Running a business isn’t just about passion. It’s about money—how you earn it, spend it, and keep it. In a recent episode John Golden sat down with Kash, CEO of Icon Foods and CFO of multiple companies.
Kash has been through it all. She knows what it takes to manage finances, stay profitable, and keep a business on track. Her advice? Don’t ignore the numbers. Here’s what she shared and how it can help you.
Why Financial Management Matters
Many entrepreneurs focus on big ideas but forget the financial side. That’s a mistake. Kash warns that enthusiasm alone won’t pay the bills. A business can bring in revenue but still struggle if expenses aren’t under control.
What You Can Do:
✔ Track Every Expense: Use accounting software to closely monitor your spending.
✔ Review Finances Monthly: Make time to check in on your business’s financial health.
✔ Learn the Basics: Take a course, read a book, or hire a financial expert to help.
Profitability: It’s Not Just About Sales
Making money isn’t the same as keeping money. A business can have high sales and still lose money if costs are too high. Kash compares it to flying first class—once you experience success, it’s hard to scale back. But spending too much can be a downfall.
What You Can Do:
✔ Focus on Net Profit: Look at what’s left after expenses, not just how much you bring in.
✔ Think Before You Spend: Analyze the real benefits before purchasing.
✔ Adjust Your Lifestyle: Be willing to cut back personally if your business needs it.
Budgeting: Your Business’s Financial Roadmap
A budget isn’t just a plan—it’s a guide to help you make smart decisions. Kash says budgeting enables you to predict expenses, control spending, and prepare for the future.
What You Can Do:
✔ Make a Detailed Budget: Include all expenses and expected income. Use past data to make it accurate.
✔ Stick to It: Only change the budget if there’s a strong reason with a clear return on investment.
✔ Update as Needed: If the market shifts, adjust your budget to stay on track.
Hidden Costs: The Silent Profit Killers
Some expenses creep up without notice. Kash calls them “business termites.” If you don’t catch them early, they can destroy your bottom line.
What You Can Do:
✔ Break Down Costs: Get specific when tracking expenses to spot hidden spending.
✔ Audit Regularly: Review your financials often to find and fix issues.
✔ Negotiate with Vendors: Look for better deals with suppliers to lower costs.
The Power of Mission and Vision
Your mission and vision aren’t just words. They shape every decision you make. Kash stresses that successful businesses stay aligned with their core purpose.
What You Can Do:
✔ Define Your Mission & Vision: Make sure you know what your business stands for.
✔ Make Aligned Decisions: Every choice should support your long-term goals.
✔ Communicate Clearly: Share your vision with your team to keep everyone on the same page.
The Art of Saying No
Not every opportunity is a good one. Kash believes that knowing when to say “no” is a skill every entrepreneur must learn.
What You Can Do:
✔ Evaluate Every Offer: Does it fit your mission and goals? If not, pass.
✔ Stay Focused: Only invest time and money in things that move your business forward.
✔ Decline with Confidence: It’s okay to turn down opportunities that don’t make sense.
Leaning Into Your Strengths
A business grows best when it focuses on what it does well. Kash advises entrepreneurs to find their strengths and build on them.
What You Can Do:
✔ Know Your Strengths: Identify what makes your business stand out.
✔ Invest in What Works: Put time and resources into improving your best areas.
✔ Differentiate Yourself: Use your strengths to set yourself apart from competitors.
Marketing & Trade Shows: Are They Worth It?
Marketing is important, but not all strategies pay off. Trade shows, for example, can be great—or a waste of money. Kash says the key is knowing your return on investment (ROI).
What You Can Do:
✔ Track ROI: Measure what you’re getting from every marketing effort.
✔ Be Selective: Only participate in trade shows and events that align with your goals.
✔ Measure Success: Look at numbers, not just impressions, to see what’s working.
Staying Adaptable in a Changing Market
The market never stays the same. Kash urges entrepreneurs to stay flexible and adjust when needed.
What You Can Do:
✔ Stay Informed: Keep up with industry trends and economic shifts.
✔ Listen to Feedback: Customers and employees can give valuable insights.
✔ Pivot When Needed: If something isn’t working, be willing to change direction.
Final Thoughts: Building a Strong Business Foundation
Financial success doesn’t happen by chance. It takes discipline, smart decisions, and a willingness to learn. Kash’s advice is simple: track your money, stay focused, and make choices that align with your business goals.
What’s your biggest financial challenge as an entrepreneur? Drop a comment below! ⬇️
Our Host
John is the Amazon bestselling author of Winning the Battle for Sales: Lessons on Closing Every Deal from the World’s Greatest Military Victories and Social Upheaval: How to Win at Social Selling. A globally acknowledged Sales & Marketing thought leader, speaker, and strategist, he has conducted over 1500 video interviews of thought leaders for Sales POP! online sales magazine & YouTube Channel and for audio podcast channels where Sales POP! is rated in the top 2% of most popular shows out of 3,320,580 podcasts globally, ranked by Listen Score. He is CSMO at Pipeliner CRM. In his spare time, John is an avid Martial Artist.
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