As we move into the second quarter of the year, entrepreneurs and businesses around the world are neck-deep in the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic toll that comes with it. From all corners of the world, people are staying home and brick and mortar businesses are temporarily closing, leaving business owners to press on virtually in whatever capacity they can. As business owners, we need to make sure that our businesses not only survive this temporary crisis but that they also find ways to thrive. 

During times of crisis, we must focus on what we can control and this means having cash readily available. Cash flow management is essential for survival during times of crisis. It can be the difference between stabilizing your operations or lagging behind. If your business is on the verge of experiencing a serious short cash fall, these strategies are designed to help you manage your cash flow as you weather this temporary global crisis.

Monitor Cash Flow

First and foremost, you will not be able to manage your cash flow if you aren’t aware of your cash flow status to begin with. We suggest conducting a cash flow analysis to understand exactly where you stand financially. Examine your finances to determine the amount of funds that are coming in and what funds are going out (i.e., accounts receivable and accounts payable). From payroll and rent to utilities and paying suppliers, these costs all add up. How do they compare to your current cash on hand and sales projections? Once you understand your specific circumstances you will be able to better manage your cash flow.

Manage Payments

Many businesses are in the habit of paying their invoices as soon as they arrive. However, the longer you can wait to pay your business bills without falling late or in breach of an agreement, the longer you can keep your cash on hand. 

While it’s important to maintain your relationships with suppliers and creditors, strategically delaying some of your accounts payable is a valuable option during a business crisis. Pay your bills when they are due and if you are in jeopardy of making a late payment be sure to contact your supplier/creditor. Most creditors and suppliers will grant you a little flexibility as long as you set up a timeline to pay your outstanding bills.

Stop All Non-Essential Spending

Whenever you find yourself in a situation where your cash flow is tight, examine your expenses and press the pause button on all non-essential spending. If you haven’t already done so, when you examine your costs you may find that many items have crept their way into your spending unnoticed. Start by eliminating subscriptions or organizational memberships until the current crisis has passed and you are in a stronger financial position. Essentially, the more fat you trim, the more money you can put back into your cash flow.

Reduce Inventory

Excess inventory or slow-moving inventory can have a negative impact on your cash flow. If your business needs to keep inventory in stock, review your inventory records to see which items can be reduced, eliminated, or ordered less frequently. If your sales are down, consider reducing your monthly order. For example, if you typically restock every week, consider reordering on a biweekly basis until your current crisis has passed.

Adjust Prices

Depending on your specific service offerings, adjusting prices can mean increasing or decreasing your price points. For example, if your inventory is discontinued, outdated, or near its expiration date and is sitting in your warehouse or on shelves, cut your losses and sell it at a reduced price. This allows you to reclaim whatever cash you can. 

On the other hand, if your inventory is moving at a slower but steady rate, you may want to consider increasing your prices. Determine how much you spend on supplies and inventory and compare this cost to your price you are currently charging. If it has been a while since you’ve increased your prices or rates, you may be losing out compared to actual market value, as well as what your competitors are pricing. Just be cautious, as raising prices too steeply can cause you to lose your client base.

Whether you are increasing or reducing your prices, the key is to determine the price point that accurately reflects the value of what you sell to increase your cash flow without reducing sales.

Explore Financing Alternatives

Depending on your specific business crisis, you may want to consider short term financing options. With the current COVID-19 crisis, we are all aware that eventually the tides will shift and the crisis will end. It’s not a matter of if but when businesses and the global economy will bounce back. Alternative financing options provide a temporary option to weather the storm. Small business loans and lines of credit can help your business with any number of short term cash flow concerns, to include meeting payroll, paying utility bills, and paying rent, etc.

Expand to a New Market

Thanks to the wide reach of the internet and advances in telework capabilities, companies are not only able to continue their daily operations despite recent social distancing guidelines and self-quarantines, but they are also able to remotely set up a company in the UAE. At Creation, we help businesses remotely set up their company and branch offices in the both UAE  mainland and free zones. With just a few simple steps, the experts at Creation can have your company and bank account up and running in as little as 24 hours. 

Creation Business Consultants

Whether you need help setting up your company while seeking to manage your cash flow and increase revenue options during the recent changes of the COVID-19 or you will need advice and assistance our team of professional business consultants are equipped with the knowledge, expertise, and experience to help your business by designing a cash flow plan, provide assistance in cash flow enhancement techniques. We are able to assist with company restructure to minimise and save costs. We are able to assist with your business expansion plans and can set up your company in the UAE remotely with a corporate bank account. Creation’s company setup and corporate nominee sponsorship are designed to minimise any risk associated with expanding or setting up your business to the UAE by making sure you maintain control of your company. 

Contact a member of our team to schedule your free business consultation.