Profit First Book Novels & Stories

‘The accounts should show you that the business has huge potential. ‘These accounts show me that you’re very busy.’ ‘Very.’ ‘But not making a profit.’ She pulled a face. ‘Not yet.’ ‘Interesting, don’t you think, that you’re busy and yet you’re not making a profit?’ Grace stared at him. ‘I suppose that’s the nature of business. It sometimes takes longer than you think to get off the ground. If you look at the figures you’ll see that we’ll soon be in profit.’ ‘I’m well-acquainted with the figures, Miss Thacker.’ He dropped the accounts on the table. ‘And I only have one question.’

Cold sweat had gathered at their temples. "Explain." Oliver's voice was low and heavy, like thunder waiting to break. His fingers tapped the table with measured menace. "How did the system that generated 30 million dollars during Black Friday turn into a useless machine that can't push out even a hundred orders for the Christmas presale? The presale numbers are a disaster. And now, we have penalty notices from the service provider for exceeding usage limits." Everett trembled as he tried to deflect responsibility. "It… It was Ms. Lynn's original system architecture that had problems."

I smiled briefly at the memory, but I quickly focused back on Josh. “I know this is a big decision and it might look risky just from the outside, but trust me, the pros outweigh the cons,” I said firmly. “By my calculations, we would be making three times the profit, doubling the ROI and increasing our work rate in just the first year alone.” Those weren’t just empty claims; I’d spent many late nights crunching numbers from the data I gathered on Josh's company during the time I spent there. “So what do you say, partners?” I extended my hand, palm facing upward for a handshake.

“What do you want, Faro?” Faro’s face became serious as he slid two stacks of papers across Dominic’s desk. He picked up the first one and flipped through the pages. It was the actual financial ledgers of all their businesses. He scanned through it as Faro leaned back in his chair with a shit eating grin on his face. The second stack looked exactly the same. The only difference was that the second stack showed their companies breaking even and some with a little profit margin and nowhere close to what they actually made.

It was to fulfill her promise to Dave. But, to be honest, she was a little hesitant to go to the bookstore with the only hope of finding something. There were many books, of course, and it confused her. Which one to buy it? The introduction seemed boring—she spent a more extended time skimming some chapters—and some too business was very confusing. She could only blink blankly, not understanding at all. Moreover, there were many. She should have asked for his recommendation. She picked up a fairly thick book, around four centimeters. It had ‘Profit’ in the title. And as the title suggested, it talked about how to make a profit in any business.

I needed to understand the difference between Gross and Net profit margins before the morning briefing. I opened the book. The numbers swam before my eyes. I sat down, leaning my head on my hand, forcing my eyes to stay open. Revenue... Cost of Goods Sold... I read the line. I read it again. The warmth of the lamp was so cozy. The silence of the library was so heavy. Just close your eyes for a second, I told myself. Just to clear your head. Then you’ll understand. I lowered my head to the cool paper of the open ledger. Just a second. And then, the darkness took me completely.