Checklist to Increase Your Startup’s Cash Flow

It’s true that cash flow is the salient dynamic that leads to the failure or success of a business.

Whether your new company’s performance is stagnant or you’re growing quickly, cash flow is paramount.

There are at least 11 ways you can increase cash flow for your business to function properly.

1. To save time and energy, use good accounting software such as Bookkeeping, Quickbooks, Sage Peachtree, or Simply Accounting. Make sure you check out all the options to make certain your business needs are met. For example, Simply Accounting doesn’t perform time billing. Also, if you want an inexpensive software option for just one computer without remote access, Bookkeeper might suffice for you.
2. Such software-generated invoices will tell customers where to send a check, the amount to pay, and the due date. Make certain you bill the right person and department.
3. Generate and distribute your invoices promptly. Depending on your type of business, e-mail your invoices, forward invoices as soon as you finish a project, present invoices in person, or include your invoices with the product.
4. Make certain your customers know you have a businesslike approach and will charge late fees for past-due amounts
5. Until you can relax about cash flow, produce weekly financial statements. For more information, see my primer for best practices in preparing financial statements.
6. To accelerate cash flow, consider allowing discounts if customers pay before the due date.
7. If a customer doesn’t pay in a timely manner as prescribed by the due date, be in touch right away.
8. If the customer can’t pay on time, negotiate the best arrangement that you can. In the future, if you decide to have a business relationship, decide on a strategy. If you believe it was an honest misunderstanding and the customer is fully capable of paying on time, no further action is probably needed. Otherwise for any future dealings, take the precaution of getting at least partial payment in advance.
9. If you have more serious concerns about timely payments, here’s what to do if accounts receivables are a problem.
10. Review your costs and look for items to cut back.
11. ASAP, deposit your funds in your bank account. Delay making payments as long as it won’t hurt your business relationships. Take advantage of early payment discounts. Consider online bill paying on the due dates or using business credit cards to keep the cash on hand.

From the Coach’s Corner, here are related topics:

• Budgeting Basics for a Micro Business
• 12 Tips for Profits to Keep Your Business Dreams Alive
• 11 Strategies to Keep your Small Business Floating above Water

 “Success is a poor teacher.”

-Robert T. Kiyosaki

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Author Terry Corbell has written innumerable online business-enhancement articles, and is a business-performance consultant and profit professional. Click here to see his management services. For a complimentary chat about your business situation or to schedule him as a speaker, consultant or author, please contact Terry.