You
may be in Mail Order, Direct Mail, or you may be a local merchant with 150
employees; whichever, however or whatever---you've got to know how to keep your
business alive during economic recessions. Anytime the cash flow in a business,
large or small, starts to tighten up, the money management of that business has
to be run as a "tight ship."
Some
of the things you can and should do include protecting yourself from expenditures
made on sudden impulse. We've all bought merchandise or services we really
didn't need simply because we were in the mood, or perhaps in response to the
flamboyancy of the advertising or the persuasiveness of the salesperson. Then
we sort of "wake up" a couple of days later and find that we've
committed hundreds of dollars of business funds for an item or service that's
not essential to the success of our own
business, when really pressing items had been waiting for those dollars.
If
you are incorporated, you can eliminate these "impulse purchases" by
including in your by-laws a clause that states: "All purchasing decisions
over (a certain amount) are contingent upon approval by the board of
directors." This will force you to consider any "impulse
purchases" of considerable cost, and may even be a reminder in the case of
smaller purchases.
If
your business is a partnership, you can state, when faced with a buying
decision, that all purchases are contingent upon the approval of a third party.
In reality, the third party can be your partner, one of your department heads,
or even one of your suppliers.
If
your business is a sole proprietorship, you don't have much to worry about
really, because as an individual you have three days to think about your
purchase, and then to nullify that purchase if you think you don't really need
it or can't afford it.
While
you may think you cannot afford it, be sure that you don't
"short-change" yourself on professional services. This would apply
especially during a time of emergency. Anytime you commit yourself
and move ahead without completely investigating all the angles, and preparing
yourself for all the contingencies that may arise, you're skating on thin ice.
Regardless of the costs involved, it always pays off in the long run to seek
out the advice of experienced professionals before embarking on a plan that
could ruin you.
As
an example, an experienced business consultant can fill you in on the 1244
stock advantages. Getting eligibility for the 1244 stock category is a very
simple process, but one with tremendous benefits
to your business.
The
1244 stock encourages investors to put equity capital into your business
because in the event of a loss, amounts up to the entire sum of the investment
can be written off in the current year. Without the "1244"
classification, any losses would have to be spread over several years, and
this, of course, would greatly lessen the attractiveness of your company's
stock. Any business owner who has not filed the 1244 corporation has in effect
cut himself off from 90 percent of his prospective investors.
Particularly
when sales are down, you must be "hard-nosed" with people trying to
sell you luxuries for your business. When business is booming, you undoubtedly
will allow sales people to show you new models of equipment or a new line of
supplies; but when your business is down, skip the entertaining frills and
concentrate on the basics. Great care must be taken however, to maintain
courtesy and allow these sellers to consider you a friend and call back at
another time.
Your
company's books should reflect your way of thinking, and whoever maintains them
should generate information according to your policies. Thus, you should hire
an outside accountant or accounting
firm to figure your return on your investment, as well as the turnover on your
accounts receivable and inventory. Such an audit or survey should focus in
depth on any or every item within the financial statement that merits special
attention. in this way, you'll probably uncover any potential financial
problems before they become readily apparent, and certainly before they could
get out of hand.
Many
small companies set up advisory boards of outside professional people. These
are sometimes known as power Circles, and once in place, the business always
benefits, especially in times of short operating capital. Such an advisory
board or power circle should include an attorney, a certified public
accountant, civic club leaders, owners or managers of businesses similar to
yours, and retired executives. Setting up such an advisory board of directors
is really quite easy, because most people you ask will be honored to serve.
Once
your board is set up, you should meet once a month and present material for
review. Each meeting should be a discussion of your business problems and an
input from your advisors relative to possible solutions. These members of your
board of advisors should offer you advice as well as alternatives, and provide
you with objectivity. No formal decisions need to be made either at your board
meeting, or as a result of them, but you should be able to gain a great deal
from the suggestions you hear.
You
will find that most of your customers have the money to pay at least some of
what they owe you immediately. To keep them current, and the number of accounts
receivable in your files to a minimum, you should call them on the phone and
ask for some kind of explanation why they're falling behind. if you develop
such a habit as part of your operating procedure, you'll find your invoices
will magically be drawn to the front of their piles of bills to pay. While
maintaining a courteous attitude, don't hesitant, or too much of a "nice
guy" when it comes to collecting money.
Something
else that's a very good business practice, but which few business owners do is
to methodically build a credit rating with their local banks. Particularly when
you have a good cash flow,
you should borrow $100 to $1,000 from your banks every 90 days or so. Simply borrow
the money, and place it in an interest bearing account, and then pay it all
back at least a month or so before
it's due. By doing this, you will increase the borrowing power of your
signature, and strengthen your ability to obtain needed financing on short
notice. This is a kind of business leverage that will be of great value to you
if or whenever your cash position becomes less favorable.
By
all means, join your industry's local and national trade associations. Most of
these organizations have a wealth of information available on everything from
details on your competitors to average industry sales figures, new products,
services, and trends.
If
you are given a membership certificate or wall plaque, you should display these
conspicuously on your office wall. Customers like to see such "seals of
approval" and feel additional confidence in your business when they see
them.
Still
another thing often overlooked: If at all possible, you should have your spouse
work in the business with you for at least three or four weeks per year. The
important thing is that if for any reason you are not available to run the
business, your spouse will be familiar with certain people and situations about
your business. These people should include your attorney, accountant, any
consultants or advisors, creditors and your major suppliers. The long-term
advantages of having your spouse work four weeks per year in your business with
you will greatly outweigh the short-term inconvenience. Many couples share
responsibility and time entirely, which is in most cases even
more
desirable.
Whenever
you can, and as often as you need it, take advantage of whatever free business
counseling is available. The Small Business Administration published many
excellent booklets, checklist and brochures on quite a large variety of
businesses. these publications are available through the U.S.Government
printing office. Most local universities, and many private organizations hold
seminars at minimal cost, and often without charge. You should also take
advantage of the services offered by your bank and local library.
The
important thing about running a small business is to know the direction in
which you're heading; to know on a day-to-day basis your progress in that very
direction; to be aware of what your competitors
are doing and to practice good money management at all times. All this will
prepare you to recognize potential problems before they arise.
In
order to survive with a small business, regardless of the economic climate, it
is essential to surround yourself with smart people, and practice sound
business management at all times.
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