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Showing posts with the label business plan

Thinking about your cash flow

  If the three most important things in real estate are "location, location, location," the first three rules of business are "cash, cash, cash." It is necessary to be profitable, but "profit" is a number that shows up on your accounts at the end of the year; cash is the money you have in the bank. In a small business, it is cash that determines whether you can pay your bills. Businesses can't get money in unless they get their invoices out. However, many business people delay sending out their bills. This may be because they feel uncomfortable asking someone for money, afraid of being challenged on how much they’ve billed, or just too busy working to bill for it. The longer you wait to send out your invoices, the greater the chance you won't get paid.   No matter what business you're in, you're going to have a lag between outgo and income. If you're a consultant, you have to pay for your phone, stationery, marketing materials, and rent

Utilise your small team for success

  Small teams provide many benefits to both employees and employers. In comparison to larger teams, small teams are shown to have higher levels of productivity and effective communication. However, a vital component to the success of these teams relates to the support and coordination provided by management. Ways to maximise your small team’s efforts can include: Cross-functional communication If your employees understand how the other functions of your business work and how their work will directly impact all aspects of the business, it can provide them with more responsibility. It allows for all staff to work towards a common goal. The key is to provide staff with holistic training and education that fosters greater understanding. Delegate with descriptive job roles Delegation can provide employees with guidance on what needs to be achieved to reach the end goal. It can provide clear direction for staff while employers can oversee budget and timing schedules. It also allows the emplo

Questions to ask before applying for a bank loan

  The majority of businesses, whether they are only just starting up or have been in the market for a number of years, will need a bank loan at one time or another. However, actually applying for a bank loan requires more than just filling out the paperwork. Here are some questions business owners should ask themselves before beginning their bank loan application: Is it probable that I will qualify for the loan? If you believe that your business won't qualify for a bank loan, then you will only hurt your credit rating if you apply for a loan you won't get. Being rejected for a loan can also make it more difficult for a business to borrow in the future. Will the loan help the business grow? Instead of using the loan for aspects like routine operating expenses that don’t generate much revenue, owners should consider putting the borrowed money into parts of the business that will generate more revenue and help reduce future borrowing needs. Are my personal finances in order? Until

Guide to successful business borrowing

  It is important for businesses to maintain a good relationship with their bank in order to safeguard their future access to funds. Prepare a strong business plan This is one of the first steps to ensure that the bank will identify it as a low risk business and therefore someone they are willing to give funds to. A solid business plan highlights the viability of the business, information about the experience and success of the owners and managers, expenses which the loan will cover,as well as detailed sales expectations. Establishing a personal relationship Over time, an owner establishes key contacts within their bank that are familiar with their business and financial needs. Keeping these contacts informed of any changes to the business or cash flow projections before it comes as a surprise will build trust between the bank and the business. Knowing your business inside out By keeping themselves updated of their own financial status, by obtaining credit reports and public records, b