Money First CEO

When money feels tight in business, the instinct is always the same: get more clients, chase more sales, push revenue higher. But what happens when you’re already making good money and there’s still nothing left at the end of the month?In this episode, Harman breaks down why more sales can sometimes make a profit problem worse, not better. She walks through what to actually look at instead of chasing another 10K in revenue, why your bank balance can lie to you, and the exact three-line check you can run in Xero this week to find out whether growth is actually making you better off.What you’ll learn in this episode:•          Why chasing more sales can create a bigger version of the same cash flow problem•          The difference between revenue, gross profit and what you’re actually keeping•          Why “my bank balance says I’m fine” is not a business strategy•          How the Profit First bucket system (tax, operating expenses, owner’s pay, profit) gives money a purpose•          The exact three numbers to pull from your Xero profit and loss this week, and the one question to ask about eachResources mentioned:•          Harman’s upcoming masterclass, “I’m Making Good Money, But Why Do I Feel Broke?” (registration link in show notes)•          Book a discovery call with Blu Bookkeepers: blubookkeepers.com.au/contactIf this episode sounds a little too familiar, Harman would love to have a chat. Book a call and let’s find out if the Financial Calm System is what your business needs.🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.Link to expense review🔗 Where to Find Harman:Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.auInstagram: @blubookkeepers    Facebook: @blubookkeepersauTikTok: @profitwithharmanLinkedIn: Harman Johnston📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?Book a Free Discovery Call here📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?Email me directly at: [email protected]

AI can now read your profit and loss in seconds. It can tell you your revenue is up, your expenses have jumped, or your margins have slipped. But can it tell you what to actually do about it?In this episode of Money First CEO, host Harman Johnston tackles a question she's been hearing more and more from friends, clients and fellow business owners: if Xero and AI can now read invoices, reconcile transactions and summarise reports, do you still need a bookkeeper? As a bookkeeper herself, Harman doesn't shy away from the question. Fresh off an AI retreat with Lisa Messenger, she shares an honest, practical take on where AI genuinely helps, where it falls short, and why having more information isn't the same as making better decisions.Harman is clear from the outset — she's not anti-AI. She uses it in her own business and thinks you'd be crazy not to use it in yours. AI is brilliant at the repetitive, time-consuming work that shouldn't be taking up your headspace: coding transactions, matching invoices, spotting patterns, summarising months of numbers in seconds. That's exactly where technology should be carrying the load.But this episode isn't really about the tools. It's about the gap between having information and knowing what to do with it. Harman walks through real examples expenses increasing, hiring decisions, and paying yourself as the owner to show how the same number can mean completely different things depending on the story behind it. AI can spot that your wages went up 15%. It can't tell you whether that's a smart investment in getting yourself out of the day-to-day, or a capacity problem you haven't noticed yet.Why this topic mattersBusiness owners have more financial visibility than ever before — reports, dashboards, cash flow tools, and now AI summarising it all. Yet Harman still hears the same thing from clients: "I'm making good money, but why do I still feel broke?" This episode explains why more data hasn't solved that problem, and what actually will.In this episode, you'll learn:●      Why AI is genuinely useful for the repetitive, time-consuming parts of bookkeeping●      The difference between AI spotting a pattern and understanding the exception behind it●      Why the same number — like a jump in wages or expenses — can mean two completely different things●      What Harman actually considers before telling a client whether they can afford to hire●      Why so many business owners are underpaying themselves, and how to start asking the right questions about it●      What to be careful of before uploading financial or client information into AI tools●      Why Harman believes good bookkeeping is moving from data entry to interpretation and advice●      How the Financial Calm System turns numbers into a plan you can actually followYour practical takeawayOpen Xero and pull up your profit and loss for the last three months. Don't just check whether revenue went up or down, ask yourself, "What is this report actually telling me to do differently?" If you can't answer that question, that's the gap this episode is about.If you're surrounded by reports, numbers and data and you're still not sure what to do next, that's exactly what the Financial Calm System is built to solve.Book your free discovery call.🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.Link to expense review🔗 Where to Find Harman:Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.auInstagram: @blubookkeepers    Facebook: @blubookkeepersauTikTok: @profitwithharmanLinkedIn: Harman Johnston📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?Book a Free Discovery Call here📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?Email me directly at: [email protected]

Most business owners think Profit First is about bank accounts. It is really about how you lead.In this episode of Money First CEO, Harman Johnston steps away from the spreadsheets for a moment to unpack something bigger: what the Profit First method teaches business owners about leadership, not just cash flow.Because the way you manage money says a lot about how you run your business. Do you plan ahead or react? Do you have systems, or does everything live in your head? Do you make decisions from your numbers, or from how you feel that day? Does your business look after you, or does everyone else get paid first?Harman shares five leadership lessons she has learned through running Profit First in her own business and helping her clients do the same. None of them are really about opening bank accounts. All of them are about becoming a better CEO.Why this topic mattersIt is easy to treat Profit First as a technical bookkeeping exercise: open some accounts, set some percentages, move some money. But underneath the mechanics is a mindset shift. Business owners who put profit and their own pay first are making a leadership decision, not just a financial one. This episode connects the dots between the money system and the identity of the CEO running it.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why giving the important things the leftovers keeps you stuckWhy discipline is not the answer, and what to build insteadWhy your bank balance can lie to you, and what to check insteadWhy paying yourself consistently changes more than your incomeWhy a boring, repeatable rhythm beats one big financial winThe one question to ask yourself this week to find where you are relying on hope instead of a systemA practical takeawayPick one area of your business where you are currently relying on hope rather than a system, whether that is tax, paying yourself, cash flow, your team or your calendar, and choose one small step you can take this week to put a system around it.Ready to create more financial calm?If you are tired of making decisions based on your bank balance or relying on discipline to hold your business together, Blu Bookkeepers’ Financial Calm System is designed to help service-based business owners build the systems of a Money First CEO.Book your free discovery call.🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.Link to expense review🔗 Where to Find Harman:Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.auInstagram: @blubookkeepers    Facebook: @blubookkeepersauTikTok: @profitwithharmanLinkedIn: Harman Johnston📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?Book a Free Discovery Call here📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?Email me directly at: [email protected]

Should your team know how much the business makes? It’s a question most business owners think about constantly and talk about rarely, because it feels like one of those conversations with no safe answer.In this episode of Money First CEO, Harman Johnston tackles the topic head on. Not with a blanket yes or a blanket no, but with a practical middle ground that she uses in her own business, Blu Bookkeepers.Harman starts by naming the fears most owners carry. That if the team sees the revenue, they’ll assume the owner is sitting on a pile of cash and start asking for more money. That if the team sees a rough quarter, they’ll lose confidence and start looking elsewhere. That the numbers are simply private, full stop, because it’s the owner who carries the risk. All of those fears are understandable. None of them mean the answer is silence.Because silence has a cost too. When a team has no visibility, they fill the gap with assumptions, and those assumptions are almost always worse than the truth. They notice when spending gets tighter. They notice when the owner is stressed. They compare their pay to what they imagine the business is making, and they usually get it wrong in a way that breeds resentment.Harman’s answer is strategic transparency. Not opening every account and every dollar, and not keeping the team completely in the dark either. It’s choosing specific, relevant information, sharing it in context, and doing it on a regular rhythm so the conversation becomes normal instead of alarming.In this episode, you’ll learn:What the three biggest fears are that stop business owners from sharing their numbers, and which ones actually hold upFive reasons sharing the right numbers can strengthen ownership, trust and performance across your teamExactly what Harman recommends sharing, including revenue trends, business goals, general cost awareness and role-relevant KPIsExactly what should stay private, including personal income, exact profit and individual salariesA simple test for deciding whether a number is safe to share: can you explain it properlyHow Harman shares numbers with her own team at Blu Bookkeepers, and what’s changed since she startedBy the end of the episode, you’ll have a clear, practical framework for deciding what to share with your team, what to keep to yourself, and how to deliver it in a way that builds trust instead of creating confusion.Your takeaway for this week: at your next team meeting, share one thing about how the business is tracking that you haven’t shared before. See how your team responds, and build from there.Ready to build the financial systems that make sharing your numbers easy?If you want reporting and structure that gives you clarity first, so you can decide with confidence what to share with your team, Blu Bookkeepers’ Financial Calm System can help.Book your free discovery call.🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.Link to expense review🔗 Where to Find Harman:Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.auInstagram: @blubookkeepers    Facebook: @blubookkeepersauTikTok: @profitwithharmanLinkedIn: Harman Johnston📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?Book a Free Discovery Call here📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?Email me directly at: [email protected]

More revenue is supposed to feel like winning. So why do so many business owners find themselves working harder, managing more people and carrying more stress, only to end up with the same amount of money in their pocket?In this episode of Money First CEO, Harman Johnston unpacks a conversation with a client that stopped her in her tracks. The client’s revenue had grown five times over. From the outside, the business looked like a huge success. But when Harman looked at the profit, it was exactly the same as it had been before the growth. Not similar. The same.This episode is about why that happens, and what to do about it before it happens to you.Why this topic mattersGrowth feels like progress. Bigger revenue numbers feel like success. But if your profit isn’t growing alongside your revenue, you haven’t actually scaled your business. You’ve scaled your workload. Harman breaks down exactly why expenses grow faster than most business owners realise, and what separates the business owners who scale profitably from the ones who just get busier.In this episode, you’ll learn:•          Why a five times increase in revenue can still leave you with the exact same profit•          The four hidden reasons expenses grow faster than revenue during a growth phase•          Why spending discipline quietly disappears as revenue increases•          How your role shifting from billable work to management affects your numbers•          Five practical steps to scale without losing your margin•          How Profit First protects profit automatically as revenue grows•          The one number you need to check every month, and it isn’t your revenuePractical listener takeawayPull up your profit and loss and compare your net profit margin to what it was twelve months ago. If revenue is up but your margin is flat or lower, growth is quietly costing you money. This episode shows you exactly where to look and what to do about it.Revenue is vanity. Profit is sanity. And a Money First CEO never confuses the two.Ready to create more financial calm?If you’re scaling your business but not seeing your profit grow with it, Blu Bookkeepers’ Financial Calm System is designed to help service-based business owners protect their margin and become confident Money First CEOs.Book your free discovery call: https://blubookkeepers.com.au/contact🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.Link to expense review🔗 Where to Find Harman:Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.auInstagram: @blubookkeepers    Facebook: @blubookkeepersauTikTok: @profitwithharmanLinkedIn: Harman Johnston📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?Book a Free Discovery Call here📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?Email me directly at: [email protected]

Most business owners can tell you their revenue target. Very few can tell you their financial freedom number.In this episode of Money First CEO, Harman Johnston asks the question most business owners have never properly sat down and answered: not your revenue goal, not your growth target, but the actual amount of money you need coming in consistently for your life to feel genuinely free.Because here’s the pattern Harman sees constantly, including with clients at Blu doing $100,000, $150,000, even $200,000 a month: they’re working long hours, building impressive businesses, and when you ask if they’re where they want to be financially, the answer is almost always “not yet.” Ask them what “enough” would actually look like, and most have never thought about it.That’s the gap this episode closes.Why This Number MattersEvery business starts with a clear number: the amount needed to cover the bills and replace an old salary. But once a business owner passes survival, that number tends to disappear, and “more” quietly becomes the only goal. More revenue fuels progress, and progress feels good, but more isn’t a destination. It’s a treadmill.Without a specific number, there’s nothing to reverse engineer your business around, and no way to know when you’ve actually made it.In This Episode, You’ll Learn•          Why most business owners never define what “enough” means, and what that costs them•          The three layers that make up a financial freedom number: needs, wants and peace of mind•          How to calculate each layer with real numbers, not guesses•          How to turn your personal number into a revenue target your business can be built around•          Why your freedom number isn’t fixed, and what tends to change it over time•          Why a bigger business isn’t always a freer oneA Practical TakeawayHarman walks through a worked example: baseline living costs of $9,000 a month, lifestyle wants of $4,000 a month, and $2,000 a month toward savings and investments adds up to a $15,000 after-tax freedom number. Account for tax, and that might mean paying yourself close to $20,000 a month before tax. If owner’s pay sits around 30% of revenue, that’s a monthly revenue target of roughly $67,000, a number directly connected to the life you actually want to live, not one pulled from a goal-setting workshop.This week’s action: sit down for 20 minutes, work out your own three layers, add them up, then check what you’re currently paying yourself and ask honestly whether you’re on track.Why This Conversation MattersKnowing your number changes what you’re chasing. Instead of measuring success by revenue alone, you’re measuring it against a specific outcome connected to your life, your family and your wellbeing. Growth beyond that number becomes a choice, not a necessity, and growth by choice feels very different from growth by pressure.Ready to build your business around your number instead of chasing revenue for its own sake? Blu Bookkeepers’ Financial Calm System helps service-based business owners get the visibility and structure to become confident Money First CEOs.Book your free discovery call: https://blubookkeepers.com.au/contact🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.Link to expense review🔗 Where to Find Harman:Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.auInstagram: @blubookkeepers    Facebook: @blubookkeepersauTikTok: @profitwithharmanLinkedIn: Harman Johnston📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?Book a Free Discovery Call here📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?Email me directly at: [email protected]

Here’s a question worth sitting with: if your business doubled tomorrow, would you be excited, or would you quietly panic?Most business owners assume growth is the fix. More revenue, more breathing room, more freedom. But in this episode, Harman Johnston makes the case that growth doesn’t solve financial problems, it amplifies them. The businesses that fall over during rapid growth are rarely the ones with a bad product or a weak offer. They’re the ones with a financial foundation that was never built to hold twice the weight.Harman walks through a real client story: a consulting firm doing $80,000 a month with a healthy margin and a business owner who was paying herself consistently. Then they landed a major government contract and revenue jumped to $160,000 a month almost overnight. On paper, it looked like a win. In reality, within three months the wheels were wobbling. New hires, new software, a bigger office, subcontractors to cover the gaps. Revenue had doubled, but expenses had more than doubled, and the margin that was healthy at $80,000 a month was razor thin at $160,000.That’s not a revenue problem. That’s a structure problem, and it’s one of the most common traps in business.Why this topic mattersEvery business owner wants growth. Few stop to ask whether their finances are actually ready for it. Growth tests your infrastructure, not just your ambition, and the gap between “we grew” and “we grew and stayed profitable” almost always comes down to what’s happening behind the scenes with cash flow, tax, team costs and systems.Key takeaways•          More revenue does not automatically mean more available cash. Without the right structure, expenses can grow faster than revenue.•          There are five areas most likely to break under rapid growth: cash flow timing, tax obligations, team costs, systems and processes, and your own capacity as the CEO.•          A healthy financial foundation doesn’t remove the challenges of growth, it makes them manageable.•          Growth should feel exciting, not terrifying. If it fills you with anxiety instead, that’s a foundation problem, not a growth problem.In this episode, you’ll learn:•          Why more revenue doesn’t automatically mean more financial breathing room•          The five things most likely to break when a business doubles in size•          A real client story of what happened when revenue jumped from $80,000 to $160,000 a month•          Seven honest stress-test questions to check if your finances are growth-ready•          Why percentage-based allocations scale with you, while fixed amounts fall behind•          How a cash buffer protects you from the timing gap between spending and getting paid•          The six steps to build a financial foundation that can handle rapid growth•          What the Financial Calm System does to prepare a business for scale•          Why calm growth is a system, not a personality traitPractical listener takeawayGo through Harman’s seven stress-test questions honestly this week. Write down every question where your answer was no. That list is exactly what needs fixing before your next phase of growth, and you only need to start with the first one.This episode is a reality check delivered with genuine care. Harman isn’t trying to talk anyone out of growing. She’s making sure that when growth arrives, it builds you up instead of burying you.Ready to build a financial foundation that can handle growth?If you’re chasing the next revenue milestone but you’re not confident your systems could handle it, Blu Bookkeepers’ Financial Calm System is built to get your finances growth-ready before the growth arrives.Book your free discovery call: https://blubookkeepers.com.au/contact/🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.Link to expense review🔗 Where to Find Harman:Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.auInstagram: @blubookkeepers    Facebook: @blubookkeepersauTikTok: @profitwithharmanLinkedIn: Harman Johnston📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?Book a Free Discovery Call here📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?Email me directly at: [email protected]

You want to look after your team. You want people to feel valued, motivated and excited to stay. But every dollar you hand out in bonuses has to come from somewhere, and if it’s coming from operating cash, you’re one quiet month away from a promise you can’t keep.In this episode, Harman breaks down why most business owners get employee rewards wrong, and walks through the exact system she runs at Blu Bookkeepers to reward her team sustainably, without the guilt, the guesswork or the pressure on margins.Why this topic mattersGood people are hard to find and even harder to replace. Replacing an employee can cost anywhere from 50 to 150% of their annual salary once you count recruitment, training, the productivity gap and the disruption to clients. A well-structured reward system costs a fraction of that, and it tells your team they’re more than a line item on the payroll. But most business owners are running rewards on feeling, not structure, which is exactly what puts profit at risk.In this episode, you’ll learn:•          The four mistakes that make bonuses unsustainable (reactive rewards, over-promising, funding from the wrong place, and rewarding too early)•          Why the real cost of losing a good team member is bigger than most owners think•          How Harman funds a Team Rewards account the same way she funds tax and profit, with every revenue deposit•          Why she waits six months before anyone qualifies, and why tenure decides the share•          The six practical steps to set up your own version of this system•          What to do about the tax and super obligations on bonuses•          The non-financial rewards that cost nothing but matter just as much: time off, development, recognition, autonomy and small gesturesPractical takeawayOpen a separate bank account this week and label it Team Rewards. Decide on a starting percentage, even a small one, and add it to your next round of revenue allocations. In six months, you’ll have a funded reward ready to distribute, without touching your profit, your pay or your operating cash.The bottom lineRewarding your team doesn’t have to hurt your profit. When it’s built into your system properly, it protects profit by retaining the people who help generate it.Ready to work out what percentage your business can actually sustain? Book a discovery call with Blu Bookkeepers and we’ll model it against your current numbers.🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.Link to expense review🔗 Where to Find Harman:Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.auInstagram: @blubookkeepers    Facebook: @blubookkeepersauTikTok: @profitwithharmanLinkedIn: Harman Johnston📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?Book a Free Discovery Call here📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?Email me directly at: [email protected]

We talk a lot on this podcast about profit first percentages and Xero reports, but this episode is about something most business owners avoid completely: the money conversation with your partner.I'm not a relationship expert or a therapist. I'm a bookkeeper and a Profit First Professional, and I've lived the tension of business money spilling into home life. In this episode I'm sharing why this conversation is so hard, what happens when you avoid it, and exactly how to have it in a way that brings you and your partner closer instead of pushing you apart.Key takeawayYour partner doesn't need every financial detail. They need honesty, context and a plan.What we cover•    Why business income creates a different kind of pressure at home than a regular pay cheque•    The two patterns that don't work: silence and conflict•    The three things your partner actually needs to hear•    How Profit First builds trust without a finance lesson•    A step by step guide to having the conversation well•    What to do if your partner doesn't understand the business, or is too involved•    This week's five minute action step“Nothing builds trust faster than showing someone there's a system protecting the family's financial future.”🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.Link to expense review🔗 Where to Find Harman:Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.auInstagram: @blubookkeepers    Facebook: @blubookkeepersauTikTok: @profitwithharmanLinkedIn: Harman Johnston📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?Book a Free Discovery Call here📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?Email me directly at: [email protected]

Budgeting does not need to mean a complicated spreadsheet you build once and never look at again.In this episode of Money First CEO, Harman Johnston breaks down a simple, practical approach to small business budgeting that helps you understand where your money is going, protect the money that matters and stop expenses quietly eating into your profit.Harman shares the three layers of a simple business budget, why expense creep is one of the biggest silent profit killers in small business, and the regular money habits that can help you make calmer, more confident financial decisions.In this episode, you’ll learn:·       Why many small business owners avoid budgeting and end up spending based on feel·       The three simple layers of an effective business budget·       How to use your average monthly revenue as a realistic budgeting baseline·       Why owner’s pay, tax and profit should be protected before operating expenses·       How expense creep can quietly reduce your profit margin·       The three questions to ask when reviewing recurring business expenses·       Simple spending rules that take emotion out of business purchases·       Why your budget needs a buffer for unexpected costs·       How to plan for annual and quarterly expenses before they become a cash flow problem·       How to use budget versus actual reporting in Xero to spot variances and ask better questionsHarman’s simple budgeting framework1. Revenue: Use your average monthly revenue from the last six months as your realistic baseline.2. Protected money: Allocate owner’s pay, tax and profit before spending on the business.3. Operating expenses: What is left becomes the spending limit for running the business.Your Money First action this weekPull up your recurring expenses in Xero. Choose three subscriptions, tools or ongoing charges you have not reviewed in at least six months. Ask: Am I still using this? Is there a better deal? Is it earning its place?That one exercise could save your business hundreds of dollars a month.🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.Link to expense review🔗 Where to Find Harman:Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.auInstagram: @blubookkeepers    Facebook: @blubookkeepersauTikTok: @profitwithharmanLinkedIn: Harman Johnston📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?Book a Free Discovery Call here📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?Email me directly at: [email protected]

Your business is busy. Revenue is coming in. But you are still wondering where the money goes.If more profit feels like it would require more clients, more work and longer hours, this episode is for you.In this episode of Money First CEO, Harman Johnston shares five practical ways service-based business owners can increase profit without adding more to their already full week.You will learn how to spot hidden expenses, review pricing with confidence, separate your cash properly, plan for hiring and create a simple weekly money routine that helps you make better decisions.This is a must-listen if you are working hard in your business but not seeing enough left over for profit, tax or your own pay.In this episode, you will learn: Why more revenue is not always the answer to more profit  How to find expenses quietly reducing your margins  Why reviewing your pricing matters more than you think  How Profit First helps you stop guessing what you can afford  How to prepare for a new hire without putting pressure on cash flow  The weekly money habit that helps you lead like a CEO Your next level of profit may not come from doing more.It may come from paying closer attention to what is already happening in your business.Listen now and start making your money work harder than you do.🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.Link to expense review🔗 Where to Find Harman:Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.auInstagram: @blubookkeepers    Facebook: @blubookkeepersauTikTok: @profitwithharmanLinkedIn: Harman Johnston📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?Book a Free Discovery Call here📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?Email me directly at: [email protected]

This month Harman invested $20,000 back into her business. Not on a new car or a fancy rebrand. On four strategic investments that most business owners overlook. In this episode she breaks down exactly where every dollar went, the thinking behind each decision, and what it means to spend like a Money First CEO.If you have ever hesitated to hire a professional, avoided learning something new, or felt uncomfortable talking about money in your business, this episode is for you.What You Will Learn•       Why hiring a professional copywriter is one of the highest-return investments you can make•       How to approach AI as a business investment, not a trend to wait on•       The real reason avoiding sales is costing you clients, not saving you integrity•       A simple Profit First strategy for prepaying annual subscriptions at EOFY•       How to make spending decisions from data, not fearKey Timestamps•       [00:01:00] The $20k reveal and why Harman is sharing it•       [00:02:00] Investment 1: Professional copywriting for the Financial Calm System•       [00:05:00] Investment 2: AI retreat and why staying on the sidelines is a risk•       [00:07:00] Investment 3: Sales retreat and the truth about ethical selling•       [00:10:00] Investment 4: Annual subscription prepayments and EOFY tax strategy•       [00:13:00] Tying it all together: what it actually costs to build a business that lasts•       [00:16:00] Your one takeaway for this week"The business can only grow as fast as the person running it."🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.Link to expense review🔗 Where to Find Harman:Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.auInstagram: @blubookkeepers    Facebook: @blubookkeepersauTikTok: @profitwithharmanLinkedIn: Harman Johnston📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?Book a Free Discovery Call here📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?Email me directly at: [email protected]

Everyone loves talking about the wins. The new clients. The revenue milestones. The growth.  But what if the biggest lessons in business come from the mistakes?  In this honest and personal episode of Money First CEO, Harman Johnston shares the business mistakes that cost her time, money, energy and growth during the early years of building Blu Bookkeepers.  What You'll Learn: • Why waiting too long to hire can stunt business growth • The hidden cost of trying to do everything yourself • Why being available 24/7 is hurting your business • The importance of paying yourself consistently • How to avoid burnout while still growing • Why asking for help is a leadership skill  Listen to the full episode now!🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.Link to expense review🔗 Where to Find Harman:Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.auInstagram: @blubookkeepers    Facebook: @blubookkeepersauTikTok: @profitwithharmanLinkedIn: Harman Johnston📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?Book a Free Discovery Call here📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?Email me directly at: [email protected]

Most business owners wear doing everything themselves like a badge of honour. But what if doing it all is the very thing holding your business back? In this episode of Money First CEO, Harman Johnston shares the lessons he learned the hard way about delegation, outsourcing, and letting go. From copywriting and branding to ads, email marketing and bookkeeping, Harman breaks down the hidden cost of DIY and why trying to save money often costs far more in lost time, lower quality results, and missed opportunities. If you’re constantly overwhelmed, stretched thin, and feel like the bottleneck in your business, this episode will help you think differently about outsourcing and leadership. What You’ll Learn • Why being across everything is different from doing everything • The true cost of DIY in business • How to calculate the value of your time • The biggest mistakes Harman made trying to do everything himself • Why outsourcing is an investment, not an expense • When it’s time to hire a bookkeeper • How Money First CEOs think about delegation Key Takeaway Your job is not to do everything. Your job is to lead everything. The fastest growing businesses are built by owners who focus on their strengths and surround themselves with experts. Timestamps 00:00 Welcome 04:00 The trap of doing everything yourself 14:00 What I tried to do myself and why I stopped 26:00 Why bookkeeping is the perfect outsourcing example 50:00 How a Money First CEO thinks about outsourcing 56:00 Final thoughts and your next step 🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.Link to expense review🔗 Where to Find Harman:Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.auInstagram: @blubookkeepers    Facebook: @blubookkeepersauTikTok: @profitwithharmanLinkedIn: Harman Johnston📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?Book a Free Discovery Call here📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?Email me directly at: [email protected]

End of financial year isn't about tax. It's about making better business decisions. In this episode, Harman walks you through seven practical things every business owner should do before June 30 so you can close the year with clarity and start the new one with intention. In this episode: Why EOFY is a leadership moment, not just a compliance deadline Get your books up to date so every decision is based on real numbers Chase overdue invoices (one of our clients collected $42k in three days) Know exactly where your cash sits across every account Get a rough tax estimate before the bill arrives Review how the year actually went, revenue vs what you kept Pay yourself and explore tax savings before June 30 closes the window Set clear financial targets so next year has direction  Mentioned in this episode: Profit First system and account allocations The importance of super being received by the fund before June 30 How a $25k super contribution saved one client $8k in tax  Ready to get clarity on your numbers before June 30? Book a free discovery call with Harman at blubookkeepers.com.au🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.Link to expense review🔗 Where to Find Harman:Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.auInstagram: @blubookkeepers    Facebook: @blubookkeepersauTikTok: @profitwithharmanLinkedIn: Harman Johnston📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?Book a Free Discovery Call here📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?Email me directly at: [email protected]

Most business owners know their revenue.Some know how many clients they have.Very few know the one number that tells them whether their business is actually working.Their profit margin.In this episode of Money First CEO, Harman Johnston breaks down why so many business owners are operating without this critical number, even when they’re generating six figures a month.You’ll learn how to calculate your profit margin, why revenue can create a false sense of success, and how understanding this one number can completely change the way you make decisions as a CEO.Harman also shares a real client story that highlights what happens when you finally gain financial clarity and stop guessing where the money is going.What You’ll Learn• The number every business owner should know• The difference between gross profit and net profit• How to calculate your profit margin• Why revenue does not equal financial health• The four reasons most business owners avoid their numbers• How Profit First creates visibility and control• Why weekly money dates are a game changer• The CEO mindset shift that changes everythingKey Takeaway-Revenue tells you what came in.-Profit tells you what you kept.-If you don’t know your profit margin, you’re making decisions in the dark.Timestamps00:00 Welcome01:00 The number every business owner should know02:30 How to calculate profit margin04:00 Gross profit vs net profit05:00 Why business owners avoid their numbers08:00 Client story and financial breakthrough10:00 The Financial Calm System11:00 Four practical steps to improve visibility13:00 Money blocks and CEO thinking14:00 Next stepsListen now and discover the number that could change the way you run your business.🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.Link to expense review🔗 Where to Find Harman:Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.auInstagram: @blubookkeepers    Facebook: @blubookkeepersauTikTok: @profitwithharmanLinkedIn: Harman Johnston📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?Book a Free Discovery Call here📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?Email me directly at: [email protected]

EOFY is coming.And right now, a lot of business owners are feeling the pressure.Not because their business is failing. Not because revenue is low. But because they still do not feel in control of their money.In this honest anniversary episode of Money First CEO, Harman Johnston shares the real conversations happening behind the scenes with business owners right now.The stress. The confusion. The “where did all the money go?” moments.If you are making decent revenue but still feel anxious about tax, cash flow, or profit, this episode will hit home.Harman breaks down the biggest patterns she is seeing this month, why growth without structure creates more chaos, and how business owners can finally create financial calm heading into EOFY.This episode is emotional, practical, and a reminder that you are not alone.What You Will Learn:·       Why business owners still feel broke despite good revenue·       The real reason EOFY feels stressful·       Why your bank balance creates false confidence·       How growth amplifies money problems without structure·       What Profit First changes inside your business·       The difference between reacting and operating like a CEO·       How the Financial Calm System helps business owners feel in control againKey Takeaway:The problem is not your revenue. The problem is the lack of visibility and structure around your money.When you know where your money is going, business feels calmer.Timestamps:00:00 Welcome to Money First CEO 01:00 Anniversary reflections and behind the scenes 02:00 EOFY pressure for business owners 03:00 Why revenue still feels tight 04:00 The tax stress conversation 05:00 Growth without structure creates chaos 06:00 The masterclasses and biggest lessons 07:00 Why clarity changes everything 08:00 The Financial Calm System explained 09:00 Your next step heading into EOFYIf this episode hit home, listen to the full episode and book a discovery call to learn how to create financial calm in your business.Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and our website.🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.Link to expense review🔗 Where to Find Harman:Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.auInstagram: @blubookkeepers    Facebook: @blubookkeepersauTikTok: @profitwithharmanLinkedIn: Harman Johnston📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?Book a Free Discovery Call here📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?Email me directly at: [email protected]

In this episode of Money First CEO, Harman Johnston breaks down one of the biggest frustrations service-based business owners face:“Why does my business look successful… but I still feel broke?”If your revenue is growing but your bank account tells a different story, this episode explains exactly why.Harman shares: Why revenue growth alone does not create financial clarity  The real reason business owners constantly feel cash flow pressure  Why BAS time keeps becoming stressful  The hidden problem with running everything through one bank account  How Profit First creates structure and calm  The 3-step Financial Calm System used to help business owners regain control in 90 days You’ll also hear real client examples from Australian service businesses who were generating strong revenue but still struggling with: inconsistent owner pay  tax stress  cash flow uncertainty  overspending without realising  feeling anxious every time they opened Xero This episode is for business owners who are: making good money but still stressed about cash flow  paying themselves last  avoiding the numbers  ready to stop guessing and build a proper financial system Your takeaway from this episode:Open your banking app and count how many accounts your business money sits in.If the answer is one, that’s your starting point.🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.Link to expense review🔗 Where to Find Harman:Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.auInstagram: @blubookkeepers    Facebook: @blubookkeepersauTikTok: @profitwithharmanLinkedIn: Harman Johnston📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?Book a Free Discovery Call here📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?Email me directly at: [email protected]

Most business owners think growth comes first.More clients. More revenue. More momentum.But that is not what creates a stable business.In this 50th episode of Money First CEO, Harman Johnston breaks down exactly what she would do if she had to start again from zero. No audience. No clients. No reputation. Just a clean slate.This is not theory.This is hindsight from real experience.If your business is growing but still feels harder than it should, this episode will reset how you think about money, structure, and decision making.What You Will Learn: • Why your money system should come before revenue • The five bank accounts every business needs from day one • Why paying yourself early changes everything • The three numbers every CEO must understand • How to avoid expensive mistakes by building the right financial team • Why discipline beats growth when building a sustainable business • The difference between being busy and building something that lastsKey Takeaway: Do not build growth first. Build control first.Because a business that makes money but does not keep it will always feel harder than it should.Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:00 The question: starting from zero 02:00 Why money structure comes first 03:00 The five bank accounts 04:00 Setting percentages early 05:00 Paying yourself from day one 06:00 Building your financial team 07:00 The three numbers that matter 08:00 Weekly money routine 09:00 Being ruthless with expenses 10:00 Hiring and leverage 11:00 Networking with intention 12:00 Final framework🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.Link to expense review🔗 Where to Find Harman:Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.auInstagram: @blubookkeepers    Facebook: @blubookkeepersauTikTok: @profitwithharmanLinkedIn: Harman Johnston📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?Book a Free Discovery Call here📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?Email me directly at: [email protected]

Hiring feels like growth.More people. More support. More capacity.But for most service-based business owners, hiring too early is not growth.It is a profit leak.In this episode of Money First CEO, Harman Johnston breaks down the real cost of hiring before your numbers are ready and why this common decision quietly drains cash, increases pressure, and stalls momentum.If your business is growing but your bank balance does not reflect it, this is the missing piece.You will learn:Why hiring is usually emotional, not strategicThe hidden costs beyond salary that most owners ignoreHow a $70K hire becomes a $100K mistakeWhy revenue growth can hide profit problems The real signs you are financially ready to hire What to do instead of hiring full-time too earlyTimestamps:00:00 Welcome 01:00 Why hiring feels like growth 02:00 Emotional hiring vs strategic hiring 04:00 The real cost of a hire 07:00 The $100K mistake explained 10:00 When you are actually ready 13:00 Smarter ways to get support 16:00 Your next stepKey Takeaway: Hiring should increase profit, not protect chaos.🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.Link to expense review🔗 Where to Find Harman:Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.auInstagram: @blubookkeepers    Facebook: @blubookkeepersauTikTok: @profitwithharmanLinkedIn: Harman Johnston📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?Book a Free Discovery Call here📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?Email me directly at: [email protected]

Most business owners think being across everything is a strength.It is not.It is the reason they feel stuck.In this episode of Money First CEO, Harman Johnston breaks down the owner trap. The hidden pattern where your business depends on you for everything.If you cannot step away without things slowing down, breaking, or stopping, this is for you.You will learn why control is not the goal, why perfection is costing you growth, and how systems create real freedom.This is not about doing less.It is about building a business that works without you.What You Will Learn:·       What the owner trap actually looks like·       Why being “the one who does everything” is a risk·       The 85% rule and how it unlocks growth·       How SOPs remove decision pressure·       Why delegation fails without systems·       The difference between managing and empowering a team·       The real cost of doing everything yourselfKey Takeaway:If your business cannot run without you, you do not own a business.You own a job.Build systems. Step back. Lead.🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.Link to expense review🔗 Where to Find Harman:Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.auInstagram: @blubookkeepers    Facebook: @blubookkeepersauTikTok: @profitwithharmanLinkedIn: Harman Johnston📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?Book a Free Discovery Call here📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?Email me directly at: [email protected]

Most business owners think tax is the problem.It is not.The real problem is how you manage your money before tax shows up.In this episode of Money First CEO, Harman Johnston breaks down why tax feels like an emergency for so many growing businesses. If you have ever opened a BAS or tax bill and felt instant stress, this episode will hit home.You will learn why strong revenue does not protect you from cash flow pressure, how your bank account is misleading you, and why the lack of a simple system is the real issue.This is not about complex tax strategies. It is about fixing the foundation so tax stops feeling like a crisis.What You Will Learn:Why tax is not the real problem in your business How your bank balance creates false confidence The hidden gap between revenue and what you actually keep Why most business owners overspend without realising How a simple system removes tax stress for good Key Takeaway: Tax is predictable. Stress is optional. If you build the right system, tax stops being a surprise and becomes just another planned expense.Timestamps:00:00 Welcome to Money First CEO 01:00 Why tax feels stressful 02:00 The real problem is not tax 03:00 Where business owners go wrong 04:00 The psychology of spending 05:00 Why systems fix everything 06:00 Your next step Listen now and take control of your cash flow. 🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.Link to expense review🔗 Where to Find Harman:Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.auInstagram: @blubookkeepers    Facebook: @blubookkeepersauTikTok: @profitwithharmanLinkedIn: Harman Johnston📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?Book a Free Discovery Call here📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?Email me directly at: [email protected]

Harman Johnston breaks down the three biggest financial illusions that keep business owners stuck in stress and confusion. Revenue is not clarity. Your bank balance is not profit. And growth is not stability.She explains why these misconceptions create anxiety, poor decisions, and cash flow pressure even in high revenue businesses. Through simple examples, she shows how two businesses with the same revenue can have completely different stress levels depending on structure and visibility.The core message is clear. Avoiding your numbers creates stress, not the numbers themselves. When you build simple systems like Profit First, you remove guesswork and start making decisions like a CEO.This episode will shift how you see your numbers and give you a practical path to regain control.Key Takeaways: Revenue alone tells you nothing about business health  Bank balance includes money that is not yours to spend  Growth without structure increases pressure, not stability  Avoidance creates anxiety. Clarity removes it  Systems beat motivation every time Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome to Money First CEO 01:00 The real problem is avoidance 01:45 Illusion 1: Revenue is not clarity 02:40 Illusion 2: Bank balance is not profit 03:40 Illusion 3: Growth is not stability 04:50 Why systems reduce stress 05:40 Simple next step to regain control 06:10 Wrap up🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.Link to expense review🔗 Where to Find Harman:Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.auInstagram: @blubookkeepers    Facebook: @blubookkeepersauTikTok: @profitwithharmanLinkedIn: Harman Johnston📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?Book a Free Discovery Call here📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?Email me directly at: [email protected]

Harman Johnston outlines a 15 minute money health check built around five questions to help business owners regain financial control: know your current profit percentage, know how many months of operating expenses you have saved, pay yourself a consistent owner’s wage, separate tax money so it is not spent from the operating account, and track what has changed in expenses over the last 90 days. She explains that revenue without profit and visibility creates stress, that a cash runway reduces urgency, and that expense drift quietly shrinks margins. Her key takeaway is to block 15 minutes this week to answer the five questions with real numbers, and consider Profit First for clearer allocation and structure.00:00 Podcast Welcome00:57 15 Minute Money Check01:42 Question 1 Profit Percent02:32 Question 2 Cash Runway03:16 Question 3 CEO Pay04:00 Question 4 Tax Separation04:31 Question 5 Expense Drift05:12 System Over Motivation05:42 15 Minute Action Plan06:04 Wrap Up And Next🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.Link to expense review🔗 Where to Find Harman:Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.auInstagram: @blubookkeepers    Facebook: @blubookkeepersauTikTok: @profitwithharmanLinkedIn: Harman Johnston📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?Book a Free Discovery Call here📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?Email me directly at: [email protected]

Harman Johnston explains why business owners can hit a record revenue month and still feel broke, focusing on four causes: measuring success by revenue instead of what you keep, spending with false confidence after a high month, failing to retain cash due to a lack of structure, and letting expenses expand as revenue grows. She shows how money disappears when everything sits in one account and gets used, even after a $120,000 month. The key shift is moving from “how do I make more” to “how do I keep more” by using Profit First to split income immediately into profit, owner’s pay, tax, and operating expenses. She encourages listeners to check how much of their best month is still in the business and book a discovery call for help implementing structure.00:00 Show Introduction00:55 Why Big Months Feel Broke01:32 Mistake One Revenue Focus01:59 False Confidence Spending02:30 No Cash Retention02:53 Expenses Rise With Growth03:22 Real Life 120K Example03:48 Keep More With Profit First04:39 Quick Audit And Next Steps05:02 Wrap Up And Call🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.Link to expense review🔗 Where to Find Harman:Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.auInstagram: @blubookkeepers    Facebook: @blubookkeepersauTikTok: @profitwithharmanLinkedIn: Harman Johnston📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?Book a Free Discovery Call here📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?Email me directly at: [email protected]

Harman Johnston flips the Buy Now Pay Later debate to focus on business spending, warning that it creates an illusion of affordability while undermining cash discipline. She explains how BNPL commits future revenue before it arrives, hides true expense levels by dulling the upfront pain, creates fixed obligations during fluctuating months, and disrupts Profit First allocations by fragmenting costs and blurring visibility. She notes business owners often justify BNPL as investment driven by urgency and scarcity, but argues sustainable growth comes from surplus, not strain. Harman urges CEOs to raise their decision thresholds, use payment plans only strategically with clear ROI, and audit all BNPL commitments by testing whether a 20 percent revenue drop would feel calm or stressful.00:00 Show Introduction01:00 BNPL From Expense Side01:56 Layer 1 Future Cash Spent02:37 Layer 2 True Costs Hidden03:13 Layer 3 Fixed Obligations03:48 Layer 4 Profit First Disrupted04:23 Why Owners Use BNPL04:52 The Numbers Reality Check05:28 Discipline Over Convenience06:05 CEO Self Audit Questions06:27 Strategic Payment Plans07:11 Takeaway Audit And Close🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.Link to expense review🔗 Where to Find Harman:Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.auInstagram: @blubookkeepers    Facebook: @blubookkeepersauTikTok: @profitwithharmanLinkedIn: Harman Johnston📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?Book a Free Discovery Call here📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?Email me directly at: [email protected]

Harman Johnston urges business owners to face the “$10K decision” they keep avoiding, arguing it is already costing them money each month through delay. She outlines four common versions: hiring operational support to remove the CEO bottleneck, saying no to low margin draining clients, raising minimum standards through repositioning and pricing, and installing real financial structure using Profit First principles instead of reactive banking and spreadsheets. Harman explains these decisions are hard because they require an identity shift from scrappy operator to CEO ownership. The key takeaway is to name the avoided decision, write it down, and calculate the monthly cost of delaying it, then commit to a clean decision to break the financial ceiling.00:00 Show Intro01:00 The 10K Decision01:52 Hire the Operator02:41 Drop Wrong Clients03:29 Raise Your Standard04:13 Build Money Systems05:04 Why We Avoid It06:05 Name Your Leap06:33 Make It Now07:08 Action Steps and Close🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.Link to expense review🔗 Where to Find Harman:Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.auInstagram: @blubookkeepers    Facebook: @blubookkeepersauTikTok: @profitwithharmanLinkedIn: Harman Johnston📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?Book a Free Discovery Call here📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?Email me directly at: [email protected]

Harman Johnston explains what working with a professional bookkeeper should actually feel like for Australian business owners, challenging the belief that bookkeeping is just data entry, reconciliations, and BAS compliance. She describes how clients often arrive overwhelmed, avoidant, or growing fast but financially messy, and how the right support creates visibility, clean and reliable numbers, and reduced stress. Harman highlights the emotional relief and accountability that come from a monthly rhythm, plus clear reporting and strategic conversations that improve decision making about hiring, marketing spend, and owner pay. She argues that DIY bookkeeping has hidden costs in time, missed mistakes, and delayed opportunities, and that accurate bookkeeping protects profit and enables forecasting, profit planning, and cash flow planning. She closes with a self check question about avoiding numbers and an invitation to book a discovery call.00:00 Show Intro01:00 Episode Topic Setup01:42 Why Owners Seek Help02:24 Shift One Visibility03:05 Shift Two Emotional Calm03:46 What Bookkeeping Is Not04:16 What Great Support Looks Like04:43 The True Cost of DIY05:27 Accountability And Rhythm05:46 Better Decisions And Freedom06:30 From History To Forecasting06:51 Core Takeaway And Next Steps🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.Link to expense review🔗 Where to Find Harman:Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.auInstagram: @blubookkeepers    Facebook: @blubookkeepersauTikTok: @profitwithharmanLinkedIn: Harman Johnston📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?Book a Free Discovery Call here📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?Email me directly at: [email protected]

In this episode, Harman Johnston explains how established business owners can increase consistent owner’s pay without increasing revenue by changing from an operator mindset to a CEO mindset and using Profit First style allocations. She challenges the formula of revenue minus expenses equals profit and shows how expenses often rise with revenue unless pay is protected. Using a $120,000 per month example, she outlines allocating percentages to profit, tax, owner’s pay, and operating expenses to reveal pricing, expense, or margin issues. She highlights three common leaks reducing take home pay: expense creep, emotional spending, and lack of weekly financial visibility. Harman shares her own shift to making owner’s pay non negotiable, tightening expenses, improving pricing, and leading with clearer numbers. The episode closes with a practical audit of the last three months of owner’s pay and an invitation to book a discovery call to build a structure that supports paying yourself first. 00:00 Welcome to Money First CEO (Show Intro & What to Expect)01:00 Today’s Topic: Pay Yourself More Without More Revenue01:39 Why ‘More Revenue’ Doesn’t Fix Owner Pay (The Real Problem)02:26 Operator vs CEO: The Mindset Shift to Paying Yourself First03:12 Let’s Get Practical: A Simple Allocation Example ($120k/month)04:03 When the Numbers Don’t Fit: Pricing, Expenses & Margin Reality Check04:45 The 3 Silent Leaks Shrinking Your Take-Home Pay05:31 My Story: The Day I Made Owner Pay Non‑Negotiable06:29 What You Actually Want: Clarity, Separate Accounts & Peace of Mind07:19 Takeaway + Action Steps (Review 3 Months of Pay)07:41 Call to Action + Closing: Build a Structure That Pays You Now 🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.Link to expense review🔗 Where to Find Harman:Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.auInstagram: @blubookkeepers    Facebook: @blubookkeepersauTikTok: @profitwithharmanLinkedIn: Harman Johnston📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?Book a Free Discovery Call here📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?Email me directly at: [email protected]

In this episode of 'Money First, CEO,' host Harman Johnston discusses the significant shift in a CEO's role as their business grows, specifically why continuing to handle your own bookkeeping can hinder growth. Harman outlines the mental and practical strains of DIY bookkeeping and explains why delegating this task is crucial for making high-level decisions. She provides a clear, actionable takeaway: scheduling a monthly money review meeting to ensure clean, current, and accurate financial insights. This episode emphasizes the importance of stepping back from day-to-day transactions to focus on strategic decision-making, empowering CEOs to lead their businesses more effectively. 00:00 Introduction to Money First, CEO01:00 The Importance of Delegating Bookkeeping01:50 The Pitfalls of DIY Bookkeeping03:13 Shifting from Bookkeeper to CEO05:39 Implementing a Monthly Money Review07:21 Conclusion and Next Steps🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.Link to expense review🔗 Where to Find Harman:Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.auInstagram: @blubookkeepers    Facebook: @blubookkeepersauTikTok: @profitwithharmanLinkedIn: Harman Johnston📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?Book a Free Discovery Call here📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?Email me directly at: [email protected]

In this episode of Money First, CEO, Harman Johnston delves into the common issue business owners face when their profit and loss statements don't align with their bank account balances. Harman explains the crucial distinctions between profit and cash flow, and outlines five key reasons for these discrepancies, including timing differences, large purchases, loan repayments, taxes, and how owners pay themselves. She provides actionable steps like reviewing accounts receivable, planning for big expenses, creating a tax account, and using cashflow trackers to help business owners better manage their finances. The episode emphasises the importance of putting money first to gain clarity, confidence, and financial control. 00:00 Introduction to Money First, CEO01:00 Understanding Profit vs. Cash02:17 Reasons for Profit and Cash Discrepancies04:30 Managing Cash Effectively05:16 Final Thoughts and Action Steps 🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.Link to expense review🔗 Where to Find Harman:Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.auInstagram: @blubookkeepers    Facebook: @blubookkeepersauTikTok: @profitwithharmanLinkedIn: Harman Johnston📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?Book a Free Discovery Call here📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?Email me directly at: [email protected]

In this episode of Money First, CEO, host Harman Johnston shares practical advice on financially preparing for hiring staff. Harman emphasises the importance of proactive planning and introduces a strategic approach to ensure new hires do not become a financial burden. Key tips include opening a dedicated bank account for future hires, building a 90-day payroll buffer, treating hiring as a fixed expense, and other actionable steps to integrate hiring into your cash flow projections smoothly. This episode is packed with insights to help business owners hire with confidence and avoid financial stress. 00:00 Introduction to Money First, CEO01:00 Financial Preparation for Hiring02:09 Creating a Financial Plan for New Hires03:18 Building a 90-Day Financial Runway05:02 Additional Financial Strategies for Hiring05:53 Weekly Takeaway and Final Thoughts 🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.Link to expense review🔗 Where to Find Harman:Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.auInstagram: @blubookkeepers    Facebook: @blubookkeepersauTikTok: @profitwithharmanLinkedIn: Harman Johnston📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?Book a Free Discovery Call here📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?Email me directly at: [email protected]

In this episode of Money First, CEO, Harman Johnston discusses the importance of conducting annual price reviews. Harman guides service-based businesses, retail operators, and manufacturers on strategies to ensure their pricing reflects increased work, costs, and market conditions over the past year. The episode highlights the impact of scope creep, client growth, rising expenses, and new tools on pricing for service-based businesses. Retailers are advised to factor in supplier price hikes, increased operational costs, and product movement into their pricing strategies. Manufacturers are encouraged to reassess unit costs and material inflation. Harman also addresses potential client pushbacks and offers a practical tool for implementing price reviews effectively. Listeners are prompted to review their pricing structures to remain profitable and are invited to visit https://blubookkeepers.com.au/services/profit-first/ for additional resources.Want the spreadsheet?Email: [email protected] us at Instagram: @blubookkeepers 00:00 Introduction to Money First, CEO Podcast01:04 Annual Price Review: A Key Strategy01:41 Service-Based Business Pricing03:30 Retail Business Pricing04:30 Manufacturing Business Pricing05:17 Handling Client Pushback05:59 Weekly Action Step: Implementing Price Reviews06:41 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.Link to expense review🔗 Where to Find Harman:Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.auInstagram: @blubookkeepers    Facebook: @blubookkeepersauTikTok: @profitwithharmanLinkedIn: Harman Johnston📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?Book a Free Discovery Call here📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?Email me directly at: [email protected]

In this episode of Money First, CEO, Harman Johnston discusses a major expense she cut from her business: online courses that were never finished. Harman shares her struggle with 'course addiction' and the financial and mental toll it took. By implementing a strict rule to only buy courses that could be immediately acted upon and setting dedicated time for both learning and execution, she transformed her business. Listeners are encouraged to audit their education spending, commit to completing one course at a time, and focus on actionable steps for real business results.00:00 Introduction to Money First, CEO Podcast01:00 Cutting the Biggest Expense: Unfinished Online Courses02:34 The Real Cost of Course Addiction03:40 Implementing a New Rule for Course Purchases04:16 Creating Time for Learning and Implementation05:22 Focusing on Execution Over Information05:28 Challenge for the Week: Audit Your Education Spending05:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.Link to expense review🔗 Where to Find Harman:Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.auInstagram: @blubookkeepers    Facebook: @blubookkeepersauTikTok: @profitwithharmanLinkedIn: Harman Johnston📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?Book a Free Discovery Call here📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?Email me directly at: [email protected]

In this episode of Money First, CEO, host Harman Johnston reflects on the lessons learned and milestones achieved in 2025, while outlining exciting plans for 2026. Harman shares the mission behind the podcast, emphasising the importance of prioritising financial control to build a business that serves its owner first. Key takeaways include actionable money lessons like building profit with small shifts, separating personal and business finances, and forecasting. The episode also highlights the benefits of slowing down for aligned, profitable growth and investing in a team to sustain business success. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their biggest money win of the past year and set non-negotiable financial goals for the coming year. Expect more in-depth topics, guest insights, tools, and community engagement in 2026. 00:00 Introduction to Money First, CEO01:00 Reflecting on the Past Year01:55 The Money First Mission03:42 Top Five Money Lessons07:19 Personal Insights from 202509:08 Looking Ahead to 202610:32 CEO Reflection Ritual11:05 Closing Thoughts and Community🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.Link to expense review🔗 Where to Find Harman:Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.auInstagram: @blubookkeepers    Facebook: @blubookkeepersauTikTok: @profitwithharmanLinkedIn: Harman Johnston📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?Book a Free Discovery Call here📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?Email me directly at: [email protected]

In this episode of Money First, CEO, host Harman Johnston discusses the critical importance of rest for business owners. Harman explains how intentional rest can be a powerful revenue strategy, leading to clear decisions, better boundaries, and higher profits. The episode includes practical steps for taking a real CEO break, such as creating a money wind-down checklist, setting boundaries, and planning a 'no money zone' period. Harman shares lessons from past episodes and emphasises that rest isn't a reward, but a necessary component for sustainable business growth. 00:00 Introduction to Money First, CEO01:00 The Importance of Rest for CEOs03:26 Key Lessons for a Money First CEO05:02 Practical Steps for a CEO Break07:12 The Rest Challenge🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.Link to expense review🔗 Where to Find Harman:Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.auInstagram: @blubookkeepers    Facebook: @blubookkeepersauTikTok: @profitwithharmanLinkedIn: Harman Johnston📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?Book a Free Discovery Call here📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?Email me directly at: [email protected]

Welcome back to Money First, CEO, with your host Harman Johnston, who shares her journey from a one-person operation to a thriving business through smart money habits and systems. This episode focuses on the importance of delegation, highlighting the pitfalls of trying to do everything yourself and offering practical steps to effectively delegate tasks. Harman discusses how using platforms like Upwork and Fiverr, setting clear expectations, and starting small can free up valuable time for revenue-generating activities. By sharing personal anecdotes and actionable insights, Harman illustrates how proper delegation can boost profits, reduce stress, and provide a better quality of life for business owners. 00:00 Introduction to Money First, CEO01:00 The Importance of Delegation01:38 The Problem with Doing It All03:27 The Power of Delegation05:22 Effective Delegation Strategies07:48 Overcoming Delegation Fears09:16 Conclusion and Takeaway 🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.Link to expense review🔗 Where to Find Harman:Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.auInstagram: @blubookkeepers    Facebook: @blubookkeepersauTikTok: @profitwithharmanLinkedIn: Harman Johnston📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?Book a Free Discovery Call here📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?Email me directly at: [email protected]

Welcome to Money First, CEO, with Harman Johnston, an expert bookkeeper, profit-first professional, and business coach from Sydney, Australia. This episode focuses on envisioning a fearless business quarter, free from self-doubt and overwhelm. Harman emphasises the power of financial clarity and strategic bold moves based on real data. Listeners are guided through actionable steps such as reviewing bank account transactions and making informed decisions to raise prices, cut unprofitable offers, and hire necessary help. The episode challenges business owners to overcome uncertainty, take proactive actions, and lead their businesses with confidence. 00:00 Introduction to Money First, CEO00:56 Overcoming Fear and Taking Bold Actions01:55 Strategies for a Fearless Quarter03:15 The Importance of Knowing Your Numbers04:03 Actionable Steps for Financial Clarity05:26 Challenge for the Week05:52 Conclusion and Next Steps🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.Link to expense review🔗 Where to Find Harman:Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.auInstagram: @blubookkeepers    Facebook: @blubookkeepersauTikTok: @profitwithharmanLinkedIn: Harman Johnston📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?Book a Free Discovery Call here📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?Email me directly at: [email protected]

Unlocking the Five Types of Wealth: A Holistic Approach to Business SuccessIn this episode of Money First, CEO, host Harman Johnston introduces listeners to the five types of wealth, inspired by Sahil Bloom's framework, which she encountered at Angela Henderson's Women in Business Conference. Harman underscores the significance of balancing time, social, mental, physical, and financial wealth to create a thriving business and fulfilling life. She explains how money is instrumental in building each type of wealth and offers practical tips to improve them. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to reflect on their current wealth balance and recognize areas that need attention. Tune in for insights that will help you achieve holistic wealth and unlock the freedom you deserve. Take the wealth score quiz at https://www.wealthscorequiz.com/. For more resources, visit https://blubookkeepers.com.au/services/profit-first/.00:00 Introduction to Money First, CEO00:59 The Five Types of Wealth02:07 Time Wealth: Owning Your Time02:47 Social Wealth: Building Strong Relationships03:27 Mental Health: Clarity and Calm04:07 Physical Health: Energy and Wellbeing04:36 Financial Wealth: Stability and Security05:16 Reflecting on Your Wealth Balance06:01 Conclusion and Next Steps🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.Link to expense review🔗 Where to Find Harman:Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.auInstagram: @blubookkeepers    Facebook: @blubookkeepersauTikTok: @profitwithharmanLinkedIn: Harman Johnston📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?Book a Free Discovery Call here📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?Email me directly at: [email protected]

This is a special episode as we welcome our first guest, Mike Michalowicz. Mike is the author of Profit First and a global expert on small business finance. His mission is to end entrepreneurial poverty, and he's helped thousands of business owners take control of their money.We talk about the real mistakes that keep business owners stuck, the myth of growing your way to success, and why taking profit first is a game changer. If you're feeling the pressure of cash flow or struggling to pay yourself, this episode will help you shift your mindset and take action.In this episode, we cover:The number one money mistake business owners makeWhy growing a business is not the same as scalingHow to start Profit First even if cash is tightThe power of outside accountabilityWhy women often sacrifice too much in business, and how to change thatSimple action you can take today: Open a separate profit account and transfer 1 percent of your income. Small steps build strong habits.Resources mentioned:Grab a copy of Profit First by Mike MichalowiczListen to Episode 5 of Money First CEO where I walk you through how to get started with Profit FirstWant support to put Profit First into practice? We help business owners take control of their cash and grow profit with clarity and confidence. Learn more at blubookkeepers.com.au/services/profit-first🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.Link to expense review🔗 Where to Find Harman:Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.auInstagram: @blubookkeepers    Facebook: @blubookkeepersauTikTok: @profitwithharmanLinkedIn: Harman Johnston📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?Book a Free Discovery Call here📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?Email me directly at: [email protected]

In this episode of Money First, CEO, Harman Johnston discusses the critical importance of setting boundaries in business. Harman shares a personal story about the costly mistake of saying yes to a rush job, highlighting how it drained her resources and affected her profits. She explains why saying no to low-value clients and requests is essential for maintaining profitability and mental well-being. Harman offers a three-step plan for saying no effectively: knowing your priorities, using polite scripts, and offering alternatives. She encourages listeners to start by declining one low-value request this week and tracking the benefits. The key takeaway is that setting boundaries allows business owners to focus on high-margin clients and tasks, leading to greater profits and a more sustainable business. 00:00 Introduction to Money First, CEO01:00 The Power of Saying No01:22 Real-Life Example: The Cost of Saying Yes02:00 The Importance of Boundaries03:45 Steps to Set Boundaries05:32 Action Steps and Conclusion🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.Link to expense review🔗 Where to Find Harman:Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.auInstagram: @blubookkeepers    Facebook: @blubookkeepersauTikTok: @profitwithharmanLinkedIn: Harman Johnston📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?Book a Free Discovery Call here📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?Email me directly at: [email protected]

In this episode, Harman discusses the challenges of dealing with late payments and how it affects cash flow and overall business health. She outlines practical steps to improve debtor follow-ups, including sending friendly reminders, automating notifications, and making payment processes easier for clients. Harman shares a three-step plan to ensure timely payments without alienating clients and offers tips for handling tough debtors. The episode emphasises the importance of disciplined financial practices and provides actionable advice to boost cash flow and profit margins. 00:00 Introduction to Money First, CEO01:00 Chasing Cash, Not Clients01:19 The Pain of Late Payments02:11 Using Debt Collection as a Profit First Tool03:28 Creative Follow-Up Strategies05:17 Handling Tough Debtors06:10 Weekly Takeaway and Conclusion🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.Link to expense review🔗 Where to Find Harman:Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.auInstagram: @blubookkeepers    Facebook: @blubookkeepersauTikTok: @profitwithharmanLinkedIn: Harman Johnston📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?Book a Free Discovery Call here📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?Email me directly at: [email protected]

In this episode of Money First, CEO, Harman Johnston discusses how to keep customers forever with cash-boosting loyalty strategies. She shares her personal experience of losing a $10,000 client and explains the significant costs associated with acquiring new customers compared to retaining existing ones. Johnston outlines a three-step plan to enhance customer loyalty: personalising interactions, creating loyalty programs, and following up with value-added content. She emphasises the importance of loyal customers in stabilising cash flow and boosting profits. Additionally, she provides actionable insights, such as sending personalised thank you notes, which can lead to significant financial gains and stronger client relationships. The episode concludes with a weekly takeaway, encouraging listeners to send a personalised gesture to a loyal customer and observe the impact. 00:00 Introduction to Money First, CEO01:00 Keeping Customers Forever: Cash Boosting Loyalty Secrets01:22 The Cost of Losing Customers02:30 Loyalty as a Cash Flow Strategy03:44 Three-Step Plan to Build Customer Loyalty05:26 Overcoming Challenges in Customer Retention06:06 Weekly Takeaway: Strengthening Customer Connections06:44 Conclusion: Start Building Loyalty Today🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.Link to expense review🔗 Where to Find Harman:Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.auInstagram: @blubookkeepers    Facebook: @blubookkeepersauTikTok: @profitwithharmanLinkedIn: Harman Johnston📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?Book a Free Discovery Call here📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?Email me directly at: [email protected]

Mastering the 80/20 Profit Hack: Work Less, Earn More In this episode of 'Money First, CEO,' host Harman Johnston is focused on helping business owners leverage the 80/20 rule (Pareto Principle) to maximise their profits while reducing work hours. Harman shares her own experience of how focusing on top revenue-generating clients significantly increased her profits. She explains the importance of analysing sales data to identify high-value clients or products and offers actionable steps to prioritise them while phasing out or delegating less impactful tasks. Harman underscores that this approach not only boosts cash flow and profitability but also reduces stress and improves business sustainability. Listeners are encouraged to apply these principles gradually and track their progress, positioning themselves for financial freedom and sustained success.  00:00 Introduction to Money First, CEO 01:00 Welcome Back and Today's Topic: The 80/20 Profit Hack 01:20 Understanding the 80/20 Rule 02:00 Applying the 80/20 Rule in Business 03:38 Steps to Implement the 80/20 Rule 05:04 Overcoming Resistance and Final Thoughts 05:52 Action Steps and Conclusion 🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.Link to expense review🔗 Where to Find Harman:Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.auInstagram: @blubookkeepers    Facebook: @blubookkeepersauTikTok: @profitwithharmanLinkedIn: Harman Johnston📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?Book a Free Discovery Call here📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?Email me directly at: [email protected]

Hiring can make or break your business finances. In this episode of Money First CEO, I share how to build a cash-savvy team that helps you grow profits without draining your bank account. I talk about how rushing into hiring can hurt your cash flow, why hiring strategically is a Profit First move, and how to make sure every hire adds value, not stress.  I walk through my own story of hiring too fast and how it hit my cash flow hard. Then, I share how I turned things around by applying Profit First principles to the hiring process. We’ll talk about how to decide when to hire, what to delegate first, and how to measure if your team is truly paying off.  You’ll also hear my three-step system for hiring smart: identifying tasks that don’t need you, starting small with part-time or freelance help, and tracking results from day one. Plus, I explain how I use Profit First accounts to fund team growth without touching profit or owner’s pay. The takeaway? Hire slow, test before you commit, and make sure every dollar spent gives you time, energy, or income back. A team built this way will grow your business, not drain it.🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.Link to expense review🔗 Where to Find Harman:Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.auInstagram: @blubookkeepers    Facebook: @blubookkeepersauTikTok: @profitwithharmanLinkedIn: Harman Johnston📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?Book a Free Discovery Call here📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?Email me directly at: [email protected]

In this episode of Money First, CEO, Harman Johnston gets real about one of the biggest mindset shifts in business: charging what you’re truly worth. If you’ve ever hesitated to raise your rates or felt weird asking for more money, this episode is exactly what you need.Harman shares the story of how undercharging in her early days nearly burned her out, and how switching to value-based pricing changed everything. From breaking down what undercharging really costs you, to simple steps for raising your rates, this is a must-listen if you’re ready to grow without guilt.You’ll hear: - The real impact of low prices (it’s more than money) - Why pricing based on time is keeping you stuck - A simple formula to help you charge with clarity - What to say when someone says “you’re too expensive”Money First Move This Week: Pick one offer. Raise the price by 10–15%. Test it. Track how it feels. Watch your confidence grow.🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.Link to expense review🔗 Where to Find Harman:Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.auInstagram: @blubookkeepers    Facebook: @blubookkeepersauTikTok: @profitwithharmanLinkedIn: Harman Johnston📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?Book a Free Discovery Call here📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?Email me directly at: [email protected]

In this episode of Money First, CEO, Harman Johnston explores the powerful framework from Adam Grant’s Give and Take that categorises people into Givers, Takers, and Matchers. Learn how each type shows up in business, why givers tend to both fail and succeed the most, and what separates a sustainable giver from a burnt-out one.You’ll discover: - How to recognise your giving style and its impact on your energy, profits, and boundaries - The warning signs of overgiving and how to shift to strategic generosity - How to use the Profit First system to give with structure and clarityWhether you’re a coach, creative, or service provider, this episode will help you protect your energy while continuing to lead with value.🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.Link to expense review🔗 Where to Find Harman:Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.auInstagram: @blubookkeepers    Facebook: @blubookkeepersauTikTok: @profitwithharmanLinkedIn: Harman Johnston📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?Book a Free Discovery Call here📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?Email me directly at: [email protected]

One of the biggest mistakes I see business owners make is treating their business like a personal ATM. Logging into your business account, seeing money sitting there, and using it for groceries or personal bills might feel harmless - but this habit will keep you broke, stressed, and stuck.In this episode of Money First, CEO, I share how I used to treat my business like a piggy bank, the financial chaos it created, and the exact system I now use to separate business and personal money with absolute clarity. I explain why mixing your business and personal finances leads to messy bookkeeping, unnecessary accountant questions, and painful director’s loan accounts that create unexpected tax bills.The turning point came when I implemented Profit First and set up separate bank accounts for income, profit, owner’s pay, tax, and operating expenses. I’ll show you how this structure allows you to pay yourself consistently like a CEO, stay on top of taxes, and actually see real profit in your business.If you’ve ever felt like you’re working hard but never getting ahead financially, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to stop treating your business as your bank account and start using it as a true wealth-building tool.🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.Link to expense review🔗 Where to Find Harman:Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.auInstagram: @blubookkeepers    Facebook: @blubookkeepersauTikTok: @profitwithharmanLinkedIn: Harman Johnston📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?Book a Free Discovery Call here📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?Email me directly at: [email protected]

Making smart investments in your business can feel tricky. We’ve all been tempted by late-night offers, shiny software, or coaching packages that promise the world. But the truth is, there’s a big difference between investing from strength and investing from stress. In this episode of Money First, CEO, I share how to make confident investment decisions without draining your business or relying on impulse.I walk you through the difference between smart spending and emotional buying, and why the most successful CEOs create a buffer for their future investments before they ever need them. You’ll learn how to set up a “Next Best Thing” account to prepare for growth opportunities, the importance of planning for non-financial costs like time and training, and how to map out your expected return on investment before you say yes.We also talk about the red and green light test for spending decisions, a simple way to pause before making an emotional purchase and give yourself clarity around whether the timing and purpose are right. By the end of this episode, you’ll have practical steps to make smarter decisions that support long-term stability and growth, not short-term panic.The key takeaway? Don’t invest from stress. Invest from structure and strength.🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.Link to expense review🔗 Where to Find Harman:Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.auInstagram: @blubookkeepers    Facebook: @blubookkeepersauTikTok: @profitwithharmanLinkedIn: Harman Johnston📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?Book a Free Discovery Call here📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?Email me directly at: [email protected]

Credit cards can be a controversial topic in the Profit First world. The standard advice is to avoid them completely, stick to cash, and keep things simple. And for many business owners, that’s the safest path. But what if I told you there’s a way to use credit cards strategically inside a Profit First system without falling into debt, losing track, or jeopardising your cash flow?In this episode of Money First, CEO, I share exactly how I use my American Express card for business expenses only—without ever paying a cent in interest and while earning meaningful rewards that benefit my family. I walk through the difference between using a credit card as a funding source (a recipe for stress) and using it as a payment method for planned operating expenses.I explain why discipline, structure, and cash allocation matter more than the card itself, and how I make sure my card usage stays aligned with Profit First principles. I also share my weekly routine for paying off the balance, how I separate personal and business spending, and the rewards strategy that’s allowed me to fund travel and upgrades without dipping into personal savings.The key takeaway? Credit isn’t the problem - confusion and lack of structure are. If you know your numbers, stick to your allocations, and treat your card like a tool, you can enjoy the benefits without the debt stress.🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.Link to expense review🔗 Where to Find Harman:Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.auInstagram: @blubookkeepers    Facebook: @blubookkeepersauTikTok: @profitwithharmanLinkedIn: Harman Johnston📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?Book a Free Discovery Call here📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?Email me directly at: [email protected]