04/01/2023
Build a Process with Your Cash Flow to Stay Positive
Tips for creating a process to remain cash positive during poor economic conditions.
While it’s true that many business owners would love to shorten the cash cycle for their business (while remaining cash positive) it’s also true that many don’t know how.
By creating a continuous process of timing, using information, and keeping cash positive in your business, this act can help keep you in the black even during an economic recession.
Of course, you still need to plan and forecast appropriately while staying in touch with suppliers/partners, but that is what having an integrated strategy for cash flow management is all about.
First, it’s important to note that profit is not the same as cash flow. While looking at your P&L statement can give you a quick insight, you also have to compare other financial figures that factor into your cash flow including accounts receivable, inventory, accounts payable, capital expenditures, and debt.
Smart cash flow management considers each of these financial statements and how they can be optimized for your business specifically.
How can I improve my cash flow?
There are easy steps you can take right away to improve your cash flow relatively quickly. Part of this includes building a process for cash flow management to control and predict future flows as best as you can. By planning for growth and related cash expenses, future investments will not come as a surprise, and you’ll have a better idea of what’s available to reinvest in the business.
Other methods to include in your cash flow management process are:
Tracking and collecting accounts receivables
Collecting receivables that are overdue or upcoming is a fast way to collect cash owed to your business. This is something that should be monitored daily in order to optimize the flow, but you can speed it up by using accounting software that automatically invoices/sends reminders and asking customers for payment in advance or offering discounts for payment before the due date. Just work with your accountant and future out what makes sense.
Creating tighter credit requirements
On the flip side of accounts receivable, you can tighten credit requirements in order to speed up payments. This can indicate which accounts are in good standing and which relationships may need to be reevaluated so you haven’t lost credit and inventory to a customer who may default.
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