Welcome to episode #44 of The Ecommerce Revolution Podcast. Each week, we feature a guest whoâs an expert in their field to share real strategies to help you launch, grow, and win in commerce. If you want support on your journey, join our community of hundreds of entrepreneurs and get access to content, coaching, workshops, and a private network of fellow ecommerce entrepreneurs.
đĽ Quote Worth Sharing:
âCash flow should be as natural as breathing. Inhale: money in. Exhale: money out. If you're not breathing, you're not in business.â â Cash Flow Mike
đ§ž Episode Summary:
Cash flow isn't just another accounting termâit's the oxygen of your business. In this high-energy episode of The Ecommerce Revolution Podcast, we sit down with the one and only Mike Milan, a.k.a. Cash Flow Mike, to uncover why even successful ecommerce businesses can feel like they're constantly gasping for air.
A former state trooper turned financial expert, Mike has helped uncover over $150 million in hidden cash for small business owners. He brings clarity, humor, and powerful frameworks like the âSeven Minute Conversationâ and âWealth on the Shelfâ to make finance feel accessibleâeven fun.
Youâll walk away understanding:
Why making sales doesnât guarantee youâre making money
The real difference between cash flow and profit (and why it matters)
How to avoid inventory traps and spot âwealth on the shelfâ (not to be confused with âElf on the Shelfâ đ)
How to calculate a proper runway for your ecommerce business
Early warning signs of a cash flow crunchâand how to fix it
How his tool, the Clear Path to Cash app are can be a game changer in the finance game
If you're serious about growing a sustainable, stress-free ecommerce business, this is your wake-up call to finally master your cash.
đ Chapter Timestamps:
00:00 â Breathing = Cash Flow
01:00 â Meet Cash Flow Mike
04:30 â The Fear Behind Finances
06:45 â Why Cash Flow is Critical in Early-Stage Ecommerce
08:45 â Profit vs. Cash Flow Explained
10:30 â Calculating Your 3-6 Month Runway
13:00 â The Hidden Cost of Inventory
16:00 â âWealth on the Shelfâ Explained
18:45 â Real-World Inventory Horror Story
22:00 â Early Warning Signs of a Cash Crisis
24:00 â AR/AP Mismatches and the Financial Gap
27:00 â What is Working Capital and How Much Do You Need?
29:00 â The Seven Minute Conversation (FREE Tool)
34:00 â From State Trooper to Finance Educator
36:00 â Growing Broke: The Marriott Story
40:00 â Where Founders Leave Cash on the Table
43:00 â Mikeâs Tools, Programs & Memberships
45:00 â Recommended Accounting Tools & Business Setup Tips
48:00 â AI and Financial Ripple Effects
50:30 â Where to Learn More from Mike
53:45 â Final Thoughts + Community Plug
đ Resources Mentioned:
đ Donât Be a DUMB Business Owner (Mikeâs book)
đ§ Enjoyed this episode?
Subscribe to The Ecommerce Revolution Podcast, leave a comment, and share with a fellow seller. And if you're ready for weekly coaching, community, and content to grow your ecommerce brand, join us at ecomrevolution.co.