a Business Owner

Once you’ve identified your profit, don’t leave it sitting there.

Take it out.
Redistribute it intentionally:

• Checking
• Savings
• Investments
  
  

This is something we talk about a lot — and I go much deeper into it in my book:

The Money Fight: Take Down Your Money Problems,
Slam Your Self Doubt, and Fight Your Way to Financial Freedom

Final Truth

Running a business is hard enough.

Running an unprofitable business is often more stressful than having a job.

Make profitability one of your goals this year — and every year.

Profits over gross.

I’m not going to stop talking about this until more business owners have less stress and more profitable businesses.

So ask yourself:

What could you do today to make your business more profitable?

Get Around the Right People

If you want to follow the footsteps of successful entrepreneurs, you hang out with successful entrepreneurs.

You’ll learn:

• What works
• What to avoid
• How they think
• How they execute

And you’ll absorb the drive and discipline that gets things done.

If you’re a martial arts school or academy owner, check out our free Facebook community.

We share:

• Marketing tips
• Sales strategies
• Business systems
  
  
• Support and answers to relevant questions
  
  

👉 Join the Combat Business Success community

See you inside.

And remember —

Profits over gross.