Top 12 Ways to Increase Your Cash Flow

Cash is vital to a business’s survival. Hal Shelton is an angel investor, SCORE mentor, and author of The Secrets to Writing a Successful Business Plan. He says that cash flow mismanagement is one of the main reasons why companies fail to succeed.

Although it can be difficult for small businesses to control their cash flow, it is essential. You may feel out of control after the past year. There are many ways to improve your cash flow management and boost it. Here are some.

How to Increase Your Cash Flow

1. Monitor and Document the Process

If you don’t keep track of your cash flow, it is impossible to manage, improve, or increase its management. Many accounting programs such as Sage Intacct and QuickBooks can help you track your cash flow. It’s even easier to keep track of your cash flow with a cloud-based system.

It is important to regularly review your account’s payables and receivables. This will allow you to see how much cash is coming in at any given time and how much money needs to be paid out. You can also manage all your receivables, payables, and billings from one place if you use an automated cloud-based payment processing system, such as bill.com.

A glance on your Bill.com dashboard will show you a list of all the money coming into your business each month-your receivables. This includes payments from customers, interest, loan proceeds, and other financial transactions. Your payables are the money that flows out of your company each month (rent, payroll, and cost of inventory, materials, etc. You can find out more.

Shelton states that there are many common mistakes small business owners make when managing cash flow. Many people mistakenly believe that they only need to prepare cash flow projections once a year, when budget time is available.

Shelton suggests that instead of focusing on one year at budget time, you project cash flow each month and [create] an ongoing 12-month forecast.” If you are worried about making payroll, Shelton recommends that you create a weekly cash projection.

The past cash flow statements will be used to calculate your cash flow projections. Start with one year of cash flow statements if you have seasonal cash flows. If your cash flow is steady, then go for three to six months. This is a simple exercise if your Bill.com dashboard shows it.

Depending on your current cash flow situation, you can compare your cash flow projections for the week or month to your actual cash flow statement, and adjust your projections accordingly.

This is your job, so don’t think it is. Shelton states that another mistake small business owners make is to think “cash flow” is an accountant’s job. Shelton said, “Accountants report upon past activities. CEOs are responsible for making things happen in the future and must be aware of the cash impact of any decisions or actions they make.
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2. Cut Costs

Cash is tight? Or are you worried about it? Then take a look at your expenses to find out where you can trim. Are your rents too high? You may be able to negotiate with your landlord to reduce the rent if you are actually renting office space or retail space. Many companies operate remotely.

Are you really required to work in an office or can you operate a virtual business? This could save you lots of money on overheads.

Are you actually reading the magazines, newspapers, or newsletters you are paying for? Unsubscribe if you are not. Is it possible to save money by accessing the information online?

Are you paying annual membership dues to your local organizations? Are you getting any benefit from being a member of these organizations? Consider quitting your membership if you don’t feel the benefits.

Are you a current customer of your insurance policy? Is your current insurance policy offering the best value? Are you able to get the same coverage at a lower price? Before you commit, shop around.

3. Payout Process: Carefully Examine

You can save time and money by switching to automated payments systems like Bill.com. Bill.com claims that their clients are paid 2x faster by using digital invoices, automated reminders, electronic payments, and electronic invoices.

Ask customers/clients to pay a deposit upfront and then the balance when the project is completed. Consider dividing the project into stages, and billing for partial payments upon completion.
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4. Negotiate / Incent Better Payment Terms

Are you getting a net of 60 from your customers? Are you able to increase that number to a net 30 by offering discounts on early payments? To make sure you get paid sooner, it is important to do the math.

You can convert your monthly customers who are loyal to you into an annual contract by offering a discount on the monthly price.

5. Get a Line of Credit

If you are facing a cash flow crisis, business lines of credit can be a great option. You don’t have to pay anything unless you actually use the money. The best time to apply is before you actually need the credit.

6. Consolidate or Renegotiate Your Business Debt

Talk to your lenders if you owe money right now. Talk to your lenders about negotiating a lower interest rate and longer payment terms that can increase your cash flow. Many lending institutions created special programs to assist struggling businesses during the COVID-19 epidemic.

7. Sell Business Equipment you’re Not Using

Do you have the equipment you at this point don’t require? Consider offering it to assist with expanding your income. Contingent upon your industry, you might have the option to create income by selling your equipment on Amazon or eBay. Your exchange affiliation may have a spot to promote your overabundance of equipment.

8. Rent, Don’t Buy New Equipment

In case you’re in the market for new equipment, technology, or an organization vehicle, consider renting it as opposed to buying it by and large. That way, you get the most forward-thinking forms without outlaying a great deal of money front and center.

9. Dispose of Excess Inventory

Is it accurate to say that you are a retailer or distributor with additional stock? Try not to store it or let it occupy significant floor room. Have a blowout deal, both coming up and on the web. In case you actually stay with items, contact an outlet.

You will not get a ton of cash, however, something is superior to nothing. Or on the other hand, give the extra product to a cause or other charitable. You will not bring in cash however check with your bookkeeper to check whether you can get a tax benefit.

10. Utilize the Business Credit Cards that Best Suit Your Business Needs

Having a prizes business Visa can lift and build your income by permitting you to pay for buys with the focuses or miles (for carrier cards) you’ve procured. (I’ve purchased PCs along these lines.)

Additionally, search for cards with low-loan costs and yearly charges.

11. Check Your Pricing Structure

When’s the last time you raised your costs? Before you do, check the costs your rivals are advertising. Is it accurate to say that you are by those, or have you been too stressed over market conditions to raise costs?

There are fragments of the economy that are as yet blasting. Contingent upon who you offer to and what you sell, you might have the option to charge more and not lose any business.
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12. Calculating or Invoice Financing

On the off chance that you need a speedy, momentary money mixture, consider figuring or receipt financing. There are benefits and disservices to doing this, so make certain to check with your bookkeeper to ensure it’s a good idea for your business.

The best ideal opportunity to anticipate a money shortage is the point at which you’re not confronting one. Shelton says each business needs a “Plan B” to count on. Make one at this point. Ask yourself, in case you were confronted with a money deficiency, how might you respond? It’s simpler to spread out the potential outcomes now, as opposed to without giving it much thought.

Most organizations experience recurring patterns of pay. Attempt to set aside cash in the fun occasions, so you have it when you’re encountering a money crunch.

Maybe, above all, don’t attempt to expand your income without anyone else. Recruit a bookkeeper, either in-house or an external firm. Will a clerk get a portion of the more everyday errands from you? Re-appropriate your installments handling to an organization like Bill.com so you can get paid quicker. Check it out hazard-free today!