Red Flags
Warning patterns small business owners should notice early — in margins, cash flow, pricing, and growth.
Margin risk
Sales Are Growing, But Profit Is Not
Revenue is up but profit is flat or falling — a classic margin problem.
Read Cash flow riskProfit Exists, But Cash Is Missing
The P&L looks healthy while the bank balance keeps dropping.
Read Pricing riskDiscounts Bring Orders, But Not Money
Higher volume, lower margin — the promotion trap.
Read Service business riskI Am Busy, But Not Earning Enough
Non-billable time quietly reduces real hourly income.
Read Working capitalStock Is High, But Cash Is Low
Working capital trapped in unsold inventory.
Read Growth riskRevenue Is Growing, But Costs Grow Faster
Cost inflation is eating the benefit of growth.
Read Investment riskA New Investment, Payback Unclear
Equipment, ads, or tools bought without a payback estimate.
Read Customer concentration riskToo Much Dependence on One Customer
Stable revenue hiding heavy concentration risk.
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