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Why Small Financial Tweaks Matter More Than You Think

What if small, consistent changes could make your business 37 times better by the end of the year? The 1% Rule shows how tiny daily improvements can lead to massive growth in your finances and profits. Let’s dive into how applying this principle can transform your cash flow, pricing, and financial systems.

What is the 1% Rule?

The 1% rule is about getting 1% better every day—small, manageable changes that add up over time. This strategy is rooted in the Japanese philosophy of Kaizen, which emphasizes continuous improvement. Popularized by James Clear’s Atomic Habits, it has led to massive success in areas like British cycling, where small tweaks led to multiple Olympic golds and Tour de France victories.

How Can You Apply the 1% Rule to Your Finances?

As a creative entrepreneur, your business has many moving parts—pricing, cash flow, client management, etc. Instead of overhauling everything, start by making small tweaks that improve your financial systems over time.

1. Save 1% More Profit

Set aside just 1% more of your revenue as profit. It may not seem like much, but it adds up quickly. If you’re not already doing this, grab my free guide, The 5 Bank Accounts Every Photographer Needs in Their Business, to get started.

2. Track Income & Expenses

Make it a habit to track your income and expenses regularly. A simple financial dashboard can help you understand where your money is going, so you can make informed decisions.

3. Pre-Plan Your Spending

Pre-define your business expenses (like new gear, marketing, or workshops) to avoid impulsive buys. By creating a budget, you’ll stay aligned with your long-term goals.

4. Automate Payments & Savings

Automate your bills and savings to streamline cash flow and reduce mental load. This creates a system that runs smoothly, giving you more time to focus on growing your business.

5. Raise Your Prices by 1%

It’s a small change that can significantly boost your revenue over time.

6. Reduce Debt by 1%

Use the 1% rule to tackle debt—whether business or personal—by increasing your payments just a little each month. The key is consistency.

7. Send invoices one day earlier

This small shift can improve cash flow and ensure on-time payments.

Consistency + Time = Results

This is the ultimate equation for success! The power of the 1% rule comes from consistency. Small, daily improvements may not seem impactful at first, but over time, they snowball into impressive results. Don’t expect instant success—stay consistent and trust that time will bring the compound effect.

Start Small, Think Big

Transforming your business finances doesn’t require a massive overhaul—it’s about making small, consistent changes. Pick one area to improve by 1% today and watch your results snowball over time.

Want to learn more? Listen to the full episode of The Good With Money podcast, or grab my free guide, The 5 Bank Accounts Every Photographer Needs in Their Business, to start managing your cash flow more effectively and building profits.

Listen to the full episode or Download the free guide.