Welcome to episode #44 of The Ecommerce Revolution Podcast. Each week, we feature a guest who’s 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.
🔥 Quote Worth Sharing:
“Cash flow should be as natural as breathing. Inhale: money in. Exhale: money out. If you're not breathing, you're not in business.” — Cash Flow Mike
🧾 Episode Summary:
Cash flow isn't just another accounting term—it'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 “Seven Minute Conversation” and “Wealth on the Shelf” to make finance feel accessible—even fun.
You’ll walk away understanding:
Why making sales doesn’t guarantee you’re making money
The real difference between cash flow and profit (and why it matters)
How to avoid inventory traps and spot “wealth on the shelf” (not to be confused with “Elf on the Shelf” 😉)
How to calculate a proper runway for your ecommerce business
Early warning signs of a cash flow crunch—and 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.
📍 Chapter Timestamps:
00:00 – Breathing = Cash Flow
01:00 – Meet Cash Flow Mike
04:30 – The Fear Behind Finances
06:45 – Why Cash Flow is Critical in Early-Stage Ecommerce
08:45 – Profit vs. Cash Flow Explained
10:30 – Calculating Your 3-6 Month Runway
13:00 – The Hidden Cost of Inventory
16:00 – “Wealth on the Shelf” Explained
18:45 – Real-World Inventory Horror Story
22:00 – Early Warning Signs of a Cash Crisis
24:00 – AR/AP Mismatches and the Financial Gap
27:00 – What is Working Capital and How Much Do You Need?
29:00 – The Seven Minute Conversation (FREE Tool)
34:00 – From State Trooper to Finance Educator
36:00 – Growing Broke: The Marriott Story
40:00 – Where Founders Leave Cash on the Table
43:00 – Mike’s Tools, Programs & Memberships
45:00 – Recommended Accounting Tools & Business Setup Tips
48:00 – AI and Financial Ripple Effects
50:30 – Where to Learn More from Mike
53:45 – Final Thoughts + Community Plug
🔗 Resources Mentioned:
📘 Don’t Be a DUMB Business Owner (Mike’s book)
🎧 Enjoyed this episode?
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