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Profits and Sales

The Way to Growth

Fran McCully

May 28, 2009

Many small business owners are focused on growing sales. When there is cash in the bank and customers coming through the door, a lot of business owners don't take the time to see how money is being spent.  What jobs or products are the most profitable?

It seems the bigger the business, the bigger the potential for waste.  One-person businesses are likely to find ways to cut costs and thus increase profits as they look closely at what they've bought, what they regularly buy and is it contributing to profits.

The biggest money leaks can be yearly or automatically renewing subscriptions. Are you reviewing your credit card bills each month? Check your statements to see if you have recurring charges for subscriptions that you are not using consistently.

Other common areas of money loss are goods and services - are you purchasing your supplies from the most economical supplier? Is it just a convenience and that is why you continue to purchase from that supplier? By shopping around you will likely find a supplier that welcomes your business and has lower prices.

Cash Flow Secrets for Small Businesses:

* Budget is not a four letter word.

Budgets can be your friends. See a budget as a plan to help you stay focused on what you need to achieve.

* The most powerful number in your business

Knowing only one number in your business should be your breakeven point. The breakeven point is the moment in time when your income equals your expenses. When your income is higher than your expenses, you have a profit. If your expenses are higher than your income you have a loss.

* Customers.

It's easy to get caught up in the search for new customers. But, never forget the ones you already have what other services or products can you offer to them? How can you get them to refer their friends and colleagues to you? You can build a successful business around a small number of customers by providing them with excellent customer care.

* Shoeboxes.

You will never have a successful business if you don't systematically track your income and expenses, who owes you money, and who you owe money to. This is absolutely crucial. You can certainly keep track of everything with pencil and paper if you like, as long as you track basic information in a systematic manner. A computer program such as QuickBooks certainly does a beautiful job.

* Getting customers to pay.

Always remove every possible excuse for nonpayment. Don't extend credit unless it's absolutely necessary. Establish credit policies to help determine who will get credit. Get an invoice into the bill payer's hand as quickly as possible after the work is done or the product is delivered.

* Why paying taxes causes rejoicing?

The strategic approach of many small business owners is to have as little profit as possible by the end of the year. Otherwise, you pay taxes. Some small business owners make decisions in their businesses based on intentional lack of profit.

Writing checks to the IRS is most often a painful thing to do but if you're paying taxes, it means your making money. If you're paying taxes, it means your business is making money. Don't let the thought of taxes hold you back. Always plan ahead for the tax bill - don't let it take you by surprise!

Fran McCully

Your Administrative Solutions

[email protected]

208-877-1736 Office

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