Episode 607 - Growing a Business: Cash Flow, Debt & Relationships

Episode 607 - Growing a Business: Cash Flow, Debt & Relationships

Author: Henry Lopez May 11, 2026 Duration: 15:37

Grow a healthier business by managing cash flow, using debt strategically, and building strong business relationships.

Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/607-growing-a-small-business/

Growing a business requires far more than simply increasing sales. It demands financial discipline, smart decision-making, and strong relationships.

In Part 2 of this entrepreneurial roundtable series, Henry Lopez is joined again by Giuseppe Grammatico, Rocky Lalvani, and David Barnett for a practical conversation about what it really takes to grow a small business.

The discussion begins with one of the most important topics for entrepreneurs: cash flow management. Rocky explains the principles behind the Profit First system, created by Mike Michalowicz, and why many business owners fail to recognize financial problems until it's too late. They also discuss why relying only on bank balances can create dangerous blind spots and how cash flow systems can provide early warning signs when something in the business model is broken.

The conversation then shifts into debt and leverage. The panel explores the difference between using debt strategically to fund profitable growth versus using debt to cover operational problems or poor financial management. David shares examples of how business owners can misuse lines of credit and why understanding the purpose behind borrowing is critical to long-term business health.

Finally, the group discusses the importance of relationship building and networking for business growth. Henry shares why getting out into the community, identifying referral partners, and building meaningful connections remain essential growth strategies for local and service-based businesses.

This episode is packed with practical advice for entrepreneurs who want to build a stronger and more sustainable business.

This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com


Henry Lopez hosts The How of Business-How to start, run, grow and exit a small business. It’s a practical resource for anyone who wants to move beyond just the idea of entrepreneurship and into the actual work of building something. Each week, the focus is on the tangible steps and decisions involved in a business’s entire lifecycle, from that initial launch through to managing daily operations, scaling up, and even planning a future exit. You’ll hear straightforward conversations that dig into specific topics, breaking down complex challenges into manageable advice. Often, Henry sits down with a small business owner who shares their real-world experiences-the successes and the setbacks-offering a genuine look at what it takes. This podcast is built on the understanding that running a business is a series of learned skills, and it aims to provide those lessons without fluff. Whether you're sketching your first plan on a napkin or steering an established company toward growth, the discussions here are meant to be directly applicable to your own journey. Tune in for a regular dose of clarity and concrete strategies from someone who understands the day-to-day realities you face.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The How of Business - How to start, run, grow and exit a small business.
Podcast Episodes
602 – Why Your Business is Stuck [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:01
How profitability and scalability constraints in your business model keep you stuck and how to diagnose and remove them to finally grow. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/602-why-your-business-is-stuck/ I…
601 – 2026 Franchise Trends with Giuseppe Grammatico [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:04
The latest in key franchise trends, including AI-driven efficiency, stronger franchisor support, and high-demand service industries. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/601-franchise-trends-giuseppe-grammat…
600 – Create Your Own Category with Kevin Maney [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:50
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599 – When Should You Outsource Your Bookkeeping? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:18
When to outsource your bookkeeping, how outsourcing compares to hiring an in-house bookkeeper, and best practices for working effectively with a bookkeeping service. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/599-…
598 – Do Your Leaders Know the Score? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:50
If your leaders don't know how they're measured, you can't expect consistent performance or real ownership. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/598-do-your-leaders-know-the-score/ Frustrated with inconsiste…
597 – Why Your Business Will Sell [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:07
Five practical reasons your small business will sell and how to intentionally build long-term exit value. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/597-why-your-business-will-sell/ Most business owners say they w…
596 – Marketing in the AI Era with Shannon Bailey [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:10
How AI is reshaping small business marketing and why clear positioning and strong messaging matter more than ever. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/596-shannon-bailey-marketing-and-ai/ Branding and messa…
595 – Plan to Succeed, but Prepare to Fail [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:30
Planning improves your odds of success, but accepting risk, making decisions with incomplete information, and learning quickly from failure are what ultimately move a business forward. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehow…
R423 – Overcoming Decision Paralysis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:46
How to overcome Decision Paralysis - assessing risk, limiting over analysis, and taking action are essential to moving a business forward. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/r423-overcoming-decision-paraly…
594 – At-Will Employment with Claudia St. John [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:34
What At-Will Employment really means for small business owners. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/594-claudia-stjohn-at-will-employment/ At-will employment gives small business owners flexibility, but mis…