Introduction:

"I'm making money—why do I still feel broke?"
If you've asked yourself this while staring at your bank account, you're not alone. Revenue is coming in. Deals are closing. But at the end of the month? Nothing's left.
Here's what most entrepreneurs miss: revenue isn't profit. And that gap is quietly destroying your business.
The patterns keeping you stuck aren't obvious. They're the pricing decisions made out of desperation. The customers you accept because you need validation. The "tax deductions" that actually cost you long-term.
Michelle Mitchell has seen it all—and lived it. From $30K to multiple six figures, she knows how to spot these patterns before they become crises.

Real Story (one person, one action, one result)

A client came to Michelle proud of hitting six figures. The accountant said the numbers looked "fine." But something felt off.
Michelle asked one question: "Did you start a nonprofit or a for-profit company?"
That stung. But it forced honesty.
The business was spending $30 to make every $100. After operating costs, paying themselves, and taxes? There was nothing left. No room to hire help. No margin for error. Six figures in revenue, but structured like a nonprofit.
The fix wasn't working harder or generating more customers. It was stopping the bleeding—cutting expenses with no ROI, raising prices to match value, and finding customers ready to pay for expertise.
Within months, the business transformed. Not from more sales, but from understanding margins.

The Truth (why it matters)

Most entrepreneurs are selling themselves short—literally.
You discount your way into wrong-fit customers. You spend on tools because someone said "tax deduction." You measure success by revenue without knowing what it costs to deliver.
Then you wonder why you can't hire help, why you're burned out, why the "freedom business" feels like a trap.
Here's the pattern:● Create offer based on corporate experience● Present to audience that can't afford it● Lower price instead of finding new customers● Make the sale—but at what cost?● Customer is needy, questions everything, drains energy● You didn't make a sale—you created a headache

Michelle's truth bomb: "You never need to lower the price. Go get a new potential customer."
Revenue is not profit. Profit is what's left after you:● Pay cost to acquire and serve customers● Operate your business● Pay yourself actual salary● Set aside for taxes● Retain for growth

Most entrepreneurs skip this analysis. They see top-line revenue and think they're winning. They're one emergency away from collapse.
And the tax trap? Yes, that expense is deductible. But if you're deducting to zero net income, you can't get a mortgage, car loan, or prove profitability.
The truth: Your business and personal life aren't separate. If Michelle doesn't know you're saving for kids' college or retirement, how can she help structure your business to support it?
Businesses that scale aren't making the most revenue. They have the healthiest margins, clearest profitability understanding, and discipline to stop what doesn't serve them.

What To Do (one clear everyday action)

Stop measuring success by revenue alone. Start tracking your margins.
Calculate your true cost per sale:● What does it cost to deliver this? (time, team, tools, materials)● What am I charging?● What's left after costs?
If you're spending $30 to make $100, you have $70 margin. Honest question: Is that enough to operate, pay yourself, save for taxes, AND retain profit?
Identify your most profitable offer:Your favorite service might be losing money. Meanwhile, something you barely promote could be most profitable.Michelle's advice: "Lean into what actually makes money. Use that profit to fund your passion work."
Audit your expenses:
Every subscription, tool, recurring cost. Ask:● Is this giving me ROI?● Saving time or making money?● Would I buy this again today?
Michelle's clarity: "Sometimes you don't need more customers. You need to stop spending money on things going nowhere."
Document what you learn:When something feels off, don't just move on. Pause. Reflect. Document.That's how you turn experience into expertise.

Conclusion

The patterns keeping you stuck are quiet decisions—pricing too low, wrong clients, expenses that don't move the needle.
Good news: Once you see the pattern, you can change it.
Michelle's question: "Where are you today? Where do you want to be? Who do you need to become to get there?"
The gap between revenue and profit is where most businesses fail. It's also where the strongest are built—because you're not chasing numbers, you're building something sustainable.
Ready to stop the patterns keeping you stuck?
Download Michelle's free guide: 3 Simple Financial Habits Every Entrepreneur Needs
These aren't generic tips. They're foundational habits that helped Michelle go from $30K to multiple six figures—and they'll help you spot warning signs before they become crises.

About the Guest

Michelle Mitchell simplifies complex financial information for entrepreneurs and calls out patterns that don't serve them. With 15 years of experience, she's a guide who helps business owners understand margins, protect profits, and build businesses supporting life goals.
Connect: YouTube | LinkedIn

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