Few things are as exciting as starting a business. But if you’re like most newbie entrepreneurs, you’re probably going to be doing so on a limited budget that leaves no room for extravagant spending.
According to private equity firm CB Insights, running out of cash is the primary reason new ventures fail, which only underlines the importance of budgeting for small businesses. Fortunately, those who lead businesses of any size—including small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups—can learn to master the art of budgeting.
The good budgeting practices you learn as a rookie entrepreneur can help you turn your SME or startup into a sustainable and profitable business operation, and they will serve your business’s bottom line for many years. Let’s look at some time-tested tips that will help you make the best of your small business’s initial operating budget:
1) Invest in an Automated POS System
Your investment in an automated POS (point of sale) system can significantly streamline your business operations and improve efficiency, saving you time and maximizing your available operating capital. As an added bonus, many POS solutions can also be set up to update your inventory or enterprise resource planning (ERP) management system, providing you with close to real-time visibility of your business’s available resources.
When it comes to upgrading to an automated POS, Philippines-based entrepreneurs are sometimes hesitant, as the initial cost can be discouraging. However, value-packed startup-oriented products like the Maya Terminal POS system offer incredible benefits for small business entrepreneurs. With well-curated feature sets and reasonable rack rates, products like the Maya Terminal are a great choice for stretching your emerging business’s operating capital.
2) Keep Your Personal and Business Finances Separate
One common mistake among small business owners is mixing personal and business finances. Early on, you’ll need to establish separate bank accounts and credit cards for your business to maintain clear financial records. This separation not only simplifies accounting, but also ensures that you have a precise understanding of your business’s financial health. Engaging in corporate development strategies can further enhance this clarity by providing structured growth plans that align with your financial goals. Most importantly, maintaining separate finances also insulates your personal property from risk, should your business face any legal challenges.
3) Use Budgeting Software
Rather than using paper ledgers or spreadsheet apps like Excel, utilize purpose-built accounting tools like QuickBooks or FreshBooks to track and manage your budget effectively. These tools are generally less prone to manual input errors and offer features like expense tracking, invoicing, and financial reporting, which will all help you make informed decisions based on real-time data.
4) Buy Used
When setting up your business, consider buying used equipment and furniture to cut down on initial capital expenditures. Many startups and small businesses overspend on brand-new items, not realizing that high-quality used alternatives are readily available. Purchasing used items will allow you to allocate the rest of your budget more efficiently and direct your investments towards areas that concretely contribute to your business growth.
5) Choose Freelancers Instead of Full-Time Employees
In the early stages of your business, prioritize hiring freelancers and part-timers instead of full-time staff for specialized, but infrequently needed tasks like graphic design and social media management. This approach allows you to access specialized skills when needed without the long-term financial commitment. When your business grows, you can gradually transition to full-time employees as your needs in these areas begin to ramp up.
6) Don’t Set Up a Brick-and-Mortar Shop Unless You Have To
Thanks to advancements in technology, physical storefronts have become purely optional for a variety of business models. Ditching a physical storefront and doing your initial operations from home can save you cash on rent, utilities, daily transportation, and other costs related to setting up a brick-and-mortar location. This approach also provides you with flexibility and allows you to test the market before committing to a physical space.
7) Budget for Insurance Early On
Investing in insurance might initially seem like an unnecessary expense, but it’s a crucial aspect of risk management for any business. Budget for essential insurance coverage early on, such as liability insurance, property insurance, or business interruption insurance. For the best liability coverage providers, this will safeguard your business from unexpected events that could otherwise have a significant financial impact. With the right coverage, you can protect your assets and ensure peace of mind for the future.
Once you have full-time employees, workers’ compensation insurance and employer liability insurance become essential. Both are necessary for businesses to protect their employees from potential workplace injuries. It would help if you also spoke with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer, who will guide you through the legal requirements and clarify your responsibilities as an employer.
8) Keep Looking for Better Suppliers
Regularly reassess your suppliers to ensure you are getting the best deals on raw materials or products. Negotiate with suppliers for better rates, or explore alternative suppliers that offer competitive pricing without compromising on quality. Efficient supplier management will almost always lead to substantial savings over time.
9) Cash Flow is King
Maintaining a healthy cash flow is vital for the growth and sustainability of any business. However, keeping tabs on your cash flow is especially important in the early stages of your venture.
To keep your finances stable, monitor your cash flow regularly and take proactive measures to avoid any disruptions. Some things you can try to stimulate cash flow include accepting a wider variety of payments on your POS system, sending prompt invoices, offering discounts for early payments, and seeking the best possible deals from your suppliers.
10. Go into a Business That You Know
This last tip applies if you haven’t started your business or intend to branch out into a new field. A lot of entrepreneurs dive deep into uncharted territory without any industry knowledge, tempted by the prospect of potentially lucrative payouts. Unfortunately, a lack of industry-specific knowledge inevitably leads to poor spending prioritization and an increased probability of premature failure.
All other things being equal, opt for a business that aligns with your existing expertise. This will put you in the best position to maximize your initial budget and positively impact your odds of success.
Effective budgeting is a critical skill for all entrepreneurs, regardless of how much operating capital they have. It enables entrepreneurs to prioritize essential expenses, proactively encourage their own business growth, and better navigate economic uncertainties.
Ultimately, a sound budget lays the foundation for financial stability and success in whichever field you choose to venture into. Look to the advice above to master the art of budgeting, and apply the good budgeting principles you’ve learned in the different stages of your business growth.