Operating a small business successfully is not an easy task. The truth is that 20% of startups tend to wind up the very first year of its launch. By the end of 5 years, only half of them manage to survive. Among those shutting down their doors, approximately 50% of them cited lack of adequate business finances as the main reason. It is necessary to cover expenses and pay salaries.
Top Cash Flow Problems faced by small businesses and their solutions
1. Improper budget:
If you don’t set a clear budget to meet business expenses, you are likely to end up with a huge debt. Hence, create a realistic budget and adhere to it stringently. This way, you can derive a tool to analyze expenditures as well as adapt to emerging demands quickly.
2. Inconsistent or limited Cash Flow Problems:
Cash flow management is a major problem faced by majority of the small businesses. Effective invoicing can help cover monthly bills. You can also accumulate cash to grow your business. An ongoing issue faced is liquidity. Optimize cash-to-cash conversion cycle to access capital.
3. Insufficient capital:
The fact is that one among five small business owners applying for funding before completion of five years were denied. About 82% owners lacked knowledge of their companies’ credit scores and Money Management. Those with better understanding were sanctioned a loan. The different paths to raise capital are private equity, venture funding, back loans and SBA backed loans. You can even approach your family member or friends for capital or use personal savings.
4. Not being prepared to face unforeseen expenses:
It could derail even the best-laid plans of any small business. Establish auto transfers to savings account from business checking account during good times. Having dedicated account can help derive cash reserve to grow during the right time or overcome tough times.
5. Skipping essential reporting:
Record whatever financial transactions have occurred in your small business taking a bookkeeper’s help. The terms generally include sales, earnings and expenses. Financial data reporting is not mandatory for private companies. Poor record keeping might only result in serious issues. Improper deductions combined with revenue misstatements on tax forms leads to higher interest charges, fines or even jail.
6. Excess debt:
‘Bootstrapping’ to success is often a route that entrepreneurs tend to take. They take loans to start a new business. Taking loans than what is possible to be repaid back will only mean disaster for the new business. Reduce costs, use runaway extenders, set proper Financial Goals, etc.
7. Untimely bill payment:
It is necessary to pay utilities, landlords, vendors on time. Often late payment is overlooked. But paying late every time will only mean damage relationship. Implementing an automated system or utility bill management solutions can help save precious time and money. Also are reduced data entry errors while preventing fraud.
8. Poor tax compliance:
Overpaying IRS is only likely to complicate things. It is an accepted fact that Money Management is tough. Small businesses accounting to about 85% tend to overpay their annual federal income taxes. Such situations do take money, effort and time to work through.
9. Poor marketing strategies:
If you have business expansion plans, then you need to devise strategies to grow your customer base. Come up with viable marketing strategies that will attract your targeted clients and retain them. You may even consider outsourcing your marketing to specialist marketing companies and freelancers.
10. Mix personal and business finances:
It only leads to financial disaster. Experts state that business and personal funds should be maintained separately. Otherwise monitoring funds becomes difficult, thereby damaging the company’s value. Internal and government auditors consider it to be a major red flag.
Almost all companies suffer from cash flow issues. It is necessary to set right your business finances if you desire to survive and succeed in today’s highly competitive environment.
