For many businesses, cash flow is an issue that holds the business back. But, unfortunately, there never seems like there is never enough cash when you need it.

With Christmas around the corner, it’s time to plan. Naturally, a business owner will not want to reduce their cash balance unnecessarily at this time. But, on the other hand, an increase in cash into the business can make life easier and lower the cost of financing. Moreover, squiring the money now can pay dividends in the post-festive month of January.

How to reduce cashflow leaks

 To help you preserve or increase your money, here are our five cash management leaks to avoid.

1. Bloated Bank Fees

Some banks are more business-friendly than others.  Therefore, we recommend you assess the fees you are currently charged and aim to eliminate any unnecessary services.

•  Is it practical to maintain a   cash balance to avoid monthly fees? Do you charge merchant fees to recover?
• Are you being charged online banking fees, and are these still necessary?
• Are you being charged for a high volume of transactions or cash drawer services, and are these competitive with other banks?

Banks are open to negotiation, and we sharpen their pencil for a long term relationship.

2. Are you sure you are paying the lowest amount of taxes you legally can do without entering into tax avoidance? 

 There are several opportunities to review to ensure that you are not overpaying taxes anywhere in your business or personally:

• Payroll taxes
• GST tax
• State and local income taxes
• Property taxes
• SMSF – are you in pension mode if you are retiring etc. and can have your smsf pay zero tax

3. The Cheque Is in the Snail Mail!

Customers who take too long to pay you are one of the biggest cash drains in your business. Consider reviewing your terms, asking for deposits, or becoming more aggressive with collections to bring your DSO (days sales outstanding) down. 

When you do, you will see an instant, permanent cash flow improvement. Don’t do work for people that can’t or won’t pay you or are slow

4.  Watch for those unknown bank errors and scammers

You may have an eagle eye on your most extensive bank account, but what about your other cash stashes? 

 PayPal, petty cash, credit cards and business savings accounts are among the places that may not get daily scrutiny.  Ensure those accounts are properly reconciled and have the proper controls so funds don’t go missing or someone else’s transaction ends on your account

5.  It’s in Your Interest

An excellent problem to have is when your bank balances get to be significant

What is your optimum working capital level? First, you don’t need the money immediately, so make it work for you.  Then, make sure that money is still working hard for you by putting the excess in an interest-bearing account, reducing loans or used for more resourceful opportunities. 

We always recommend a strategy of ensuring your trading company does not become a cash-rich piggy bank. In case of if things go wrong, you leave your cash exposed. Reach out if you would like to discuss this aspect further.

Cash management is important when conducting an import or export business. Planning for funding of containers, currency fluctuations and disruption are all strategic planning matters. We have assisted clients in scenario planning for lumpy cash flow and large inflows and outflows that can happen with these types of operations.

Make a Dash to the Cash

If we can help you plug any of these cash leaks into your business, please don’t hesitate to reach out and let us know. A cash flow forward strategy allows you to plan where your working capital can find it hard. If you aren’t using a cash flow plan, then lets us help you start the process.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Are you taking a giant step to make a difference or falling into a black hole? The fear of failure has killed more dreams than all other fears combined.

The fear of failure is insidious because it’s mainly in your imagination.

It can also prevent you from trying new ideas, growing and trying something new. Fear guarantees failure.

Interestingly, young children have no concept of failure. They couldn’t care less if they failed to do something. They just try again. There are no negative thoughts or emotions involved. They just keep on going.

Having hesitations is essential, which leads to calculated risks. But, give it a go, and in most cases, success will outweigh failure most times.

Consider these facts:

The fear of failure doesn’t have to impact your life significantly.

1. Failure is temporary – unless you quit. Failure isn’t final unless you give up. Successful people experience failures too. But they ended up being successful precisely because they didn’t stop. So failure is just a temporary state that means nothing because it’s only temporary.
   
   
2. Failure will occur with everyone. You’ve failed thousands of times and managed to survive. Consider how many times you were unable to walk or to talk well. Babies have constant failure.
   
   
3. Successful people fail all of the time. It’s a massive part of how human beings learn. We realized that our approach didn’t work; we adjusted and tried again.
   
   
4. Failure allows you to learn. You can learn something from every single one of your failures. Failure makes you more knowledgeable and capable. The more you fail, the stronger you become.
   
   

Why it’s in your imagination

1. Others are far less concerned about your failure than you think. A few people might notice your disappointment, but they quickly turn their attention back to themselves and their own challenges.
   
   There’s nothing to worry about. Feel free to fail as much as necessary. Fail enough, and you’ll quickly see that no one relevant cares.
   
   
2. Focus on how great it will be when you succeed. Don’t look at possible failure; consider possible success. Make yourself feel excited and optimistic about taking action.
   
   With high enough expectations, you’ll do just about anything without worrying about failure.
   
   

3. Redirect your thoughts. Put your attention on what you’re doing. Forget about the outcome. Stay focused on your actions or something positive. Thinking about failing will freeze you in your tracks. Take risks but put stop gap measures in so that failure is only a small chance in scheme of what you want to achieve.
   
   
4. Consider the cost of doing nothing. Taking action might be a little scary, but what will happen if you do nothing?
   
   
   • What will you feel about failing to take action?
   • What if you’re stuck in your current life for the nextfew years or more?
   • Maybe taking a risk is far more attractive than remaining where you are.
     We’ve all allowed the fear of failure to influence our decisions. We’ve allowed this fear to stop us from trying new things or taking risks. As a result, we all have more minor lives than we could because we’re too concerned with what others think.

Rejecting the fear of failure is one of the most incredible things you can do for your future! Your small business , your team and your family will be incredibly proud if you achieve your goals.

Plan to succeed!

 Bite off what’s going to give you joy. Go where no one has gone!

In business, we have all failed, but many also succeed.

Personally, I have failed at things that looked right. Ultimately I have used my failures to move forward and help myself and others. Failure to me is if I do the same dumb thing again and don’t learn from past mistakes

When it comes to inspiration you need to read what others have achieved and make your own list.

Not sure where to focus on in your business then check out our business value score and within 15 minutes receive your free score.

In 2022 to succeed, start an action plan. Focus on those things you are passionate about that will make a difference in your business. Many of us have a long list of formal and informal goals. Some of us don’t start then for fear of failure. Others find excuses, and others try to do everything at once. Don’t over commit but start by actioning small runs that you can get on the board.

You can start today. What are you going to do today that you’ve been afraid to try? What small step can you take that may make a difference? Sometimes 1 per cent changes can result in extraordinary outcomes. Conquer your fear of failure and just do it