cash flow Tagged Articles

Manage your credit control - improve your cash flow

Improving cash flow is not just brought about by increasing income, which is usually achieved through sales and marketing. Neither is it brought about just by cutting back on expenditure. This article does not aim to address those issues. Instead, it will outline some simple, easy to apply accounting procedures. If followed, these have proved to be successful in speeding up the payment of outstanding customer debt and steadily improving the overall health of the bank balance.

Focus on the Fundamentals of Your Business

Here’s one thing about a recession or economic downturn that most people don’t think of: It forces most business owners to focus like a laser on the fundamentals of their business, especially their business finances. When the good times are rollin’, it can be easy to let the financial side of things slip a little. But when times get tough and sales start slowing down, most companies find it beneficial to go back to the basics of sound financial management. Here are five key areas you might want to go back and reexamine if you haven’t lately.

Cash is King

In small companies, managing cash is critical. Not managing cash is one of the primary reasons that small companies fail, even when they may be making a profit

Saving Your Way to Success

How many times have you heard small company owners say they can cut costs to save their company?

Cash Flow - Pinpointing the Issues and Fixing Working Capital Deficiencies - Part Two

The article discusses the business owners ability to highlight cash flow deficiencies and identify solutions to fix those working capital problems .

Understanding Business Cash Flow

The article discusses the basic of business cash flow for business owners and financial managers .

Can Someone Please Explain 'Securitization' to Me?

The article discusses the financial concept of securitization .

What is a Sale-Leaseback and What Are the Qualifications?

This type of Small Business Financing can come in handy when you do not have time to go through the financing process because you need to buy equipment quickly. You can then free-up your cash flow by selling it to an Equipment Leasing company, getting reimbursed for the equipment.

Small Business Loans: Conversion of Assets

As more and more businesses are being turned down by banks and other financial institutions based on stringent requirement like credit and profitability, there still remain several alternative, viable financing options for your small businesses.

5 Steps that Improve Cash Flow

In down economies, cash is king. It is cash, not sales, that a businesses use to pay bills, meet payroll, service debt, and build growth. Here are five simple steps to improve your businesses cash flow.

Understand your business’s cash flow and grow your profits

By not understanding your business’s cash flow – what it costs to obtain revenue and where those funds end up – will only lead to the decline and demise of your business efforts. If you want to increase profits, you have to manage your business finances.

Cash Flow and Business Valuation

The article highlights how business owners and their advisors value the cash flow in a business that is being acquired .

Where Did All My Cash Go?

We hear this all the time from small business owners. They look at their Profit & Loss statement (a.k.a. Income Statement) which shows all this activity in their business, and yet their Balance Sheet (and checkbook) show little to no cash! So where did it all go? A big challenge for a lot of business owners is understanding the difference between profit and cash flow. While the P&L may be showing growing sales and profit, the owner may notice that their cash balance is shrinking or that they are struggling to meet payroll.

Read The Fine Print!

More and more businesses are wasting time and facing increased costs, simply because they are not reading contracts. In business you have to protect yourself and your assets as more service providers are hiding potential threats in the fine print.

How much money do businesses spend on advertising each year?

During an economic slow down most businesses take time out to think about their cash flow and their spending budgets, or so they should. I know from talking to other businesses that things are tough out there right now, and you only have to look down your own high street to see the all revealing closing down sales and empty shops of businesses, including some large retail chains, to know that things are very difficult. However, this is not a time to hold back on your advertising though and for one of my businesses we, as a board of directors, have recently decided to up our advertising spend. In this case the business concerned is in the care-sector and we chose to up our marketing budget to 7% of our turnover, so that as turnover begins to increase so will the amount we spend on marketing and advertising and so on.

Keep cash flow to an optimum

Keep cash flow to an optimum by observing the following suggested methods: - Keep your payroll bill down to an absolute minimum - however, always pay good money to good employees or they will walk! - Try to avoid signing long-term rental agreements and if fancy offices are not necessary don't bother with upmarket office space, especially if your customers rarely visit your business. - Don't overpay yourself - you only need to take out what is enough to feed yourself. - Keep a close eye on staff travel and entertainment and avoid issuing staff with company credit cards and mobile phones! - Fancy office furniture hurts the bank balance and is not necessary unless you are in the type of business that needs to impress clients. Secondhand or liquidation stock furniture is the best option and will save you a small fortune!

Does My Firm Cash Flow to Support Additional Borrowing?

The article provides insight into concepts that lenders , and business owners themselves use, when looking at borrowing for business loans and repayment ability .

How Does My DSO affect Cash Flow and Working Capital?

The article provides insight into the concept of DSO calculation and monitoring , a toll which provides a solid measurement for a firms working capital and cash flow efficiency

A Great Working Capital and Cash flow Strategy

The article provides insight into why business owners should focus on the most valuable free working capital asset they possess - supplier financing of their cash flow .

Is the Lack of Cash Flow and Working Capital my firm’s Doomsday?

The article provides insight into a financial analysis technique entitled the DOOMSDAY RATIO, which provides business owners and financial managers with a tool to monitor cash flow and working capital on an ongoing basis .

Factoring and Receivable Financing in Canada

The article provides insight the concept of factoring ( selling your accounts receivable for immediate cash ) in the Canadian business environment .

What Does Accounts Receivable Financing Mean? How does it work in Canada?

The article reviews the concept of 'receivable financing ' as a tool for cash flow generation for Canadian firms, with emphasis on what factoring is and what type of firms dominate the Canadian accounts receivable financing marketplace .

Will my Canadian Company benefit from an Accounts Receivable Factoring Facility?

The article focuses on whether Canadian businesses can benefit from an accounts receivable and factoring strategy to improve cash flow and working capital .

Canadian Sale Leaseback Financing – Part 2

The article focuses on the alternatve financing strategy of the sale leaseback for Canadian business owners wishing to increase cash flow and enhance financial operating metrics .

Do You Have a System?

Regardless of the business or company your are plugging into to, you want to make sure there is a successful "system" already in place that you will be taught to follow. If there is no system in place, you will waste valuable time developing one and then working out the kinks, and this is time you don't have when starting a new endeavor. Finding the right company or business is the first step, but then making sure that the system that is in place is a proven, successful tool that you will be able to adopt in a short time once in the business.

Profits, Growth and Cash Flow: Which is Most Important to Small Business Success?

Business growth and profitability. Most entrepreneurs would consider these to be the Holy Grail of business ownership. So it’s not too surprising that many participants in the financial workshops I lead are surprised when I tell them that instant profits and rapid business growth aren’t always a cause for celebration. “How can this be?” you might be wondering. The best way to explain it is to tell the story of the Wonder Widget Company. Haven’t heard of them? Well, this is a fictitious company I made up to help me explain business financial concepts in an easy-to-understand way.

INVOICE CASH AND INVOICE FACTORING - CANADA

The article highlights Factoring in Canada as an alternative financingthat used by Canadian firms to increase cash flow during times of high growth or if cash flow needs are in excess of traditional sources .

5 Common Timewasters You Must Avoid

Gary has a business, employing 7 staff. When he contacted me he was at a point where the stress from his business was so bad, that he would constantly wake up 3 or 4 times a night worried about everything ...his cash flow, staff, lack of clients and the affect all this was having on his personal well-being and family life.

Factoring – Financing in Canada – A True Alternative Financing Solution

The articles reviews Factoring - Canada continues to embrace this alternative financing vehicles based on the need of the Canadian business owner to achieve working capital and cash flow financing .

Factoring – Financing in Canada - A viable Cash Flow Solution for Canadian Business

The articles reviews Factoring - Canada continues to embrace this alternative financing vehicles and the articles discusses working capital measurement needs and factoring as a possible solution .

10 Points to Add to Your Success in Business

Hello all. As I was sitting here at the Bluesilver desk I thought I would share some points of what expert in business can do to help others as I would love to help most of you in business get result. The clearer you are on these points to better your results will be.

Working Capital Factoring - Working Capital Factoring – A Dear John Letter in Canada

The article discusses , via a customer experience, how working capital factoring facilities can assist Canadian business owners in meeting cash flow needs .

# 2 And Trying Harder ! Why Canadian Business Accounts Receivable Financing Is Your Cash Flow Solution

Information on Canadian business accounts receivable financing . Why a confidential A/R finance strategy is a solution to cash flow and growth challenges .

Factoring In Canada

An overview of factoring in Canada - Why more and more Canadian business oweners realize the financing power of invoice discounting and great alternative cash flow strategies.

Factoring in Canada – Working Capital Now

Information on factoring in Canada – How Canadian business can access cash flow and working capital now and how to get the right facility for your Canadian business

Asset based Financing and Lending Canada – What is it?

Information on asset based financing Canada – what is it and how does this financing brings cash flow and working capital to Canadian businesses.

ATO tax break could cost companies dearly

Companies considering taking up the ATO’s offer to defer tax payments due on their next business activity statement or any other statutory obligations, interest-free, should think very carefully given the adverse financial consequences of doing so, according to Interlease director Gary Wilkie.

Inventory and Purchase Order Financing in Canada

Information on what Canadian business owners need to know with respect to inventory and purchase order financing in Canada – these are sub sets of asset based lending which provide additional working capital for Canadian working capital needs .

Invoice Cash – Immediate Cash for accounts receivable

Information on how invoice cash, also known as factoring or invoice discounting can assist Canadian firms with working capital turnover and cash flow generation.

Working Capital Financing – Canadian Solutions

Information on traditional and non traditional working capital solutions for Canadian firms who require cash flow to grow their business .

Sr&Ed Financing – Cash and Working Capital Now for your claim!

Information on how Canadian firms can monetize and immediate cash flow their SR&ED claim for immediate working capital . Turn benefits of this program into instant cash within a matter of weeks.

Working Capital Financing – Canadian Challenges and Solutions

Information on working capital financing in Canada and the challenges that arise for small and medium sized businesses in Canada as they relate to solutions available .

10 Invoicing Tips for Rapid Cash Flow

Invoicing secrets you may have forgotten that get you paid faster, with less effort. Get back to basics and get paid what you are worth!

How to Finance a Canadian SRED (SR&ED) claim for Cash Flow

Information on how to obtain a SR ED loan in Canada based on your firms filing of your SR ED claim. How your firm can generate immediate cash flow from a SR&ED financing

Inventory & Purchase Order Financing - Canada -

Information on inventory financing and purchase order financing in Canada. How to maximize working capital and additional cash flow based on two solid new borrowing strategies

Asset Based Lending & Financing Canada

Information on asset based lending and financing in Canada which provides working capital and cash flow alternatives to Canadian business.

Opportunity costs of being scattered in business

Did you know that money is attracted to order? So, if you are not attracting the clients and cash flow you desire, lack of and/or the wrong focus may be the culprit. Learn what the top 5 business distractions are, and how to attract much more than lackluster results through increased focus.

Collecting debt from your clients

Not being paid on time for your products or services can do serious harm to your cash flow, and your business. So here are some pointers to help you implement an effective debt collection process.

Your company already has all the cash it needs!

Unlock assets to finance your business-don't borrow!

Discounting Invoice Factoring Financing in Canada

Information on how Canadian firms can utilize invoice discounting. How does factoring financing work in Canada? How Factoring Financing and Invoice Discounting Work as Cash Flow Generators in Canada

Lesson #2: Make Sure You Are Clear On Your Purpose

It is said that those who know Simon Fuller either love him or hate him. On the more favourable side, his role in the music industry has been compared to the late Brian Epstein, the Beatles’ manager responsible for the great British Invasion. On the other hand, Fuller has his critics who denounce him as someone who has sullied the music business with talentless artists and made fame a characteristic that can come irrespective of talent.

Lesson #2: Be Ruthless

“It's my job for Oracle – the number two software company in the world – to become the number one software company in the world,” says Ellison. “My job, is to build better than the competition, sell those products in the marketplace, and eventually supplant Microsoft and move from being number two to number one.”

Lesson #4: Work For The Experience, Not The Money

In the 21st century, it takes more to run a successful company than just good business skills. For the most part, entrepreneurs do not fail because their accounting skills are below par or because they cannot find their way around a budget. Rather, according to Kiyosaki, most entrepreneurs are never able to achieve the success they so badly dream of because of the skills they lack outside of the financial realm.

Lesson #4: The Name of the Game is Profit or Perish

In Subway’s early days, DeLuca maintained a close watch over all of his expenses, making sure that they were always kept to a minimum. He also made sure that he never ran out of money; he knew that a cash flow crisis was one of the top reasons why businesses failed. He was personally in charge of opening Subway’s first nine stores. But as Subway’s franchises began to multiply and its revenues soar, DeLuca came into a different kind of crisis, one that he had not been ready for.

Commercial Factoring And Receivable Financing Strategies in Canada

Why Commerical factoring is increasingly popular and can generate cash flow and working capital for Canadian business . Information on how Canadian business can utilized commercial factoring and receivable financing as a cash flow and working capital strategy . How these facilities work and what factors to consider prior to implementation

Tips on Using Unsecured Business Line of Credit For Winning in the Cash Flow Business

Positive cash flow should be a primary focus of any business. But sometimes it can be difficult to protect that cash flow and stay fully operational. An unsecured business line of credit can help safeguard your cash flow. These tips will set you up for success.

Why an Asset Based Lender Is Your Working Capital Solution

Asset based Lines of Credit For Canadian Business Financing.Information on why an asset based lender might be the solution for your firms working capital challenges . Why does this facility provide more cash flow and working capital than a bank operating line of credit .

The Hidden World of Bartering

I remember vividly my first experience scuba diving. As soon as I went beneath the surface of the sea, I realized that an entire world existed every day within my own world-and I wasn't at all aware of it. Whether or not I knew of it, that world was still alive and happening.

Your Revenue Forecast Is Wrong

I received several questions in response to my post titled The Purpose of Numbers on a Y Axis and my followup post titled The Lack of Numbers of Y Axis Doesn’t Disqualify You. One of the questions prompted a rant in my brain that often spills out of my mouth when I’m on the receiving end of an early stage pitch.

The Five Most Important Lessons of Entrepreneurship

Over at the Sun Microsystems blog I've posted my list of the five most important lessons I've learned as an entrepreneur. #1 is "Focus on cash flow."

Beware the Hockey Stick in Your Budget

We are deep in budget season as the last board meeting of the year typically includes the 2010 Budget – or at least the “2010 Draft Budget” or “2010 Budget – Draft”. This is also known as “the joy of cramming a spreadsheet into a powerpoint presentation.”

SRED Tax Credit Financing – 3 Things you need to Know

Information on r&d tax credits and how they are financed in Canada . What do business owners need to know about proper claim filing and how can that claim be monetized for immediate cash flow and working capital . How to Get a SRED tax credit loan in Canada

Assessing your company's financial position

If you're not so clued up about the accounting and financial side of your business, you may not realise how an in-depth financial analysis can benefit your company. Learn how to get the most out of your financial information.

Swing Thoughts for Entrepreneurs

The golf swing is a tricky thing to master. There are countless moving parts that all have to work together in flawless unison, all in the span of a split second. Golfers turn to "Swing Thoughts" to help make it all work. Entrepreneurs can do the same thing.

Sr&ed Tax Credit Financing – The Only Two Things You Need To Know about sr&ed finance

Monetizing Your Sr&ed Tax Credit for Cash and Working Capital -Information on how Canadian business can financing sred ( sr&ed ) tax credits in order to generate cash flow and working capital on the monetization of their sred claim .

Role Playing - For More Effective Debt Collection

A good analogy to the value of role playing is how they make movies. Typically, the director of a movie shoots far more film than what shows up on the finished movie we see. The rest winds up on the cutting room floor - the "outtakes". Role playing is like the outtakes. You can make the mistakes in collecting where there is no harm done, through role playing. The end result is a professional collector who produces accelerated cash flow.

Cash Flow Management- The Most Important Survival Tool for a Small Business

What do you think is the most important life blood of a business? Is it profit, sales growth, or customer loyalty? You can have all three and still go out of business if you do not have the one thing all companies need to live; which is cash!

Top Ten Tips for Improving Your Cash Flow

Cash is king-so they say. If you work for yourself or someone else, you need to be aware of ways to improve the cash flow. Budgeting and collecting are not glamorous but they are both key to having a successful business. Working in a successful business is much more fun than working for a struggling one!

Planning: The Roadmap to Success

Think of a plan as a map. It's meant to be a guide. The planning process helps us focus on the "how" of what we want to accomplish. It organizes our thinking, identifies the steps and gives us tools to monitor how we're doing. Those who create and write plans have a much better chance of success, yet so many people don't follow through. Why not? We may think there's little value in spending the time to create a plan. Also, it's unfamiliar territory and we're not sure what we need to do. We may carry the plan in our head, but it's always in an abstract state. We want to take it from the abstract to the next stage of realization - putting it in writing.

Common Business Challenges: You're Not Alone

If you're in business, you've got challenges. Some are priority; some can be deferred. Some will take time; others can be handled quickly and easily. Some will require a financial investment; some will not. They are all challenges because they are holding you back in some way.

Inventory Finance – Canadian Inventory Financing

How Inventory Financing Works in the Context of additional Working Capital and Cash Flow ;Information on how Canadian business owners and financial managers can access inventory financing, including a discussion on methodology of such facilities as well as the benefits .

Business Working Capital Financing

Critical Factors in Choosing working capital and cash flow Solutions;Information on how to evaluate business working capital financing options in Canada, with an overview of traditional and alternative financing sources .

Games Debtors Play - Part One

There are literally dozens of ways that people who owe you money can stall, evade, make endless excuses, etc. - everything but pay you in full and on time. Decades of experience by professional collectors can show you how to deal effectively with these games, so that you not only receive the money you're entitled to but you also spend less time and have less stress in stepping up your cash flow.

Sources of Financing for Working Capital Cash flow in Canada

Cash flow Lending Information ;Information on Sources of Financing for Canadian business - What are alternative and traditional capital and cash flow for business financing.

Games Debtors Play - Part Two

People who owe money usually pay as expected. The problem is with the small percentage of debtors who develop excuses, stalls, and evasions that are not only annoying but also result in no payment or late payment. So, business people, from sole proprietorships to the largest corporations, need to be aware of the most common excuses as well as how to best deal with them, so as to get the maximum payment in the shortest time, while also keeping the goodwill, and the business, of the customers and clients they want to keep.

What is the Financing Cost and Options of Different Sources of Financing

Canadian cash flow and working capital alternatives for your business;Information on how Canadian business owners and financial managers assess cash flow needs and how they should consider different sources of financing the the financing cost of those different options .

The new paradigm for V.C. Investing

Venture Capitalists and Private Equity firms alike insist that they only way to garner return on investment is to exit. If you’re investing in businesses that have real revenues and are, or soon will be, profitable and cash flow positive, why don’t you hold the company in a portfolio and take returns in the form of annual dividends? Depending on an exit for a return on your investment seems the highest risk kind of investment of all.

The Most Common Ways to Finance a Coin Laundromat

What is the best way to finance a coin laundromat? Should you pay all cash for the store or should you finance it? Well, that all depends on the terms of the financing, how much cash you have, and how much cash flow you need to pocket each month from the business.

Attention Real Estate Investors - Increase Your Cash Flow With Outdoor Billboard Income

Most property owners and real estate investors do not have outdoor billboard income for one of two primary reasons. First, the local city sign ordinance prohibits the construction of an outdoor billboard on the property. Alternatively, if an outdoor billboard is permitted, the property owner does not know how to get billboard income.

Finance Your Sred Claim Now And Take Advantage Of Your Grant today .

SRED financing is a solid cash flow strategy for Canadian industry;Information on how Canadian business owners and financial managers can finance a sred claim . Why Sred financing makes sense for cash flow and competitive reasons .

Purchase Order Financing and Factoring

How P.O. Financing works in Canada ; Information on how Canadian business owners and financial mangers can access the benefits of purchase order financing and factoring to increase sales, outrank competition, and grow profits and cash flow .

Why Good Looking Mobile Home Parks Have Ugly Returns

Some mobile home park buyers have this erroneous idea that the goal is to buy a great looking asset. They even rate the parks they look at based on physical appearance. The star system is a good example. Most people think a five-star park is always superior to a one star park. However, the only real star system they should consider is which park is a superstar on cash flow. Because at the end of the day, all that really matters when you own a mobile home park is making money. Parks that make money are great, no matter how ugly they are, and parks that lose money are dogs, despite how cute their entry may be. And, as a general rule, the prettier the park, the uglier the cash flow.

How Commercial Factoring works in Canada -Receivable factoring Costs and Benefits

It’s not as expensive as you thought! Information on how Canadian business owners and financial managers can utilize commercial factoring to address working capital challenges and benefit from receivable factoring via increased cash flow .

Looking for Small Business Financing ? – Consider An Account Receivable Financing Strategy

Account Receivable Financing might be your ultimate cash flow tool. Information for Canadian business owners and financing managers on a small business financing strategy known as account receivable financing . How does it work, what are the costs, why use it, who uses it!

Is There A Better Way To Finance A Business Loan ? Consider An Asset finance strategy.

ABL Asset Finance may be your best business financing strategy ;Information on why an asset finance strategy for a business loan might be your best working capital and cash flow strategy . Costs, benefits , and an overview on ABL financing .

How To Decide If Sred Financing For Your CRA SRED Is Right For Your Firm

How Cash Flowing Your CRA Sred Might Work For You . Information on sred financing and how additional cash flow and working capital can be achieved via the financing of your CRA Sred claim . How Much Cash can you get for your SR&ED claim today.

How To Decide if Financing Receivables Is a Solution for Your Working Capital Funding

Know When It’s Time To Look At A New Way of Financing Cash Flow Needs;Information for Canadian Business on why financing receivables is the most popular method of immediate working capital funding in Canada . How this financing works, and what are the cost and benefits .

Cash Flow - Pinpointing the Issues and Fixing Working Capital Deficiencies

We continually read that cash flow is the life blood of any business. If that's the case, and we believe it is!, then how do business owners look for cash flow gaps in their business and fix them.

A Receivables Financing Counterpunch – Making Factoring Cost Work For Your Company

Information on receivables financing in Canada . How is factoring cost calculated in a manner that the Canadian business owner and financial manager can truly understand the real cost and benefits of this growing financing tool . What is the real cost of having unlimited cash flow and working capital . Why Canadian Business Has Problems with the Cost of Financing Receivables

Why You Should be Scared When Your Salespeople are Closing Lots of Business

Sales managers get caught up in the excitement of a closing frenzy when they should be taking a step back and asking themselves, what's wrong with this picture?

Three Common Recruiting Mistakes to Avoid

At a time when so many people are looking for opportunities, one would think that it should be relatively easy to find great sales agents. But it's not as easy as it seems. In fact, there are three mistakes many of us are prone to make in selecting new agents which can cause a cascade of problems - for the team, for the company, for your business, and for the new agent.

Skip Perfection and Go after the Easy Sales First

If you are still at the early stages of building your small or solo business and you’re struggling to get clients, what you need now are easy sales that generate cash flow. Cash flow will allow you to pay your bills and invest in growing your business

Looking to 2010: Marketing Advice for Small Business Guerrillas

OK, so 2008 and 2009 were not good years for small businesses. Demand was soft, those customers, who could pay, did so slowly, banks and other sources were very stingy with credit. If you made it this far, what should Marketing Guerrillas be doing looking at twentyten? Here are five specific recommendations based on the book, MORE Guerrilla Marketing Research. The key idea in the book is that when Guerrillas have a marketing problem, they should ask their customers and prospects for advice. Doing this will produce a better decision than going it alone--every time.

How do the Top 100 Global Franchises rate compared to the top online home business?

The Top 100 franchises are rated for many factors that might surprise you. You can see how they rate for you, and whether the top online business model is worth exploring before you buy a franchise.

Building an Effective Talent Management System

Your organization probably manages its cash flow very carefully. After all, if you run out of cash you are in real trouble. But how about running out of talent? Does your organization manage its talent as carefully as its cash reserves? For most organizations the answer is “NO!” In these tough economic times attracting and retaining talented employees can be your key to competitive advantage.

Easing out of Recession not so Easy for Small Service Companies

Very recently, several of my clients have begun sharing that their sales have turned up over the last couple months. Yeah, finally! Since I talk to business owners every day, and no one has expressed that sales are getting worse, this constitutes a trend, albeit an unscientific one. But, hey, any good news brings a sigh of relief at this point.

What's YOUR Secret Cash Source?

No I don't mean your retirement savings or your Aunt Nell. These are tips on how to improve your cash flow right now!!!

How to Stop Your Overheads Killing Your Profits

Many business owners falsely believe that the more work they have, the more money they make. Because they are ‘busy’ and get more help to manage the workload they think they must be making more money which is not necessarily true.

Network Marketing Industry truths

This is a view observed / established from a very early foray and the recent (four years of seriously building my networking (online business)) knowledge gained from being around the industry. Your views may differ and you may not agree, however it is my view and is not intended to offend anyone. There are hundreds of thousands of decent folks out their operating an online business from the comfort of their homes. It’s just a shame our chosen industry is marred by those that are deceitful just to squeeze the extra buck or penny from those that do not belong.

Tips for Starting a New SEO Business

What I want to talk about is something that is even more important that than just possessing the genuine SEO skills or which types of actions you will take in your optimization work. Let's discuss just a little bit about building a brand new business based on a few ideas that will set you aside from ALL your competition. The SEO marketplace is loaded with people who all say they know SEO and can optimize Web pages. So for your new business, are you going to just become one more of them. You don't want to be lost in the crowd.

Money and Marketing: 5 Simple Ways to Increase Your Cash Flow Right Now

It’s surprisingly simple to take control of your cash flow right now. The trick is to take an active role in how you create the income you want, as opposed to sitting back and passively waiting for your luck to change.

Sales Are Increasing But Revenue Remain Stagnate – 3 ways to improve

Heard the term growing your business broke? It happens each and everyday to great businesses who don't manage their working capital and cash flow. Don’t fall into this trap – here is how to avoid it.

Is Your Disorganisation Destroying Your Health, Your Business and Your Relationships?

Did you know that 60-90% of all doctor visits are for stress-related illnesses? Stress is costly in terms of your health, relationships and performance.When you're affected by too much stress your body wears down and you get sick. Highly disorganized people seem to be more susceptible to sickness as they are always under extreme pressure, running from one disaster to another.

If You’re Serious About Improving Your Cash Flow . . . .

Here are 10 pointers on how to make a dramatic (positive) difference in your businesses cash flow.

Seven Ways to Improve Cash Flow In Your Business

Business cash flow struggles? Here are 6 ways to speed up the cash coming into your business.

Wealth Creating System Step 8 - Creating a Financial Snapshot

Many people reflect on their accomplishments and mistakes at the beginning of every year. I recommend reviewing your finances and creating snapshot of where you stand. It helps to see what you need to improve on and what goals to set for the upcoming year.

Why A Merchant Cash Business Advance Makes Sense for Cash Flow

Information on a merchant cash business advance for cash flow and why this type of financing makes perfect sense form businesses that cant access traditional financing but are growing or having challenges .

How much are your salespeople really worth?

Commission only salespeople can be effective - however one of the major problems with a comm-only sales strategy is that salespeople in these roles, more often than not, become all about 'the sell' for obvious reasons: no sale -no pay -no eat!

Let’s throw away $10,000 through fear

The fear of change can be so great that people will throw money away rather than make a small change. How do you deal with this and get them moving forward.

How to Clean out the Clutter and Pump Up Your Profits

Have you ever felt totally overwhelmed because you were surrounded by clutter? When you work in a cluttered environment it crowds your thinking and easily distracts you. Not only that clutter wastes your time and your money.

Improve Your Business Cash Flow While Extending Credit To Customers

Extending credit to customers can put your business in a cash flow bind. But, there are a few tips to negate these negative impacts.

Tell them exactly what you're going to do to them

Ever think about selling your sales process? And I don't mean going into the sales training business by selling it to competitors or companies in similar industries. I mean did you ever think about selling your sales process to your customer?

Zero Budgeting for a Home Business

Running a Home based business can be a task in itself. This will help you figure out how to run a home based business with a budget of zero.

Consulting Practice Tips: Delegate Weaknesses to Virtual Assistants

Do you know the business activities to focus on to build your consulting practice? Learn from my mistakes that cost me dearly when I was new, and where to put your time and effort for the maximum results. Part of the answer is doing what you do best, and finding the help you need for the rest.

Just Play the Hand You're Dealt!

Are you waiting on the economy to recover? Waiting for the recession to pass? Waiting to see what your business produces? Waiting for things to turn around? The truth is simple: Wait and you will starve. Act NOW, and you will profit... in any economy. Play (and profit from) the hand you've been dealt.

Are good sales people born or made?

This age old question is being pondered by many business owners and managers as they strive to increase their turnover and profitability.

The Secret to Maximum Motivation

Motivation is the fuel that powers your engine and provides you with the drive and determination necessary to accomplish your goals and make life dreams become reality. For the secrets to maximum motivation, read on...

Better Cash Flow – 11 Ways Small Businesses Conserve Cash

Let’s talk about better cash flow – how to hold onto and conserve the cash you have on hand. This is not about cutting expenses. This is about holding onto your cash for as long as possible.

A Simple Exercise

How will you spend the rest of your days? Trading time for money or living life on your terms?!?

Exceeding customers’ expectations?

If I hear "Oh let's exceed our customers' expectations" one more time I will scream. Usually my response is: ‘Why don't we just meet their expectations in the first place?' Too many times the marketing hype (the promise) does not always connect with the sales expectation set up by the sales team, which doesn't always translate into a service experience we were promised in the first place. We are often left disappointed, jaded and, if it happens more than once, cynical. Too many of us have stories of where we have been let down by businesses not fulfilling our expectations. We see broken promises, exaggerated claims, hollow offerings, no real value!

The Reality Around Working Capital And Cash Flow Business Financing In Canada

Information on working capital and short term cash flow solutions for Canadian business financing . How to address daily cash flow needs without the need to borrow or invest in long term capital

Social Networking -- How Your Social Networking Habits Determines Your Business Success or Failure

It occurred to me as I look around and see what people are and aren't doing with their social networking that this is actually a microcosm of your entire business. So how do you approach your social networking and what does it say about the rest of your business?

3 Quick and Easy Ways to Add Multiple Streams of Income to Your Business

It's never a good thing when you rely on one stream of income. That stream dries up and you're, ahem, up that creek without a paddle. That's why having multiple streams of income is so valuable. One stream dries up, you've got a few other ones to depend on. But talking about multiple income streams and actually implementing them in your business are two entirely different things. That's why today I'm going to share 3 quick and easy ways you can start adding more streams right now.

Invoices To Finance ? Here’s The Best Method Of Factoring Financing In Canada For Accounts Receivable !

Information on confidential factoring financing for your firms account receivable investment . How it works and why the ability to turn those invoices into cash will generate cash flow and working capital for your firm .

Does Your Company Need Working Capital Cash And Funds ? Canadian Business Cash Flow Lending That Works!

Information on working capital and cash flow solutions in Canada . Where to access the funds and cash you need for lending that makes sense from a business financing perspective .Canadian Business Financing Solutions

Ten Tips For A Good Billing And Collection System

Cash flow is critical to any professional service firm but especially small ones. How do you prevent clients from delaying paying their bills or worse not paying at all? Here are 10 tips.

Proven Tips For Building Your Home Based Business

Working and building a home based business is often very lucrative but there are some tips that make doing so easier. First write a business plan. The major value of a business plan is that you can create a graphic outline that not only evaluates each aspect of your economic viability, but also includes a thorough description and deep analysis of your business outlook.

Buying An Existing Business Part IX of IX

This is the IX Part of a IX Part series of articles discussing the buying of an existing, small business. In this article we offer some parting advice and tips to buyers seeking to purchase a small, existing business.

Success is a Choice

We believe companies will fall inside three categories over the next few years. But, every business is faced with a choice as it relates to where they land in this mix. Are you an Uncompany, Sentimental Company, or Beneficiary Company? Find out your company type and what it all means.

7 Common Mistakes Made By Women in Business...And How You Can Avoid Them

There are many reasons why women with businesses are not successful but here are 7 of the most common mistakes that women in business make. These mistakes may seem obvious but in reality a great deal of businesses fail because of them. Discover how to avoid making these same mistakes and go on to run a successful business.

Global View

Survive - but also get prepared to Thrive

Service Interaction

In your business, the difference is……? What makes a modern business? Today business needs to re-invent itself and find a niche. Business is about networks. Business is about helping your customer achieve their goals. Business is about thinking differently about the way things have been done. The trouble is, businesses don’t fully understand the areas of a business that make it happen. In most cases there are three things that are needed to make a business a success, assuming that the company has a solid cash-flow.

Discover the Power of E-Book Marketing for your Website

E-book marketing is powerful in itself. Discover the power of words and realize the potential increase of profits by using e-book marketing to promote your website. You will be amazed at the results!

Access To Alternative Financing for Small Businesses

Many small or startup business owners seeking financing are caught between a rock and a hard place. Are you going to let this stop you? Are you going to give up on your dream of owning your own business or growing the current one?

Trade Declining Sales for a Competitive Advantage

Utilizing your suppliers declining sales to leverage your own sales.

Canadian Solutions To Your Working Capital Management And Cash Flow Loan Needs

Information on 5 working capital solutions for cash flow loan needs and why these solutions will address your cash flow challenges . 5 Immediate Solutions To Working Capital Success

Winning in the Recession – 10 Essentials for Professional Practices

Nobody knows exactly how long it will endure, but one thing is for certain, a number of professional practices will emerge as winners in the recession. The question is, which ones? This article goes on to answer this fundamental question and present the reader with '10 Essentials to Win in the Recession'.

Let Canadian Film Tax Credit Financing In Ontario And BC Finance Your Productions!

Information on Canadian film tax credit financing and how the Ontario and BC tax credit, financed properly, can add cash flow to your project and enhance overall return on investment for producers.

The Six Worries of A Spare Room Tycoon

This is a story of my friend Mariann Schick, a fellow spare room tycoon.

Entrepreneurs – Signs That You Have Expanded Your Business Too Quickly

You have been running your business for some time and things are going well, but you are starting to notice that you are getting some problems and maybe your profits and turnover aren’t so good. Could you be expanding too quickly? Here are a few symptoms and some suggestions as to what you can do about it.

Smart Women Are “Lucky”

This article is about taking ownership and responsibility for your future. We all have needs and wants that we desire, but are we truly taking the steps necessary to accomplish our Big Ideas, Dreams, and Goals or are we waiting for someone or something to make all our dreams come true?

5 Timestealers You Must Avoid

Gary has a business, employing 7 staff. When he contacted me he was at a point where the stress from his business was so bad, that he would constantly wake up 3 or 4 times a night worried about everything ...his cash flow, staff, lack of clients and the affect all this was having on his personal well-being and family life. He didn't use a diary, had no way of planning and kept everything 'in his head'.Often his staff were idle because he hadn't spent time training them. That ensured the work didn't get done therefore causing Gary to lose clients.

Katie Yeakle, Co-Founder of AWAI, Shares What It's Like to Start a Copywriting Company

Intriguing interview with the Co-Founder of American Writers & Artists Inc. (AWAI), Katie Yeakle, on her experience with starting her company.

What to measure to be phenomenally successful in business

We all have to measure our finances, using an approved accounting system. We may hate it, but it is a requirement by law. Thus we all get an accountant to tell us what we did, how much money we made or lost, how much tax we have to pay, and then most of us sigh a collective sigh of relief, and forget about it. Large businesses use the financial figures, to create management accounts that we use on an ongoing business.

Should you outsource sales management – the key considerations

No matter how great your product or service is, if you don't have people using and buying what you produce, you go out of business. So how do you set up an efficient sales and marketing machine, on a limited budget? Do you have experience in sales management? Would you know how to maximize the potential of a good sales person?

7 Golden Rules for Recession Survival

During good times in ancient China, surplus food and wealth was stored in great strong houses to provide succour for future famines and droughts. Are you one of many business people left wondering what will happen next, now that the Celtic Tiger has passed on and the winter of recession and customers with tight wallets is upon us?

Dwindling Cash Flow is a Big Problem

Business owners today are tapping into whatever available cash reserves they have. This is not always the best thing to do but they might not have an option. Survival is the primary reason entrepreneurs are using their cash reserves. It is vital to stay afloat and be able to come through our current economic situation that is affecting many.

Want To Finance Working Capital ? Here’s Your Sources Of Cash Flow Financing

Information on how to identify sources of cash flow when Canadian business owners want to finance working capital . How do these financing solutions fix your cash flow challenge. Solve your Canadian Working Capital Crisis – Today !

Do not neglect Your Accounting Functions

In trouble times, outsourcing is the only solution. Neglect to your accounting functions can bring serious consequences. Not to mention, that the financial aspect is the second (the first one, of course, is the core of your business) most important function of your business. You financial position is view by a set of financial statements that speak for themselves. So, no matter how small or how big you are, it is important to keep all your accounting records straight. The great benefit that you gain is that you know exactly where each penny has been spent.

Commercial Property: 10 things to do

Jones Commercial wants to help you be successful with your Commercial Real Estate experience so have put together 10 things to do.

Motivation determines the Price

A quick overview on how values of the past no longer determine the price paid today. The Motivation of the seller and the buyer is the key to the price paid.

What Kind Of Business Should I Start?

This is a question I continually get asked and it is one of the hardest to answer. One of the biggest problems is that people who ask this question are those that have destined themselves to fail – mainly because they miss one important entrepreneurial skill – passion! They are invariably looking for a business that will make them a lot of money for very little effort. So what do I usually suggest?

Too much work and not enough workers Here are seven alternatives to hiring

If you're at the point in your small business where you have too much work, but you just aren't sure you have the business to merit it just yet, here are seven ways to get the ob done without making a giant commitment.

Entering the ‘go-go’ zone with your eyes wide open

The Go-Go zone is that place a business can find themselves in that sounds like heaven. In reality, it is more often hell. It is the place where you have more business than you know what to do with, where it is all you can muster just to get orders processed and shipped. Keeping customers happy gets left by the wayside. This article is my effort to help you understand the pitfalls of this seemingly idyllic situation, and help you prepare for it if and when it occurs.

Want growth? Now is the time for an Acquitision

What everyone knows is that money can be made in the stock market whether it is going up or down. The questions is, as a business owner, how do you grow when the economy is on its way South (sound familiar?). The last time the market has been so ideally primed for growth through acquisition was in the early 70's. It probably won't be this good again for another 20 or 30 years. In this article, I talk about how this works.

Buying An Existing Business: An Introduction

Buying an existing business, compared to other means of getting into your own business, is in my opinion the safest way to go. But you must plan your purchase carefully. This article outlines the advantages and disadvantages of making one of the most important buying decisions of your life.

Efficient Inventory

Sure, retailers all know that they need to keep track of their inventory, but there are more reasons than the most obvious ones.

Good Bookkeeping To Secure Business Capital

How does good bookkeeping help you to secure Business Capital? Well, many observers agree that the global economy will create far more challenging situations than first anticipated. So when the going gets tough in the market place, it is even more imperative for you to have a handle on the financial position of your business

Internet Job Ideas For College Students

We know that college is expensive and even more so with today's economy. If you are looking for ways to make some money while attending classes here is some information for you we hope you find useful.

Entrepreneurs – Why Should You Sell Low Ticket Items?

When you first start your business, it is tempting to sell a lot of high price products, but that may not be the most profitable way for you to go. A better way might be to sell low ticket items.

Determining the Initial Franchise Fee

Many factors impact the franchise fee charged by a Franchisor. Some franchise companies make the mistake of setting their franchise fee based solely on what their competitors are charging. Although this may appear to be a sound strategy, the problem is that not all franchise systems are created equal, regardless of whether they operate in the same industry...With Franchise Fees wildly fluctuating even among similar type franchise companies, to a potential franchisee the Franchise Fee may appear to be based on a "throw it out there and see if it sticks" approach. However, when the Franchise Fee is properly established based on a thorough evaluation of specific factors, it can be easily justified (and understood) by a potential franchisee.

Engagement, Performance, Retention - Where Do Your Employees Fit?

Employers need to look forward and not hunker down during an economic crisis. You do this by using all the tools at your disposal and by understanding your employees and where they fit in your organization.

Working at Home vs Getting an Office

This article will help you determine if the timing is right for you to secure an office for your business or to continue to work from home.

The Tricky Dance of Giving and Receiving

You know that giving is part of marketing, however there is a right and wrong way to give. Read about the two different ways and the eight things you can do to stay on track.

Money Getting Tight? 5 Ways How To Control Your Cash Flow

In these tough business times, protecting your cash flow, the lifeblood of your business, becomes very important. Problems with managing your income can be lethal to your company so here are 5 ways to manage your money more effectively.

Buying Existing business vs Start Ups

As we begin the New Year, more people are looking to get into a business for themselves. I think it’s very important to understand the major differences between buying an existing business or starting from scratch. There are pro's and con's on both sides, and I want to emphasize on major differences to buyers and break down the process in hopes that buyers and sellers can make an educated decisions.

Entrepreneurs - Want To Grow Your Company?

You’ve got your company set up and the first scramble to get everything working ok and your cash flow positive has paid off. Now you need to grow your company – so how do you do this? Well there are four activities that will pay dividends in the future.

How To Successfully Buy Your Second Company

An accomplished entrepreneur who has sold his or her first business often seeks to re-enter the business world by acquiring and operating another company. But the acquisition likely involves new partners and different strategies than those previously employed. This article examines just such a scenario, presuming the reader is the purchaser in question. The article covers the necessary planning, leveraging purchasing power with debt, considering outside investors, and the benefits of professional expertise to ease the acquisition process.

The Bad Customer – How Do You Recognize The Customer Who is Harming Your Business?

Why on earth would you want to fire a customer? Well if they cost you more money and effort than the profit you make from them – then it is time for you to remove them from your mailing lists and your marketing activities. Here’s 7 ways to recognize the bad customer.

SWOT Analysis – Swot’s That And How Can It Make My Business More Profitable.

As an experienced business consultant, thought I would risk the wrath of my peers and show you how to use one of the consultant’s most powerful and useful tools – The SWOT Analysis. SWOT stands for Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities and Threats.

Entrepreneurs - Got a Great Retail Concept But Can’t Afford A Shop?

Sometimes circumstances dictate that you can’t afford a retail shop but you really want to get your business started. Many small, retail businesses are not suitable to run from your home base or via a warehouse. Web sites, whilst having low start up costs, also take a lot of marketing and time to become profitable. Why not think about starting a kart or kiosk in a shopping mall? Here are a few points to consider.

Entrepreneurs – Increase Your Sales With Just A Little Extra Effort

You’ve got steady sales but we just want to increase them a little more. This will give you some extra profit for your family, more money to invest in your business or just more satisfaction. Maybe the problem you have is overstocking and you want to clear your inventory to free some of your cash flow. Here are a few suggestions for you.

How to Sell in a Recession

During these times of shrinking budgets & revenue you can with turn them to your advantage by providing your customers with effective solutions to make them more efficient.

How To Reduce Your Cash Flow Problems and Get Paid On Time

How often do you hear business owners complain that their clients are 'slow payers?' Before working with me, one of my clients who has a pool building business, told me that they only asked for a 10% deposit at the start of the project and then invoiced the balance at the end of it. The process of building a pool takes weeks! In the meantime her company would have to cover wages, equipment and all other costs throughout this time. What often happened at the end, the clients were slow to pay causing them even more financial stress.

Entrepreneurs Want A Smoothly Running Profit Making Business?

You’ve done all the hard work and your business is starting to turn over a profit. Have you though about the benefits of getting it running smoothly and efficiently so that you don’t get massive peaks and troughs of income? So how do you go about turning your business into a smooth running machine?

Entrepreneurs – Do It Yourself Or Buy A Franchise?

You’ve wanted to go into business for a long time. You know what you want to sell and you know who to. The last big decision you have to make is – do I go it alone or do I buy a franchise?

Business Ownership – Just Like Working But With More Freedom. Isn’t It?

Well actually no it’s not usually but it can be far better if you know what to expect and how to manage your new business. Every new business owner starts off, full of hope, excitement and enthusiasm. How do you make sure that you are not on of the 80% of small businesses that fails in the first few years?

Alternative Financing Can Help Offset Cash Flow Challenges Presented By Slow-Paying Customers

There are various reasons for the slow pace of economic recovery among small businesses, but one is becoming increasingly apparent: A lack of cash flow caused by longer payment terms instituted by their vendors. To help them cope with the resulting cash flow challenges, more small and mid-sized businesses are turning to alternative financing vehicles. These are creative financing solutions for companies that don’t qualify for traditional bank loans, but need a financial boost to help manage their cash flow cycle.

Top 10 Tips For Developing A Great Computer Business Franchise

Recession makes business success tough, but applying a few simple pieces of wisdom to your IT business may be able to make a big difference in how well you fare.

The Art of Social Marketing: Is It Right For Your Business?

When the economy takes a downturn, small business owners look to in-person networking to keep cash flow moving in their business. What most business owners don't realize is there may be a simpler way. Would it be beneficial to grow your local business with social networking and web 2.0 ?

SEO versus PPC – The Famous Debate

I often get asked the question: “Which is better Search Engine Optimization or Pay per Click Advertising?” The truth is that both are excellent online marketing strategies and it all really depends on your existing circumstances, goals and budget.

SBA Loan Program Basic

All SBA loan programs lend to small businesses unable to secure financing on reasonable terms through normal lending channels. The loan programs are operated through private-sector lenders that provide loans which are, in turn, guaranteed by the SBA. Keep in mind that the SBA has no funds for direct lending or grants. Most private lenders (banks, credit unions, etc.) are familiar with SBA loan programs so you should contact your local lender for further information and assistance in the SBA loan application process.

5 Smart Simple Canadian Working Capital Cash Flow Financing Loan Techniques !

Information on working Capital Solutions on cash flow financing for Canadian firms . What type of loan or asset monetization do you need ?

Franchise Business Opportunities With Instant Cash Flow

It may sound too good to be true, but some businesses are designed to create an income from day one on the job, and here is a list of just a few such franchises.

Confused About Canadian Working Capital Finance ? Cash Flow Financing Techniques That Work

Information on Canadian working capital finance . What are solid real world solutions to financing and cash flow challenges that businesses face every day .

Five Lessons Learned from the 8 Figure Sale

Read this Case History of the Salesperson who Failed to Close the 8 Figure Deal He Worked on for 2 Years!

The Credit Crunch. Is there Light at the end of the Tunnel?

This last month or so has been a depressing and very worrying time for most businesses and business people due to the massive uncertainty caused by the banks financial instability and forecasts of a recession. However, is there now a light at the end of the tunnel?

A Home Business Franchise Essential--Making A Budget

Whether you're new to home based businesses or a home business veteran, there's no denying that having a good budget for your business is essential to maintaining order in your business and tracking profits and expenses. Here's some practical ways to put your budget together and get your home based business on the right track financially.

The Importance of Bookkeeping

If you've been running your business for any length of time you understand the importance of bookkeeping and how neglecting it can create havoc!

10 Tips For The Perfect Cleaning Franchise Business

No matter what your feelings are about starting a franchise business in the cleaning industry, the fact is that it's one of the most lucrative service industries in the nation, and unlike many businesses which rely on constantly attracting and recruiting new clients, with a cleaning franchise your clients will use your services over and over again. Here's a look at some practical information for starting and running the perfect cleaning franchise business.

Choosing The Right Bank for Your Business

Choosing the right bank for your business can often be an ongoing event. With the world of finance changing each day and new banks opening, there is more competition between the banks and therefore the opportunity for you to get a better deal. You will also find that, as your business grows, your banking needs will change.

How a Bookkeeper Can Help Your Cash Flow

Many small business owners struggle with keeping their bookwork up to date. Yet good record keeping is an essential part of any successful small business.How can you make an informed decision about your business if you don’t know where you are at financially with your business?

Easy Way to Shorten Your Sales Cycle

If a “yes” decision requires a significant investment you probably have a relatively long sales cycle. Some of you currently have sales cycles of 12-18 months. Long sales cycles require a huge investment of your resources: time, money, and energy.

5 Kids Franchise Opportunities That Keep Kids Fit

A side-effect of our increasingly digital lifestyle in America is that kids simply don't get the kind of exercise they used to. This coupled with poor eating habits has lead to the highest rates of child obesity and type-2 diabetes in children that our country has ever seen. If you want to help kids stay fit and run your own successful business at the same time, take a look at five of the best franchise opportunities to help kids stay fit and healthy.

Reselling Your Franchise

If you are thinking about re-selling your franchise to a new franchisee, for whatever reason, how is that done? You might be wondering how it differs from selling an independent business, because you don’t technically own the franchise, you only own its assets. You are renting everything else, from the brand name to the business model of the franchisor.

Managing a Growing Business

Once a start-up business is up and running, how does an entrepreneur manage it? Often the entrepreneurial spirit of self-confidence, creativity, focus and control leads to financial and personal grief as the enterprise grows. A hands-on entrepreneur who gives birth to the business loves perfecting every detail. But after the start-up, continued growth requires a shift in management style. Those who fail to adjust to a growing business can be the cause of the problems rather than the solution. In this article, we will look at the stages through which entrepreneurial companies move and consider how managers should out their planning, organizing, leading and controlling.

Your Profitability is Determined by the Customers you Keep

We've all heard the adage "not all business is good business". With that being said, we are all trying to keep cash flow robust and are challenged to turn any business away. So what can be done in situations where we know the business is not good for long-term profitability and will demand the continued commitment of precious resources?

Diagnosing a Troubled Company – Part II ©

This article is Part II of a series of articles. It suggests a number of criteria to consider in reviewing a company's financial statements. It also addresses why it is important to properly handle a customer's complaint.

Small Business Tips To Ensure Your Business Survives Christmas

In Australia many small businesses go through a very quiet period from about mid December until the end of January. It is when people go on holidays, focus on Christmas parties and generally do anything except think of work. Many small businesses close down after Christmas because they failed to adequately plan in terms of cash-flow or how to maximise the use of their time. Instead of planning and taking action, they sat and worried about lack of customers.

Small Business Tips: How To Turn Around A Business

No-one likes to fail. In these past few months I have watched as a few otherwise great businesses have folded. But what could have been done to turn the business around from disaster? What does the owner really want? This is the hardest part – if the owner is ambivalent at best about the business, they are not sure if they really want to be there, then no business intervention will work as well as it could.

Why A Good Credit Score Is Important To Your Business

Whether you're in business or an individual, you should have an idea of what your credit score is, even if you're not currently applying for credit. Knowing your credit score and occasionally checking your credit reports also helps you protect yourself from identity theft and credit fraud.

Is Your Website Credit Card Friendly

If you think hooking up a brick-and-mortar location with a credit card system stymies most bankers, try asking them how to do it on your website.

5 Revolutionary Breakthroughs In Working Capital Business Loans & Cash Flow In Canada !

Information on working capital and cash flow business loans and non – loan solutions for Canadian business

Tips on Writing Headlines

Headlines sell. Take a look at any magazine front cover and you will see a stack of headlines enticing you to read further. The evening news bulletin – you hear headlines at the top of the news before they go into content. Direct mail – the headline is the difference between reading and binning your letter. Email – the subject line will determine whether or not your mail gets opened.

Why Cash Flow is King

One of the biggest financial mistakes many small business owners make is focusing too heavily on profitability at the expense of cash flow. There’s an old saying that sums it up well: “Profit is Queen, but cash is King.” It’s critical that you understand the difference between profit and cash flow: Doing so may be the difference between whether your business survives, much less thrives, in today’s challenging business and economic environment.

The Chic Entrepreneur – Put Your Business in Higher Heels by Elizabeth W Gordon

The Chic Entrepreneur was written for female entrepreneurs. As a female entrepreneur who is not "girly" or "chic" - I can still recommend the book. Some of the "chic" and "girly" reference can be distracting, but the actual business content contains plenty of valuable business set up, hiring, management and promotional information.

5 Things Business Owners Must Consider During Growth or Survival Periods

Growing a business in today’s market is all about survival of the fittest. Surviving through the uphill battles of being an entrepreneur is critical. Surviving through the growth stages of the business is just as vital as when your business is in a negative cash flow period or downhill mode.

Growing Your Small Business with Non-Traditional Financing

Small business owners are always seeking ways to grow their business. Whether you are going after business-to-business (B2B) clients, business-to-government (B2G) contracting opportunities, or business-to-consumer customers (B2C), growing your business is the foremost thing on your mind.

Reality Check

Are you one of those people who has been listening to me and others, like Robert Kiyosaki, about generating passive income and investing for a lifetime of prosperity? Maybe you've been wanting to find the "thing" or deal that will bring you retirement now. Or maybe you're just downright sick of having barely enough cash flow and find yourself saying you'll do or buy something once you get more money.

Money Is Your Servant

Money issues seem to be an ongoing challenge for many of us. We tend to try to control it, as if it were a beast. We put boundaries, rules, limitations, and goals in place to make us feel like we're being "good" and doing it "right."

A Wealth Plan That REALLY Works

The question people ask me most often is, "How do I do a plan for getting out of the rat race or expanding my wealth?" My answer is, "Make one up." Then, I feel the confusion creeping into their mind.

Unique Canadian Cash Flow Financing & Working Capital Loans - Finance Options

Information on cash flow and working capital financing solutions for Canadian business. Types of loans and finance strategies that can save and grow your business .

The 6 Steps To Collecting Money Without Guilt

So you've made the sale. Provided the product or service. Sent the invoice. Waited. Waited. Waited. And now your stomach is in a knot because you absolutely HATE having to call customers for cash?

Franchise Agreements The Basics

What you need to look for when you want to start a franchise and are ready to sign the franchise agreement. So you’ve taken all the appropriate steps; you’ve researched, asked questions, found out about the competition, scouted locations and lined everything up. Now it’s time to sit down and sign the franchise agreement. But before you do, there are several things you need to know. The franchise agreement will be the bedrock of your business, and success (or failure) may lie somewhere inside all those conditions and terms. A smart franchisee will read the franchise agreement very carefully, making sure they understand everything within it. Here are some of the most commonly misunderstood or potential problematic areas you need to be aware of:

Rule #1 - Making Money In Business

There are several ways to make money in business: sell a business for a profit, buy a business that you can grow the cash flow, operate your business with the perspicacity a business needs to be profitable, and/or start a business that fulfills the needs of customers with money. It sounds easy and it can be if you follow some basic rules, many of which I learned the hard way.

Rule #2 - Making Money In Business

There are several ways to make money in business: sell a business for a profit, buy a business that you can grow the cash flow, operate your business with the perspicacity a business needs to be profitable, and/or start a business that fulfills the needs of customers with money. It sounds easy and it can be if you follow some basic rules, many of which I learned the hard way.

Rule #3 - Making Money In Business

There are several ways to make money in business: sell a business for a profit, buy a business that you can grow the cash flow, operate your business with the perspicacity a business needs to be profitable, and/or start a business that fulfills the needs of customers with money. It sounds easy and it can be if you follow some basic rules, many of which I learned the hard way.

Rule #4 - Making Money In Business

There are several ways to make money in business: sell a business for a profit, buy a business that you can grow the cash flow, operate your business with the perspicacity a business needs to be profitable, and/or start a business that fulfills the needs of customers with money. It sounds easy and it can be if you follow some basic rules, many of which I learned the hard way.

How to Start Making Money Online

So you've decided to start an online business. Before you start having those big cash flow dreams, stop and get some tips for having an online business. There are many internet information resources for doing this sort of thing. Here are some basic tips on how to start making money online.

Factoring: an alternative way to finance your business

Commonly businesses have to extend credit to their customers which in turn become accounts receivable in their cash flow. Factoring bridges this credit gap by enabling a business to get a percentage of their accounts receivable instead of having to wait the 30, 60 or 90 days indicated on their invoice.

Discounting to Create Cash Flow? Be Careful.

Before you consider discounting your price, make sure that the customer fully understands the value proposition you offer and that you fully understand the customer's needs and wants...

Why Should I Buy From You

A seemingly simple question can often be the most difficult to answer when it comes to sales. Learn three proven sales tools to add to your repertoire when asked, "Why should I buy from you?"

The biggest mistakes restaurants make, and why they have a high failure rate

This is one of the most important articles I've written. It's a list on the biggest reasons for failure in the restaurant industry. While there are certainly other issues that can lead to failure, these are the most common.

The benefits of coaching for the selfemployed and small business owner

A brief overview reviewing: - What is coaching? - What are the benefits to me - as an individual and especially as a business owner or self-employed person? - the value of coaching. Raised awareness. Focus. Clarity. More success, quicker, more effectively and more efficiently. - you get out of it what you put in! You can talk all you like with your coach, but its up to you to make it really work for you, and actually do what you plan to do. Your coach is there to support you and encourage you to achieve, after helping you find your best way forward.

Planning for Success

The first question many small businesses ask themselves is "why bother performance analysing and planning, things seem to be going ok. Besides, it's too hard and I don't have the time or know exactly where to start!"

Strategies to Recession Proof Your Business

Every small business needs to take a hard look at the status of their business now to make sure it can withstand an economic downturn. The secret is to have your Plan address spots where you may be vulnerable. Prevention definitely beats fixing things after they become difficult to turn around.

Make Extra Money From The Comfort Of Your Home

The truth is clear that there are a number of easy ways to make money at home but you need to first define your expectations and remember that you are doing it for yourself. This article outines some of the best ways to make money from home.

How To Find A Loan For A Business Franchise

There are some basic steps that can help the soon to be franchise owner acquire the loan and financing that allows them to go into business for themselves.

Can You Afford To Be Too Busy?

Wouldn't it be great that every time someone sends you an invoice for their services/products you pay for it immediately? The cash is always sitting in your bank account and no matter what bills you receive you can always pay on time. The theory is if you're good at 'budgetting', you should be able to handle your 'cashflow'. So that leads me to this week's story. I had an outstanding payment for a supplier which was overdue. The only reason I hadn't paid it was the fact that I had a couple of queries about the work that had been done. Knowing that the business owner was disorganized in the way he ran his business, I wanted to check that everything on that invoice was correct. It wouldn't have surprised me if he had overcharged for work already paid for.

The FTC on Earnings Claims Statements

Are you considering buying a franchise? One of the first steps you ought to take is to determine whether that franchise is doing well or poorly financially, which involves determining what the franchise’s actual quarterly and/or annual earnings are.

What are the 3 biggest challenges faced by supply chain/purchasing professionals today? (Survey Result 15)

There are many factors both internally as well as externally that are affecting supply chain/ procurement practices today. From the growing talent vacuum to the continuing lack of collaboration between Finance, IT and Purchasing relative to corporate initiatives. What in your own experiences and opionions are the top 3 issues that procurement professionals face?

How To Find The Best Small Business Opportunity For You

There are many different kinds of small business opportunities and franchises for sale, but those options can be narrowed down considerably by asking two critical questions that help determine what type of small business opportunity is the right fit.

The Case for Multiple Personality Disorder in Business

Or how to be the Business Owner and do the work of the business owner, not the work of the business

5 Financial Mistakes that Can Put You Out of Business

Don't make these deadly mistakes; they can cost you your company. In this economy, you need to be even more careful.

How Healthy Is Your Business?

Give your company a financial health examination to determine if you're in good health or in danger of becoming ill during these tough times. Dr. Jeff Cornwall, who heads up the entrepreneurship program at Belmont University in Nashville, TN (and who's been a guest on Build Your Business Radio) suggests that you examine certain key indicators and, if you're not in good shape, work now to cure your problems. I interviewed Dr. Cornwall to find some critical areas to explore; here are his suggestions.

Is Your Business Bi-Polar? How to Better Manage Your Cash-flow Highs and Lows

Strategies to ensure that your business stays on an even keel, with steadily increasing revenue.

A healthy organisation

Providing cash flow is positive, there are key areas that will determine whether or not an organisation is healthy. Answering these questions will highlight possible “ouch” points that need to be addressed.

5 Financial Mistakes That Can Put You Out of Business -- And How to Avoid Them

Don't make these deadly mistakes; they can cost you your company. In this economy, you need to be even more careful.

My Dear Franchisee…

My Dear Franchisee provides an introduction to a new franchisee of exactly what it is they've bought, what is included and what isn't as well as defining what are the roles of the franchisee and the franchisor. In short, everything you wanted to know about franchising but had been unable to ask!

If Business Ran Like the Government

The big news these days is the federal government’s debt ceiling. Every time Washington gets into one of these messes - which it does a lot - people renew the discussion about how government should be run. “If I ran my company the way they run the government…” The outcome is usually bankruptcy or prison. Should government be run like a business? That’s a debate for another article. But, the surprising thing is many business ARE run like the government. Do you understand how to manage cash flow in your business? Does your company cater to special interests, waste money or time or push problems aside instead of addressing the real issue?

Home Based Business--Bank Loans To Grow

When a newspaper reporter asked bank robber Willie Sutton why he robbed banks he answered, “Because that’s where the money is.” And Willie was right if you're trying to grow a business too--banks do supply the bulk of the money for small businesses.

My top 10 tips for staying in business

Each year about 440,000 new businesses start-up in the UK and yet each year and yet so many (around 60%) will close their doors within 18 months and walk away from what was their dream. So, why does it go wrong for so many?

Lessons Learned from eCommerce

The growth and frequent failures of e-commerce ventures has served to write new chapters in the history of business and organization. Whether you were actively involved in these ventures or just watching interestedly, you are probably aware of the debates that occurred over more traditional rules of business models and emerging internet rules, in which speed and opportunity was key.

4 Ways to reduce your costs and to increase income

The little details can make a big difference in the world of business. It is more likely that a small business will experience a surge in profits due to its implementation of a series of small cost-cutting strategies rather than the acquisition of a huge new client. Cost cutting strategies for your small business don’t have to be complicated, they just require that you pay attention to some of the more trivial aspects of your business.

Am I in the Right Business?

Are you tired of working constantly without a vacation and having the money to show for your efforts? If you are wondering whether you are in the right business, consider the following questions:

Six Tips to Instantly Master Your Finances by Becoming a Millionaire-Thinker

What’s the fastest route from where you are today to your ideal financial status? Becoming a “millionaire-thinker”. Now you may think this means you have to be a millionaire – you don’t! The truth is many people don’t aspire to that level of financial success – and there is nothing wrong with that.

The Stupid Mistakes Disorganised Business Owners Make

Did you know that 60-90% of all doctor visits are for stress-related illnesses? Stress is costly in terms of your health, relationships and performance. When you're affected by too much stress your body wears down and you get sick. Highly disorganised people seem to be more susceptible to sickness as they are always under extreme pressure, running from one disaster to another. What many business owners fail to realise is they constantly repeat the same stupid mistakes by not addressing the fundamental issues that are the cause of their problems and guess what that is? Their own personal disorganisation.

The Most Reliable Predictor of YOUR Success

Dave Longaberger grew up in the tiny village of Dresden, Ohio. One of 12 children in a modest home (with one bathroom!), Dave experienced severe stuttering problems. He also suffered from epileptic seizures. And that was before he ever got in the first grade.

Why Buy an Existing Business or Franchise

Why buy an established business or franchise rather than start from scratch? There are many advantages for an entrepreneur. First of all, there is a savings in time, energy, and money when buying an existing business or a franchise. The lengthy process of researching and creating business plans and models has already been done for you. Usually when individuals decide to sell a business they prepare a business plan or offering summary for you. Also, if there is financing needed for your purchase, it is not as difficult to obtain since a lenders are more likely to finance a business with a proven track record.

Getting There

Zig Ziglar said, ”You can get anything out of life, if you’re prepared to help enough other people to get what thy want.” But you have to know what you want and how you plan to get it, and then take action, before you can create anything.

3 Tips to Equalize Cash Flow to Client Flow

Too many entrepreneurs start their ventures with little or no capital. They set deadlines that are impossible to meet because that is when they are running out of money. They forget to test their target audience with their offer to see if they really want it. Then they are surprised when the market resists. Frustrated, baffled and burned out, you wonder if you should just go get a job again.

What is the Sales Value of my Small Business?

The first question most business owners ask me is “what is the value of my small business?” This article provides a simple way to value small businesses that are typically owner operated with revenues under $3,000,000.

A Simple Formula to Guarantee an Instant “Virtual Team” Return on Investment

Would you like to hire a team but aren’t sure if you can afford to? Use this simple formula to discover how you can afford to hire right now.

How Do You Define Good Business Partners?

Finding good business partners is critical to the success of growing businesses. Businesses, especially small businesses, can live or die based on the success of their partnerships. And as with any kind of partnership you may be judged by the company you keep. So how do we define a good partner?

Why Factor?

Because this service has not been available, until recently, to small and medium sized companies, businesses should see this a positive ability to secure receivables financing, not as a problem with cash flow.

Why A Canadian ABL Business Credit Line Is Your New Plan B For A Cash Flow Facility

Information on why the ABL business credit line facility for cash flow and daily working capital needs if revitalizing Canadian business financing and providing a solid alternative to traditional financing .

The Importance of Your Business Financial Statements

The topic of financial records or statements has always created some anxiety for entrepreneurs. For those individuals thinking of jumping into the world of business ownership, this can be a daunting part on the path to entrepreneurial success. Not knowing the importance and meaning behind each financial document can certainly set anyone up for failure. It is critical that you understand and address the reason and need for each financial document that is applicable to your business.

Practical and Surprising Methods for Working Capital And Cash Flow Financing For Operating Funds For Canadian Business Owners

Information on working capital and cash flow solutions for operating funds for Canadian business owners and financial managers.

There’s a System for That!

Name any irritation in your biz and I bet you can create a system that will smooth the rough waters. While you may think that there is some secret formula that you can’t access to get your perfect solution, there is nothing farther from the truth. Systems play a key role in having a breakthrough.

General Ideas on Expense Management

Budgeting and managing expenses are easily overlooked in the heat of driving sales. Here are some ideas to manage costs and possibly avoid the slippery slope to insolvency.

Success Beyond Success

Can you imagine waking up every day, and feeling successful regardless of what's happening in your small business? That would be a nice place to be - especially with the myriad of details constantly on your mind. Your marketing plan, cash flow, managing time and deadlines. It's normal to sometimes wonder if you'll ultimately be successful, or if you'll have to eventually throw in the towel and go back to being employed.

How To Bridge Your "Goals Gap" And Ready Yourself For The Year Ahead

How are you progressing with your goals this year? As we head into the final quarter, now is the perfect time to measure and modify. Determine your gaps and learn how to bridge them for a grand finale.

Build A Cash Pool For Your Home-Based Business By Following 7 Simple Rules

Cash flow is the lifeblood to your home business. Without it, there is no business. Period. What could be more important? -- Turning that flow into a growing pool by following seven simple rules.

Build A Cash Pool For Your Home-Based Business By Following 7 Simple Rules

Cash flow is the lifeblood to your home business. Without it, there is no business. Period. What could be more important? -- Turning that flow into a growing pool by following seven simple rules.

Cash Flow Forecasting

A cash flow forecast, or cash flow projection, is a key element of financial strategy that supports near-term financial processes, overall capital structure and asset valuations. Included in this article is a look at the eight ways cash flow forecasting helps a company assert control of its financial situation. Both direct and indirect methods of cash flow forecasting are addressed with the former including the receipts and disbursements method, while indirect methods reviewed include adjusted net income, pro-forma balance sheet and accrual reversal.

5 Areas and 20 Questions for Improving Organisational Health

Just like individuals, there are very good reasons why every business should do regular health checks. While most medium to large businesses are aware of this and, in part, use frequent CEO briefings to do this, what happens in small to medium sized businesses (SMEs) can be a little like what happens with too many people – we know we should do it but never get around to it until a situation arises that cannot be ignored.

Other cash flow Related Articles

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