Designing Profits: 5 Reasons to Rethink the Profit First Method

The "Profit First" method, developed by Mike Michalowicz, is a financial management approach where businesses prioritize profit by allocating it before paying expenses. While this method has its benefits, it might not be the best fit for interior designers for several reasons:

1. Complexity of Managing Multiple Bank Accounts: Interior designers typically work on a project basis, dealing with varying costs and income streams. The Profit First method requires setting up multiple bank accounts for different purposes (profit, taxes, operating expenses, etc.). This can lead to complexity in managing finances, as interior designers often have fluctuating income and expenses based on the nature and timing of their projects.
2. Increased Accounting Fees: With multiple accounts to manage, there's likely an increase in accounting and bookkeeping requirements. This can result in higher accounting fees, as more time and effort are needed to track and reconcile transactions across various accounts. For small interior design businesses or solo practitioners, this added expense can be significant.
3. Diversion of Focus from Core Business Activities: As an interior designer, the primary focus should be on design work and client acquisition. Managing a complex financial system like Profit First can divert attention and time away from these core activities. Time spent on understanding and maintaining the financial system could be better utilized in finding new clients, working on design projects, or improving design skills.
4. Variable Project Costs and Income: Interior design projects often have variable costs (such as materials, labor, and other expenses) and income (which can be project-based and inconsistent). The Profit First method, which is based on fixed percentages for expense allocation, might not be flexible enough to accommodate the variable nature of interior design finances.
5. Potential Cash Flow Issues: Given the project-based nature of interior design work, there might be times when large portions of income are needed to cover project expenses. Adhering strictly to the Profit First method could lead to cash flow issues, as significant funds might be allocated to profit or other accounts when they are actually needed for project expenses.

In summary, while the Profit First method offers a disciplined approach to financial management, its complexity, potential for increased accounting costs, and the diversion of focus from core business activities might make it less suitable for interior designers, whose financial needs often require more flexibility and focus on project-based income and expenses.

Kind regards,

Angela Roork, Studio Designer Financial Consultant