Archive for Small Business

May
05

How to Manage Your Cash Flow

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One of the most important aspects of running a small business is keeping an eye on your cash flow.  You cannot operate a business without being able to handle, manage, and keep track of the incoming and departing finances.  Here are some easy rules to follow making sure you know where you stand with your business expenses.

Provide Hassle-Free Payment Options

To keep your businesses operating smoothly offer your customers easy solutions regarding how to pay.  For instance, offer payments via phone and online.  This way if a customer is unable to enter your offices there is still flexibility in means to pay.  It encourages clients to pay on-time and continue doing so.  As a result, your cash flow does not reach a stopping point.  There is no hassle involved.  No excuses claiming the check is in the mail.  By keeping it simple, clients pay ensuring your cash flow does not end.

Run Credit Checks

Do you allow clients to have business accounts and pay after a certain amount or date?  If so, you need to rethink your strategy.  For what happens if the client never pays and you are the one stuck with a debt or overdue balance for services rendered but payment never received?  Prevent this from occurring by conducting credit checks.  It is a way to protect your small business and be certain you end up with more money going out than coming in.

Conduct check points with your cash flow through the entire process.  Be certain the links directly connected to your cash flow are working properly as the above suggests.  If you still need additional funding talk to an unsecured business loan professional today.

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No matter what type of small business you run, eventually, you will encounter a client that is complicated to communicate with.  Perhaps he/she is upset over a service, product, and/or has a complaint.  Alternatively, what if you have successfully completed the service and the client is upset over the terms of the contract.  This is not easy to manage.  In this scenario, you have fulfilled your promise, and the client still wants to complain.  It is tough.  For you do not want to handle the situation in a negative manner.  If you do, the exchange could be posted on a social marketing site ruining your reputation.  Here are a few tips to help you efficiently communicate with unhappy customers.

Listen to the Client

Allow the client to express how the person feels.  It does not matter if the person rants on for five or twenty minutes.  Just let the person talk.  It does not matter if the client is actually correct in what is being said.  The idea here is permit the person to release whatever frustrations he/she may have.  It may not seem fair, but it is what should be done.  It will make the client feel heard, and that the issue is important to you too.  Therefore, it will allow the client to ease up afterwards and be responsive in a less heated manner.

Say Sorry…But Not Too Soon

Admitting you made a mistake in business goes a long way.  However, be careful regarding the timing of the apology.  You need to hear the client out first then apologize.  If you attempt to apologize prior it may come across as if you do not care causing more havoc than good.

Keep these two essential tips in mind when dealing with customers.  Most of us have loyal, happy, and satisfied customers.  Nevertheless, there are a few clients catching you off-guard.  Prevent those negative moments from escalating into something worse by utilizing this advice.

If your business needs additional financing, contact a small business loan expert today.

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It is common for headlines to state how small businesses are closing, in foreclosure and filing bankruptcy.  But have you ever thought about how to benefit from a recession?  Small businesses do have advantages during a recession over the competition and here are a few of them listed.

Rent, Products and Services Come Cheap

During a recession, the real estate business is in the ditch.  Thus, you are able to find office space available at a discount.  In addition, big businesses are going out of business.  Therefore, there are office equipment, supplies and furniture on clearance making it possible to expand your business without spending too much money.   These expansion costs become affordable allowing your business the opportunity to grow without breaking the bank.

Big Businesses are Filing Bankruptcy

In the midst of a recession, too often big businesses are closing their doors.  If one happens to occur, that is your competition, then it is an opportunity to pick up additional customers.  The clients have to go somewhere.  Hence, why not guide the clients straight to you.  This is a chance to build your business, develop new clientele and earn further profits.  Do not let it go to waste.  Use it to your full advantage.

New Market Means Additional Cash Flow

When economic times are tough, successful businesses are the ones who closely examine the demands and needs of the changing financial situation.  For example, if you are a restaurant slow on business, offer a downsized, quality, delicious menu with affordable pricing.  This will grab the attention of your target market and bring extra business to the table.

There are many upsides to running a small business during tough economic times.  It is just a matter of finding the right angles, looking at the situation from various perspectives and discovering the perfect, moneymaking niche suitable for you.

If your small business needs additional financing, talk to a lender about an unsecured business loan.  It will get you back on your feet and operating efficiently in no time.

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