10 Critical Steps Companies Should Take NOW for the Rest of 2008

As the owner of an independent business, you're challenged every day to play multiple roles in a limited time. You put on and take off a series of management hats - and sometimes you wear them simultaneously. But the one hat you can never shed is that of financial manager and planner. It's critical you spend time working ON your business and not just IN your business so that you can make better decisions, choose better actions, and experience better results.

Even if we're not officially headed into a recession, prudent business owners will want to "storm proof" their businesses for the coming year. As you struggle to reduce costs, find new sources of revenue, and operate more efficiently, it's always good to remember some basics.

1. Stay on top of your cash situation
Take time toprepare cash flow projections for the next 12 months and revise weekly if needed.

2. Know your key drivers and manage them
Keep a careful eye on areas that affect cash flow: accounts receivable collections and inventory turnover. How are you doing compared to past performance and your peers? Watch key areas that affect profits, net and gross margins, labor and fixed asset utilization. 3. Monitor Accounts Receivables closely
Process invoices immediately, distribute an outstanding accounts receivable statement weekly and take action on late accounts immediately. Start with a polite but firm personal call and don't get off the phone without a commitment to a payment date. A few days improvement in collections will make a huge difference in cash flow. 4. Insist on good financial data
Accurate, timely financial statements are critical in tight economic times. Don’t accept excuses.  5. Get funding now!
The worst time to get financing is when you are about to run out of cash. Arrange for loans and lines of credit before you need it. Your cash flow projections from tip one will help you figure out how much you’ll need and when you can pay it back. 6. Review your long term financing
Are you financing long-term growth (or assets) with short-term funding such as a credit line? If so, see your banker about getting it changed. 7. Have good advisors and use themMake sure you have a solid team of outside advisors, meet with them regularly and listen to what they say. 8. Don't turn financial decisions over to othersThere's no need to turn yourself into a CPA, but you must be able to read financial statements, talk with financial people and assess your company’s performance. 9. Understand and use break-even analysisDo you know your contribution margin? If not, you won’t know how much more you need in sales when costs rise or prices fall. At the same time you'll know how much to cut when sales fall and analyze the need for expansion or capital decision. 10. Stay close to your clientsThis will generate good will for you, give you a chance to spot new opportunities and provide an early warning in the event their industry isn’t doing well. Remember…
Ships are safest in harbors but that’s not what they’re made for. Don’t let fear of the future paralyze you now. Get moving and do something! 

Reprinted by permission of Business Resource Services, Inc., Seattle, Washington.