Why “Day One” Thinking Is Bankrupting Small Businesses 📉

Everyone loves to quote Jeff Bezos.

“Stay Day One. Day Two is Stasis. Followed by decline.”

Always grow. Always innovate. Always think like a startup.

It worked for Amazon… but should you copy it?

Here’s the truth: Amazon lost money for nearly 20 years. To this day, they operate on razor thin margins.

From 1995 to 2015, they reinvested everything. In 2001, they had over $3 billion in losses. Stockholders bankrolled their dream.

But you don’t have Wall Street. You don't have billions of investment dollars.

The average small business doesn’t have venture capital. Or 10 years to “figure it out.”

They have payroll. Rent. Bills. Family. And they need to eat.

Over 70% of small businesses fail within 10 years.

Most fail not from a lack of ideas—but from a lack of cash flow.

Here’s the problem: too many small businesses chase growth before fixing their operations.

They try to act like Amazon… but without the billions behind them.

Don’t get stuck in Day One.

You need Day Two. Stop growing at all costs.

• Build systems.

• Raise prices.

• Optimize margins.

• Collect customer feedback.

• Run lean and cut costs.

• Make a profit.

Bezos built Amazon with investor money. (Nothing but respect for him!)

You’re building your business on your back and with your bank account.

From a statistical perspective it is safer to focus on profits first!

If you have low amounts of investment capital, focus on survival. Then scale it.

I say this not to keep you small. I want you to win. Winning in business means staying in business.

PS - I would love to do one-on-one coaching with you. It is free. Apply at MikeAndes.com/turnaround

 -Mike