Starting and maintaining a small business can be a challenge for even the savviest of entrepreneurs. Keeping your vision clear and the purpose of your business alive while balancing the more mundane day-to-day tasks of real business life is a tricky combination to master.
However, there are some key tips and tricks to keep in mind when managing something like the finances of your business. With some guidance, you will be able to navigate this area of your business with ease and professionalism.
One of the things that may help as a small business owner is to outsource the financial management to experts, like Portland Profit First Professionals to name but one example, but read on for other options to consider.
Use Small Business Accounting Software
One of the best ways to save both time and some stress on dealing with your bookkeeping is to invest in some high-quality small business accounting software as early as possible. These days, there are a host of professional software packages available that can cater to the needs of your specific bookkeeping system. Having everything in a digital database will save you from the confusion of using paper-based records and will also reduce the amount of manual data entry that you are required to complete. You will also be able to rest assured that your data is accurate and verified by a computer, leaving much less room for potentially costly human error in the mix.
Hire A Professional Accountant
Beyond accounting software, it is still a good idea to have a professional accountant on your team. While your software will likely take care of the day-to-day basics of your small business finances, an accountant will be able to offer a higher-level analysis of your financial data and provide you with data-driven business insights. With an accountant acting as your informal advisor, your decision-making processes will be better informed and much more effective.
Project Into The Future
Savvy small business owners always have one eye on the present and one on the future. Make sure to use your available financial data and current sales information to project your finances into the future. Estimating and having a reasonable idea as to how well you will be doing in the next quarter and the next year is a strategic move that will better enable you to make the necessary adjustments to ensure the continued success and survival of your business.
Remember To Pay Yourself
Especially in the early days of a small business, it can be tempting to put all of your profits directly back into your business investments. Instead of doing this, however, it is important that you do put aside some money each period to pay yourself. This will not only benefit you personally but will also better test the actual profitability of your business.
Avoid Unnecessary Costs
Being frugal is an essential behavioural style for any successful small business owner. Make sure that you do not go overboard with purchasing unnecessary office equipment or supplies. Be sure to keep your own salary and benefits at a reasonable level and make sure to set some money aside for potential lean times in the future. If your business requires that you travel frequently, make sure that you keep these costs as low as possible, i.e. do not overspend on luxuries. Finally, it is sometimes a good idea to hold off on aspects of your business such as marketing materials and company vehicles before you have actually established yourself. These perks can come later, but, in the early stages, you need to be cautious.
Stay In The Black
By following this advice, you will be better able to keep your business in good financial shape well into the future. It takes time to master the art of small business finances, but with a bit of knowledge and a lot of experience, you will be able to get the hang of it in no time at all.
