MONEY: 15 TIPS TO HELP GET YOUR CASH FLOW SORTED

MONEY: 15 TIPS TO HELP GET YOUR CASH FLOW SORTED

There are some simple ways to ensure that 2015 doesn’t become the year of the cash flow woes. It can be much harder for big business than a SME to quickly adjust to take advantage of new opportunities or to detour to avoid disaster. A little extra advance planning though can mean the difference between boom or bust.

1. Smooth out the season

The festive season can be a sizzling sales sensation for some SMEs and a farcical fizzer for others.

If you’re currently riding high in bonanza territory, don’t see it as a one-off. Stash some cash for those moments when your business is more lonesome cowboy than John Wayne.

If you’re in a financial hole, pole vault out of it and leap to put in place a January resolution to boost cash assets to get a jump on the year.

2. Push for upfront payments

Map when your clients might take a little longer than usual to pay.

At Easter, and of course Christmas, push for upfront payments so your business isn’t put on hold while the bunnies and reindeers are busy doing their thing.

Overdue invoice? Late delivery? A quick phone call can often resolve things more quickly and effectively. Leave the streaming to Netflix, not endless emails.

Asking for accounts to be fully or partly settled in advance can also help identify problem payers as well as uncover the Accounts Champions of 2015.

3. Think ‘Christmas’ all year

Growing your customer base is a sure-fire way of improving immediate profits and long-term viability.

Some proprietors see their business an extension of their personality. This means they might be providing a service or product that meets only their needs.

If you imagine that it’s your job to play Santa all year round, what gifts would you give your clients, whether they are naughty or nice?

It’s not really possible to understand what you can give until you can see your business from their point of view.

Think of three typical clients: who are they, where do they live and work? What interests and motivates them? And that card to go with the gift, how might you personalise the message to each of them?

4. The only stuff that’s secret is what you haven’t yet found out

Want to know even more about your customers? Ask them.

Want to know even more about your competitors? It may seem ridiculously simple, but Google them. There’s often no need to guess what the competition is up to. It’s usually online for all to see.

And if you’re feeling truly inquisitive, find some squirrelly way of soliciting how your customers feel about your competitors.

5. Are all systems GO?

It can be tempting to begin the new year assuming everything is in place and set to go … after all, it all worked OK last year, didn’t it?

With more knowledge about your clients and competitors, do a systems check: What new skills do you need? Is there a need for a faster, more secure website with live chat or better in-store or over-the-phone customer service? Would your product descriptions make sense to someone who has never heard of you? Is there a staff member who has an interest in a more financially-viable role? Are you still relying on faxes when new software can do the job? When did you last update your accountancy software?

Sometimes smaller short-term investments can lead bigger long-term gains.

6. Sweat the small stuff

A small increase in the profit margin of each and every sale combined with more customers and stronger positioning against competitors can significantly boost cash flow.

Small efficiencies can also do much for the bottom line. While it might not be thought fashionable to sweat the small stuff, it’s the little things that keep customers coming back for more and an eye for detail the keeps cash flow in control.

7. Cut costs

You don’t have to go the full Scrooge to cut costs. After all, shrinking a business isn’t the best way to guarantee an effective cash flow.

Only give the gifts that count; look at the expenses that generate the results. If there’s spending that’s not going anywhere, stop it before you too wind up at a dead end.

Resolve: If it’s not generating income, don’t spend it.

8. Sort your suppliers

Did some suppliers fall off your Christmas card list? Have a clean out and review old agreements. Use the new year to renegotiate better terms and conditions, cheaper fees or added value from suppliers.

9. Embrace chaos

Monitor the market and see what others are offering. Shop around and take advantage of any volatility that could see a good return or an opportunity to dispose of seemingly unsaleable stock.

10. Credit only where credit is due

Some SMEs survive on a boom and bust cycle. When customers want to spend up big, check their credit before celebrating.

If in doubt note the warning signs, tighten your terms and conditions or initiate a strict cash-on-delivery or EFT electronic funds transfer policy.

Putting the squeeze on doesn’t need to be a permanent preoccupation. July 1 provides the perfect opportunity for review.

11. Let the banks pay

Accepting credit card payments means the issuing financial institution, rather than your business, carries the risk.

So this year why not take advantage of the bank’s generosity and let them give the gift of an interest-free period?

12. Tax doesn’t go on holidays

It can be easy to overlook setting aside extra cash for to cover regular outgoings during the year’s financial fluctuations. PAYE, GST and ACC levies don’t go on holidays even though staff do.

Take note of due dates, set aside adequate funds in a holding account, and don’t be tempted to use this money to compensate for a drop in cash flow. Be aware that increased sales attract extra GST, so plan ahead.

13. Spend other people’s money, wisely

Building business based on borrowing is a well-practised principle. Ensure that any sudden solution adopted to stump-up a slump doesn’t become a long-term liability.

Carefully consider the borrowing terms. Unless needing backing for major, long-term capital investment, short-term options such as an overdraft or credit card payment might be enough to tide your business over.

If family or friends are part of your cash flow rescue plan, ensure their agreement well before a loan is needed. Professionalism remains essential. Prepare a written agreement that details all terms and conditions and have it signed by all parties, well before breaking out the bubbles to celebrate.

14. Don’t let it rain on your parade

Having a respectable, additional cash reserve in a separate, high interest bearing account could mean that every financial cloud literally has a silver lining.

15. Keep it real

Financial reports need to clearly and accurately detail the basics: what funds are available today, what is tied up, and what is owed.

If you haven’t already done so, make a New Year’s resolution to keep financial reporting real, and monitor your cash flow daily for many happy returns throughout 2015.

Source: http://www.news.com.au/finance/business/money-15-tips-to-help-get-your-cash-flow-sorted/story-fnkjidjt-1227203040728

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