Growing Your Business

Cash Flow: The Secret Small Business Killer

by
Sonu Shukla
on
6/20/2016
Cash Flow: The Secret Small Business Killer

Successfully running a business is all about staying in the black, and cash flow is critical. Whether you’ve launched with your own funds or operate with raised capital, managing cash flow properly is what keeps you in business.

According to Dun & Bradstreet, “90 percent of small business failures are caused by poor cash flow. Put simply, not enough cash coming in the door and too much going out.” Keeping cash flowing comes down to some basics: the management of invoicing and collection, making smart decisions, keeping solid records, and projecting future cash flow. Here’s a list of strategies to make it all work.

The Must-Haves with Invoicing and Collections 

Don’t delay with sending out invoices. Do it right away. As soon as the transaction has taken place, the invoice should be sent for payment. This way, you can get that cash as fast as possible. It’s also important to make it easy for customers to pay. Use tools like QuickBooks for fast payment processing. Not only is this method fast, it syncs payments and fees right into your accounting system.

Don’t avoid accepting credit cards just because of merchant rates. Time is money, and the time you’ll wait for the arrival of a check is a real cash flow killer. To balance off merchant rates, consider increasing what you charge. Set up recurring automatic payments and always follow up on outstanding invoices. And if you’re in a pinch for cash, offer a small discount if the invoice is paid that day. 

Make Smart Decisions with Cash 

What you do with the cash you do have is very important. As a matter of fact, your decisions can be a real game changer. Think smart and pay off bills as late as possible. This strategy will keep more monies in the kitty. Avoid poor decisions like prepaying the office rent for six months, even when offered a discount. This poor move can result in not having enough funds to make payroll.

Maintain Good Records 

Keeping good records allows you to track cash flow closely. You’ll know where all that cash is coming from and going to. Use tools like QuickBooks and Bill.com to ensure that accounts receivable and accounts payable are up to date. And any recurring payments should be entered into tools like QuickBooks. Estimate and track large variable expenses like payroll. Maintaining good records gives you a better handle on cash flow. 

Take It Further by Projecting Future Cash Flow 

Using a potential cash flow formula is like having a crystal ball. Use a formula like actual cash balance + AR-AP = potential cash flow shortage or overage. These types of formulas allow you a detailed look at cash flow and can help you spot a problem before it emerges. Once a problem is identified, you can then apply remedies to fix it. This way, you don’t get blindsided with a cash flow problem. Even consider doing a financial forecast at the end of every month. It’ll give you a good forecast of what’s coming in the future. 

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Sonu Shukla

Sonu Shukla

Sonu Shukla is a CPA, accountant, and tax preparer based in Orlando, FL. Sonu Shukla can assist you with your tax preparation and planning needs. Sonu is more than just another accountant in Orlando, Florida; he is a small business owner himself. It is a position in life that grants him the perspective and insight to emphasize with his clients, bringing them the best service possible. A Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Financial Planner, Sonu possesses the skills, education and experience to demonstrate unerring business acumen and passionately planned financial strategies. Being proactive is key for Sonu, tailoring highly efficient tax plans for his small business clients, all in a one on one environment where he and the client can bounce ideas around until every detail is worked out.

SONU SHUKLA, CPA, P.A.
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Florida

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