Using a Proven System Makes Things Easier

Welcome to this week's Profit First Club newsletter! 

Hi, Profit First Enthusiasts!

This week, I’m sharing some of the most valuable insights I’ve gained through personal experiences and client conversations. These lessons focus on client engagement, overcoming challenges, simplifying systems, prioritising people, and tracking personal wealth. Each is designed to inspire and empower you as you grow your business and secure your financial future.

Reading time - 5 minutes.

1. Ask the Right Questions

When engaging with clients, one of the most impactful questions you can ask is: “What does success look like for you in three years?” This question opens the door to a deeper understanding of their goals—both professional and personal. It helps you move beyond being just a service provider to becoming a true partner in their journey.

This exercise is particularly valuable if you work with other business owners. When you align your work with their vision, you create a stronger bond and uncover ways to add value that others might miss. At CTA, we’re focusing more on this type of conversation to build lasting client relationships and deliver results that truly matter.

2. The Ceiling of Complexity

If you’ve ever felt stuck in your business, unsure how to take things to the next level, you’re not alone. This is what I call hitting the “ceiling of complexity”. It happens when you’ve scaled as much as your current systems, processes, or mindset can handle.

The key to breaking through isn’t to push harder—it’s to pause, reassess, and reimagine. Often, this means simplifying your operations, bringing in fresh perspectives, or building a stronger team. It’s important to understand that hitting a ceiling is not a failure—it’s a normal part of growth. Once you break through, you’ll likely hit another one down the road. Growth is a journey of continually solving the next challenge.

3. Simplify to Amplify

I’ve always been fascinated by simple systems that deliver outsized results. Recently, I noticed how BBC Radio 1 categorises songs into A-list (top hits), B-list (rising stars), and C-list (emerging tracks). It’s such a simple way to organise something as dynamic as music.

This got me thinking about where we overcomplicate things in our businesses. Are there tasks you’re trying to reinvent when a proven system already exists? For example, Profit First is a simple yet powerful system that ensures financial clarity. What systems could you adopt—or adapt—that would help you focus on what truly matters instead of getting bogged down in unnecessary complexity?

4. Person First, Always

At CTA, our first core value is “Person First”. This applies to every interaction, whether it’s with clients or team members. It’s easy to get caught up in the transactional nature of business, but behind every deal, email, or task is a person with unique goals, challenges, and emotions.

When you prioritise understanding and empathy, relationships flourish. This human-first approach doesn’t just benefit clients—it also transforms how you lead your team. Employees who feel valued and understood are more engaged and productive. As a business owner, focusing on the person behind the task can create a ripple effect of trust and loyalty throughout your organisation.

5. Track Your Wealth

For years, I’ve been tracking my business metrics, but I recently started applying this discipline to my personal finances with what I call a “Wealth Log”. It’s a simple spreadsheet where I track my assets (like property, savings, shares, and business value) and liabilities (like mortgages and loans) to calculate my net worth.

The process is straightforward but incredibly powerful. Every month, I ask myself: Is my wealth growing or shrinking? This long-term perspective keeps me focused on my financial goals, even during tough times. Looking back over five years of data has been especially rewarding, reminding me of the progress I’ve made despite recent challenges. If you’d like the template, let me know—I’m happy to share it.

Each of these insights is rooted in the philosophy of continuous improvement and intentional growth. As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts—whether it’s about Profit First, these insights, or your own experiences. Let’s keep pushing forward, together.

Until next week,
Stephen Edwards

2025 Mastermind Applications Now Open

Also, I’m excited to announce that in 2025, I’ll be launching a mastermind group for business owners who are ready to take their growth to the next level. If you’re looking to scale your business, gain new insights, and be part of a supportive and driven community, reach out to me to learn more!

Profit First Bonus Session - Deep Dive Part 1

Free Proactive Profit First Accounting Meeting

Book Your Free Meeting HERE

Book a Call To See How CTA Can Help You and Your Business

Want some help?

3 Ways I can help you.

1. If you are not a client then you can book a call HERE so we can learn more about your business.

2. If you are a client and we don’t already help you with Profit First, email me via [email protected] to arrange a chat about the Profit First System and how it can increase your cash balance and profits (guaranteed)

3. Get some tax tips from my TikTok HERE