Revenue Streams and Profit Margins: Why the Timing of Cash Flow Matters over SMMEs Value Creation?
Being in a possession of enough cash to cover the bills is a must for any business to prosper. However, the biggest problem faced by SMMEs is having to invest the cash flow back to client projects. To overcome this problem, small business owners should either acquire enough capital necessary to shore up some cash reserves when the need arises. This is partly the reason some SMMEs are founded over an income generated through a day job whilst a business owner is simultaneously building a business. Although this split focus may seem counterintuitive to grow a business, but running out of cash flow makes growing any business an impossible task to accomplish.
The timing of cash flowing to the business is the top of the lists of company woes, and for small businesses, the biggest challenge arises when clients start stalling up payments, and outstanding bills not fully paid. Cash flow management becomes even more cumbersome when the money goes to business and to the owner. Although the balancing of books and handling of business accounting, finances and taxes may be within the capabilities of most business owners, it is always recommended to consult professionals who are better equipped to run these affairs. Most SMMEs within the developing economies find it difficult to acquire and utilise the necessary tools to effectively manage the flow of cash to the business.
It is also important to note that there are many online software platforms available – tried and tested cash flow management tools that can help small businesses to manage money flowing to their businesses. The lists include multi-talented apps that can create budgets, calculate VAT, automate bill payments, alert businesses if there are any unusual transactions taking place, and provide a free credit score.
The adoption of online invoices is a powerful way to trace and persuade reluctant clients to settle their accounts in full. There are many great software tools, which are freely available through open source or otherwise that can help small businesses to manage cash flowing to their business accounts. Cash flow will always be the biggest consideration and greatest concern for a small business owner. Maintaining a cash flow whilst making purchases to equip the business with necessary resources can be extremely challenging for a small business. Managing and growing a small business may be challenging, but with the right mindset, good acquisition, collaboration and proper partnerships – opportunities exist for small businesses to prosper and succeed.
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