Cash Flow Is Oxygen: Protect It Like Your Mission Depends On It

Last week I wrote about gross profit margin—how it creates the fuel your business needs to serve your mission. A strong margin means you have room to hire well, invest wisely, and sustain what you’ve built.

But margin alone isn’t enough.

Cash flow is where the rubber meets the road.
Because you can have great margins on paper… and still run out of cash in real life.

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You Can’t Lead if You Can’t Breathe

It’s easy to confuse profitability with health.
You see a decent net income on the books and think, “We’re doing fine.”

But then payroll hits. Vendors want payment. Taxes come due.
And suddenly, you’re gasping for air.

Cash flow isn’t about how much you made. It’s about how much you have—and when.

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Margin + Cash Flow = Space to Lead

Strong gross profit margin gives you financial fuel.
Healthy cash flow gives you breathing room to lead.

Together, they create the real margin every business owner needs—not just in dollars, but in decision-making, peace of mind, and the ability to not be reactive.

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Watch Out for These Cash Flow Traps:

• Assuming next month’s revenue will fix this month’s shortfall

• Waiting too long to collect on receivables

• Growing without a cushion (hiring, inventory, equipment)

• No rhythm to forecast cash in and out

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Reflect + Act

If margin protects your mission, cash flow sustains your leadership.
Here are a few questions to reflect on this week:

• Are you regularly reviewing your cash flow—weekly, not just monthly?

• Do you know your cash reserve threshold (how low is too low)?

• What one move could you make this week to strengthen cash flow?

Remember: profit is a theory, cash is reality.
And you can’t fulfill your mission if you’re constantly gasping for breath.