How to keep your small business financially healthy

Small business owners are constantly on the lookout for ways to keep their businesses financially healthy. The reality is that no matter how great your business is doing, if the financial aspects of it are not managed correctly, you will soon find yourself having to close your doors. No longer can small businesses rely on credit in order to keep their doors open. Small business owners must be self reliant, when it comes to keeping their business financially sound. However, there are a lot of things that you can do to make this happen. Here is what you need to know about how to keep your small business financially healthy-

• Focus on marketing-When times get tough, many small business owners give into the temptation to cut their marketing. This can be a fatal mistake, for your small business. Keep in mind that if your customers don't know where to find your or what your small business offers, there is little chance they will seek you out to buy from you. However, you need to focus on creative and low cost ways to market your business. You want to make sure that your marketing is constantly focusing on educating both your existing customers, as to why they should continue to buy from you, and letting potential customers know why they should, as well. You cannot simply expect to rely only on your existing customers and hope to be successful, for the long term.
• Cut your costs-Small business owners who fail to stay on top of the costs of doing business, often find themselves very quickly in financial trouble. You need to make sure that your expenses are as trimmed as possible. One of the best ways to do this is to train everyone who works for you, to look for the best buy on everything that comes into your business. In addition, if there is anything that you are spending money on, that does not contribute to the bottom line, then you should get rid of it. However, there is a note of caution here, make sure that you cut costs with precision. If you fail to cut expenses to a healthy level, it won't do much good for your business, however, if you cut costs to deeply if could be fatal to the success, of your small business.
• Renegotiate with vendors-You should never simply assume that you are getting the best deal, from your vendors or suppliers. Periodically you shop around whatever you are purchasing to make sure that you are getting the best price. In addition, you should periodically talk to your vendors, about getting better terms on the purchases that you do make from them. Many times vendors are willing to renegotiate with customers that have been long term. Be sure to point out your long standing with them and your prompt payment history. You may be surprised at what they willing to offer you, in order to have you remain their client.
• Work on your accounts receivables-Many times' small business owners make the mistake of carrying to much in their account receivables. Keep in mind that this is cash that you have tied up. You need to first establish a billing and payment policy that lets your customers know you expect prompt payment. If payment is not made within the agreed upon terms, then you need to instigate collection actions, that let your customers know you need the money that is owed you. While you certainly want to be reasonable about billing and payment, carrying long standing accounts receivables, can seriously damage your small business finances.