How to manage cash flow

Details, details 

Running a business can be exciting. Big ideas fill your mind. Put those romantic thoughts aside, for now at least. You need to spend your time on the details of your business. Yes, details can be dull. But if you don’t know what’s happening, no one does. And the first details you should know are your expenses.

Know your expenses

Record every expense you know or anticipate. Record how much they’ll be and when they’ll be payable. And don’t just record the big-ticket items like stock, equipment and wages. Small expenses can accumulate quickly.

Now you know just how much it will cost you to stay in business (at a minimum). There’s another detail you need to get your head around.

Where’s the money coming from?

It’s surprising how many people rush into small business without knowing who their customers will be.

Don’t assume people want what you’re offering. Do your homework. It’s one thing to be niche, but if that niche doesn’t pay the bills then it might be time to reassess. 

Just like your expenses, understand who your paying customers are, how much you can expect them to pay, and when. But, remember some customers can be highly unpredictable when it comes to paying.

How to avoid the avoiders

Some customers will have their invoices paid before the invoice is even issued, while others may take a little while.

A headache for many business owners is spending time following up customers for payment. Depending on your industry, consider asking for a deposit before work begins, or a discount for early payment.

Mobile payment options can help you get paid on the spot, without the need to issue invoices with a payment period. 

Consider an overdraft

An overdraft lets you access more money than what you have in your bank account. It can help cover expenses, but also gets you by if customers don’t pay when you expect them to.

With an overdraft, you’ll be charged interest on the amount you borrow. And you only need to make repayments to keep your balance below your overdraft limit.

An overdraft might just be that safety net you need when juggling your cash flow.

Speak to a business banker

Small business owners wear many hats: sales, human resources, logistics, accounts.

You can’t be an expert in everything.

Find a business banker you can trust. A good business banker will get to know your business almost as well as you do.

Their advice on cash flow and growing your business can help you avoid many of the pitfalls new business owners stumble into.

There’s no shortage of small business challenges to keep your mind racing. But with some good planning and good advice, cash flow doesn’t have to be one of them.