6 tips for your successful Cash Flow Management

Has your credit been declined recently? Probably your creditworthiness played a decisive role in this. But that doesn't have to be the end of your ambitions. Simply pay special attention to the management of your cash flow. This not only improves your creditworthiness, it also gives you better financial conditions if the credit does not work out.

• An article with more information on the subject of creditworthiness: Trust is good, creditworthiness is better: Why checking your customers is so important

We have 6 tips for you on how to successfully manage your cash flow and improve your creditworthiness:

1. Define a credit policy

In the first step, create a credit policy and define the credit limits, the full terms of the credit policy, which means of payment you accept (cheque, credit card, etc.) and the information about customers that you imperatively need. When you check a customer's financial situation, you reduce the risk of late payment and even have the information you need to raise the credit limit and exploit potential.

2. Estimate and evaluate fixed and variable costs

Before you build up cash reserves, it is necessary to estimate the fixed costs. Then you do the same for the variable costs. They often come up unexpectedly. Therefore, spend more time estimating them and collect as many potential expenses as possible. As soon as you have substantial reserves, unexpected larger expenses will be now problem for you anymore. You will then be able to pay them without the help of credit cards or additional funds.

3. Plan how and when your customers pay your invoices

Think about using a so-called payment plan for your customers. This will let you know when the next payment will arrive or when you can expect it. Also keep track of every credit card transaction as part of your cash flow calculations. Automatic renewals help you keep your cash flow steady. Don't forget to draft invoices early. Many companies tend to pay late. If they also receive their invoice late, a timely receipt of payment is unlikely.

• Problems with late paying customers? Free infographic with 9 tips for a fast receipt of payment

4. Make forecasts

No Cash Flow Management without thorough and regular planning. Take enough time for that. Think about when and whether you will make less sales or when things will go well. Keep a meticulous eye on your earnings and expenses. Seasonal influences always play a role in the forecasts. Make sure that you take these into account during planning. But the most important basic rule is: Do not plan too optimistically.

Companies in a seasonal business have a hard time with cash flow anyway. Suppliers expect them to pay quickly. However, they sell to their customers much later. So they have to pay first, then receive their payment. In this case it's time to negotiate with credit card providers about better conditions or to place larger quantities with traders. Unit costs often drop rapidly for large orders.

5. Ask professionals for advice

Many managers don't like to care about accounting. The good thing is: There's help in the market. Think about hiring an accountant. So someone who keeps the books in detail, knows the software and keeps you up to date with the latest figures. Then hire someone to do your tax return.

6. Pay your creditors on time or even earlier.

Timely payments are not only important for building business relationships, they also ensure a good creditworthiness. Once this is assured, the chances of getting a credit are much higher. You even have better cards in your hand if you negotiate the repayment terms and interest rates.

Your financing is not guaranteed? Then Cash Flow Management is your first priority. This will massively improve your financial situation and allow you to take care of those who rely most on you - first of all your employees. It will also improve your creditworthiness and open the door to business credits. So nothing hinders your growth.

Working Capital Management

Cash Flow Management is an important part of the Working Capital Management. If you apply its principles consistently, you will always have sufficient funds for investment and healthy growth - and reserves for hard times.

Working Capital Management consists of Accounts Receivable Management, Accounts Payable Management and Stock Management. How do you implement this in detail? Please read our article "Working Capital Management: “That’s how it works and why it is so important”.

Or even better: Download our free infographic about Working Capital Management.