Are you new to the business world and find yourself Googling phrases like, “basic accounting for dummies” more often than you care to admit? Basic accounting can seem overwhelming--even if you have been doing business for a number of years, there are so many accounting-terms that it can be hard to remember them all. From time to time, you might think to yourself, what do people mean when they talk about cash flow or balance sheets, or, what on earth does “accrual accounting” refer to?
To refresh your accounting-knowledge, here are 11 basic accounting terms every business owner should know:
1) Assets
An asset refers to an item of value that your business owns. They can be physical—such as equipment and technology—or intangible, such as intellectual property.2) Liability
When you owe a debt to somebody, it is known as a liability. Liabilities are your business's financial obligations, such as salaries and wages you owe your employees, or purchases you have made but not yet paid for.3) Equity
Equity refers to what you own in your business—investments, earnings, etc. While you might technically own the whole enterprise, equity is essentially the difference between your assets and liabilities. According to Fundera, the truth is that many businesses have negative equity because their owners might be taking out too much money or their ventures are not profitable. A formula to remember how to calculate equity is:Equity = Assets - Liabilities
4) Cost of Goods Sold
Cost of goods sold, also known as the cost of sales, is the cost of producing your products or delivering your services. It’s the first expense noted on your profit and loss statement and the first figure in calculating your gross profit margin.5) Accounts Receivable/ Accounts Payable
Accounts receivable and accounts payable refer to money owed to you and money you owe, respectively.6) Return on Investment
Return on investment—commonly referred to as ROI—relates to the profit you make divided by the required investment to earn it. This number is usually a percentage, not a dollar amount, so if you have a total revenue of $10,000 and walk away with $6,000 after paying all expenses, your ROI is 150%.Return on Investment = (Revenue - Investment Costs) / Investment Costs
7) Cash Flow
Cash flow denotes the money entering and leaving your business. It’s like your venture’s lifeblood—money spent on payroll, operations, investments, etc. subtracted from money earned through sales and other functions for a particular period (usually a month). It is possible for this number to be negative for one or even several months and for your business to remain afloat—as long as immediately available funds (cash on hand) are sufficient.8) Burn Rate
Burn rate is similar to a business’s outflow of cash, however, burn rate usually implies a longer time interval. To calculate how fast you are spending money, subtract your cash on hand at the end of a given period (such as a fiscal quarter) from what you had at the beginning and divide it by the number of months. This basic accounting figure is essential for understanding how quickly your business goes through cash so that you can better manage your cash flow.Difference = Starting Balance - Ending Balance
Cash Burn Rate = Difference / Number of Months
9) Balance Sheet
A balance sheet is a financial statement that documents your business’s assets, equity, and liabilities. It shows your business’s net worth. According to the Entrepreneur, a balance sheet is “a basic tenet of double-entry bookkeeping in that total assets (what a business owns) must equal liabilities plus equity (how the assets are financed). In other words, the balance sheet must balance.” It’s a simple equation, but it’s a vital part of making your business function successfully.Assets = Liabilities + Equity
10) Chart of Accounts
Another basic accounting practice to remember is maintaining a chart of accounts (COA). Your COA records all of your financial transactions, including what accounts you have open and with whom. While you should also be maintaining a general ledger, which is the foundation of your entire bookkeeping system from launch to present, your chart of accounts helps you make sense of it all.11) Accrual Accounting
Accrual accounting is a basic accounting method in which you record whether or not an exchange has occurred yet. So, if you make a deal with a client and they agree to pay you $1,000, you account for that $1,000 in your bookkeeping even if they have not paid you yet (likewise, you account for expenses even if you have not paid them). Why do this? It’s because this technique allows you to combine current cash inflows and outflows with expected cash inflows and outflows, which helps give you a more accurate picture of your financial condition. Basic accounting does not have to be daunting, but it does require an understanding of a variety of interrelated terms. There are a lot of other terms out there, but having a firm grasp of the most basic ones will help you manage your business effectively." ["post_title"]=> string(49) "Basic Accounting Terms Every Business Should Know" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(43) "basic-accounting-terms-business-should-know" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2019-06-18 00:46:17" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-06-18 00:46:17" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(37) "https://finance.gocurrency.com/blog//" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "blog" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [1]=> object(WP_Post)#2030 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(2274) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "6" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2019-05-15 23:41:24" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-05-15 23:41:24" ["post_content"]=> string(8392) "
If you’re part of, or looking to enter, the business world, you’ve probably heard the term cash flow thrown around. But you might be wondering, what is cash flow, and how is it relevant to you?
Cash flow is your business’s stream of money coming in, minus the money going out. It directly impacts your company’s bottom line.
Continue reading to learn how to create a cash flow statement for your business & what to do when cash flow problems arise.
How to Create a Cash Flow Statement
A cash flow statement is a document that summarizes the amount of money entering and leaving a business. To figure out your overall cash flow statement, you’ll need to combine three components: operational, investing, and financing expenditures. Calculating the operational portion is simple; if you make X amount from sales and spend Y amount on rent, equipment, marketing, etc., the difference is your operational cash flow for the month. You can choose to measure this for any time frame, but measuring your monthly cash flow is the most common.[Sales] - [Operating Costs] = Operational Cash Flow
For the investing portion, calculate your net increase or decrease by comparing how much money you earn and spend on investing. Include investments like fixed assets (such as property and equipment) and money you reinvest into your business to determine your net increase or decrease.[Investment Income] - [Additional Investments] = Investment Cash Flow
To generate your cash flow statement according to your financing activities, account for credit extended to customers, debts or loans owed, dividends to return to investors, and other expenses not related to your operations or investments.[Loan or Capital Contribution Income] - [Debts Paid] = Financing Cash Flow
When combined, these components create your overall cash flow statement. If you make more money than you spend, your cash flow is positive; but if you spend more than you make, then your cash flow is negative. And if the two are equal, then your cash flow is considered “net zero.”[Operational Cash Flow] + [Investment Cash Flow] + [Financing Cash Flow] + [Beginning Cash Balance] = Ending Cash Balance
It is important to note the difference between cash flow vs. balance sheet. Your balance sheet is a financial statement that shows your company’s assets, liabilities, and shareholder equity. Your cash flow is the amount of cash—and cash-equivalents—entering and leaving your business; your goal is to receive more money than you spend. A positive cash balance after paying your employees and your expenses is not just your profit; it’s your opportunity to grow your business even further.How to Address Cash Flow Problems
Unfortunately, cash flow issues arise from time to time, and you might experience a negative cash flow. However, this does not necessarily equate to a loss unless your cash balance—the funds you have readily available—is negative as well. Having a negative cash flow isn’t the end of the world; sometimes, it is an unavoidable part of doing business. However, if you are continuously experiencing negative cash flow, then this might be due to poor cash flow management and signal a need to reevaluate your business strategies. External factors can play a role as well. The overall economic climate is a significant contributor to cash flow—if your customers are doing well, then they can afford to do business with you. Seasonality is another influencer; consumers might demand a product or service during one time of year rather than another (such as heating system repairs in winter). However, if you find yourself having a consistently negative cash flow, there are multiple options you can explore to keep your business afloat until you can make the necessary internal changes to your business. The first step you should take is assess your business operations and identify what is necessary vs, unnecessary. Minimize your unnecessary expenditures and renegotiate contracts with vendors to reduce your cash outflow. It might also be worth it for you to automate manual processes; this will free up time that is otherwise spent manually completing tasks and will allow you to put your time and energy toward reaching new customers and cultivating relationships with existing clients. Something else you can do is open a business line of credit—similar to a credit card—where you only pay interest on your outstanding balance instead of your overall credit limit. Or if necessary, you can also apply for a short-term business loan. Once approved, these loans are transferred to your account much faster than a traditional business loan. With a loan, you have money on hand to pay necessary expenses—such as payroll and rent—while your profits are temporarily low. Financing options also help you reinvest in your business. It provides you an opportunity to design a new marketing strategy, update your technology, move to a new location, or peruse other activities to help generate new revenue. Should you need a loan, one place you can turn to is Currency. We offer hassle-free financing options to give your business a boost, such as loans up to $500K and multiple funding plans. You can also open a line of credit with us and apply for equipment financing if you decide one of those solutions is right for you. But remember, before you apply for any financing option, to take a look at your business and see what you can improve. Do you accept online payments, or are you still waiting for checks in the mail? Are there contracts you can renegotiate, or ways to incentivize customers to pay their invoices on time? It is important to ask yourself these questions because borrowing when you don’t need to can make your cash flow situation worse. Scrutinize your business operations to help you determine what's holding you and your cash flow back.Cash Flow Analysis: Tips to Prevent Cash Flow Problems
Of course, exercising good cash flow management practices from the start will help prevent issues from arising. One step you can take to improve your cash flow management is to offer recurring billing—a time-saving tool that Currency can set up for your business. Instead of manually invoicing customers every month, using an automated system encourages them to make timely payments. It also frees up your time to focus on other aspects of your business, such as new marketing ideas or improving your customer experience. The biggest benefit of recurring billing is it makes your cash flow more predictable. Having too many pending payments rather than completed payments makes budgeting difficult, which can set back your plans to reinvest in your business and pay existing costs. Automating payments—and accepting multiple types of payment, such as credit cards and ACH transfers--gives both you and your customers a sense of reliability and familiarity at the check-out window. Implementing effective cash flow management strategies, such as recurring billing and providing a variety of payment methods, are critical to ensuring your cash flow is positive as often as possible. And whether you are trying to improve your cash flow management process or recover from negative cash flow, Currency can help you with all of it." ["post_title"]=> string(42) "What is Cash Flow and Why is it Important?" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(41) "what-is-cash-flow-and-why-is-it-important" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2019-05-21 22:28:44" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-05-21 22:28:44" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(37) "https://finance.gocurrency.com/blog//" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "blog" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [2]=> object(WP_Post)#2029 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(1593) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "4" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2019-02-06 16:03:24" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-02-06 16:03:24" ["post_content"]=> string(277) "
Vista Properties of Virginia is a state-contracted general contractor that started with one pickup truck. Today, Vista has more than 20 trucks and trailers, although most of them were bought after a difficult financing process with the banks that took weeks to finalize.
Vista’s owner, Scott, was looking to buy a trailer — and not looking forward to another financing headache with the bank.
“The dealer gave me a number to call for financing. I had never heard of Currency,” said Scott. “I actually called late in the evening expecting to leave a voicemail. I was shocked someone answered.”
ScottWhat Scott found even more surprising was how easy it was to finance his new trailer. “Not only did my Currency specialist answer quickly,” Scott said, “she also got me approved in 20 minutes and continued emailing me information throughout the night. Both those things spoke volumes to me.”
Scott loved that Currency’s financing process was free of hassles and long waits. “There was no paperwork and I filled out the online application in five minutes.” Scott went on to say. “This process was so easy, I decided to go ahead and finance a second trailer at the same time.”
And getting his new equipment financed quickly played a big role in helping Scott grow his business. “Buying a dump trailer saves me hours on each job,” said Scott, “and we’re 35% more productive now!”
Because the process is fast and trouble-free, Scott is already thinking of financing another piece of equipment with Currency. “The whole process is so awesome and easy,” raved Scott. “Currency has my business for life.”
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As an entrepreneur, you have access to all kinds of resources on the internet. You can find software that will help you run your business and make accounting easy, DIY tools to help you design a logo, and even legal help through websites. Despite all of the incredible resources available online, some of the best resources available are other entrepreneurs.
Especially when you’re just getting started, talking with and getting guidance from other entrepreneurs is crucial. You can get tips and learn lessons that will save you a lot of time, trial, and error down the road. You can get input on your venture to help you make your business even stronger. One particular entrepreneur that all others can learn from is The Points Guy.
Who (and What) is The Points Guy?
Bryan Kelly, a.k.a. The Points Guy, is the CEO and founder of The Points Guy (travel website and business) which started out as a travel blog and grew to become one of the biggest global influencers in the industry. Kelly helped his dad book travel when he was young and had a keen understanding of points and rewards and how to redeem them.
As he got older, he started a career on Wall Street. While there, he decided to launch The Points Guy and pursue his passion of traveling on a budget, finding great deals, and sharing them with the world. Today, The Points Guy website has 5.2 million unique visitors every month and more than 2.2 million followers on social media.
Lessons All Entrepreneurs Can Learn from The Points Guy
Throughout his career, both on Wall Street and as an entrepreneur starting a travel blog, Kelly has had a lot of experience and learned a lot of lessons. Here are some of the lessons all entrepreneurs can learn from him.
1. There will always be something to hold you back
Kelly’s career on Wall Street offered him security. It probably offered him a paycheck that allowed him to live comfortably, too. Making a jump from Wall Street warrior to blogger and entrepreneur was scary, but he didn’t let that fear stop him. There will always be something that will hold you back—money, security, or sometimes both.
If you let fear get in the way, you’ll never make progress.
2. It’s never too late to get started
Kelly had already established a career when he decided he wanted a change. Although the market was saturated and many people told him it was too late, he didn’t listen. He tells people that it’s never too late, you just have to keep things in perspective and find the appropriate platform.
People always regret not starting sooner, but they never seem to say they wish they had waited.
3. Your gut is smarter than you give it credit for
Intuition is a powerful thing. When Kelly decided to quit his job, there may not have been much logic to it, but he listened to his gut. You may fail, but that’s okay. Try to learn from your failures.
4. “Crazy” isn’t a bad thing
Kelly says when people tell you that you’re crazy, it means you’re onto something. There are always going to be people who doubt you and lack confidence in your ability to bring your dream to life, but that just means you’re on the right track and you shouldn’t give up yet.
5. You need to be strategic
Entrepreneurship can be hard, so being strategic can help you make the most of it and work your way to success sooner. For example, Kelly always recommends credit cards that give you rewards or points and recommends you actually use them. This can help you save on travel, earn cash back, and more. With so many credit cards out there, why not choose one that will reward you?
6. You need to put yourself first
As an entrepreneur, you are your business. Big corporations aren’t looking out for you—you’re the only one looking out for yourself. You need to make sure you put yourself first. Take time for yourself, and make sure you take care of yourself.
That doesn’t mean you should take luxury vacations and enjoy high-end spa days every other week, but it does mean you should know your limits and make sure you keep everything balanced as best you can.
7. Always vacation in the off-season
Part of putting yourself first is making sure you take time off to enjoy a vacation every now and then. As an expert in travel, Kelly recommends you always vacation in the off-season. He says, “Last minute travel is great because though prices tend to rise for paying customers, airlines open up seats for rewards customers because they’d rather have people fill [them up].”
Final Thoughts
Entrepreneurship can be tough, but you’re not alone. With all the resources available online and support from other entrepreneurs like The Points Guy, you can easily learn lessons, grow professionally, and develop your business.
Interested in finding new ways to get your finances off the ground? Contact our team for one on one guidance.
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Thrillist editor Kevin Alexander wrote a brilliant three part series on what he has called “The American Restaurant Industry Bubble.” For each segment, he went over a few different causes of what we consider an overvaluation of the industry, including the rise (and cost demand) for artisanal foods, fluctuations in labor costs, and gentrification’s effect on rent. While the piece took an amazing approach for the industry to take a step back and examine the bigger picture, most local restaurants are still susceptible to the same economic conditions as always.
Now, you may be thinking, “Well, that Thai place down the block just closed, maybe he’s right.” However, that’s not an accurate cursor of the entire industry. Individuals are eating out more than ever and the service industry is still one of the largest workforces we have. Yes, while current trends are pointing the other direction, it still begs the question: Why are some of our favorite local spots closing?
While we’ll go into more detail later on why independent restaurants are closing at a slightly higher rate than before, we can confidently say that, overall, the restaurant industry is still in a great position to succeed. As history has shown us, people have been serving food since the days of pub houses, and there’s no better time than right now to continue on that tradition.
Crunching Numbers
It’s true that independent restaurants and chains have been shutting their doors more frequently than before, but this isn’t anything new. Restaurants in a local area have always had somewhat of a ‘revolving door’ system; when one closes down, another one is ready to take its place.
Even with the decline of independent restaurants, chain restaurants have actually been on the rise, especially when it comes to franchises growing.
Finally, people (especially millennials) are going out to eat more than ever before, and this trend isn’t going away anytime soon. In fact, according to The National Restaurant Association, restaurant sales increased 36% between 2010 to now. Additionally, the service industry is still one of the largest we have, comprising of approximately 10% of the current national workforce.
Reasons for Failure
As Kevin notes in the article, there are real dangers in the reasons why a lot of great restaurants fail, including skyrocketing rent costs, too high of food costs per demand, and lack of skilled labor willing to work their way up. However, while these factors have been on the rise due to structural issues within the industry, most restaurants fail for the same reasons they always have. These simple and un-alarming reasons include poor management or business practices, terrible customer service, awful tasting food, bad location, and an unclear concept/idea.
It’s important to note that these factors have less to do with the current climate of the industry or economic conditions, and more to do with a lack of preparation or experience. Quite simply, (and as hard as some people may find it to believe) not all restaurants are run or started by people with restaurant experience. However, that trend might be changing quicker than we think.
Heavy Rotation
As we stated above, restaurants close and open all the time, which is great for the savvy owner. By buying into spots where restaurants were previously located, owners can save tremendously on start-ups costs. This is due to some equipment being considered as a part of the property (I.E. a walk-in fridge comes with the cost of the building). Many restaurateurs are also willing to sell off their equipment in a bulk package with the purchase of the building.
Finally, with the amount of turnover present in the restaurant industry, lenders have started to gravitate towards chefs and previous owners that provide stability and reputation. Peer-to-peer lending as well as angel investing networks have bloomed, giving seasoned restaurateurs plenty of financial resources right at their fingertips.
One thing is clear: restaurants are here to stay. Surviving may be difficult, but you will have a strong foundation of future success for years to come.
While the restaurant industry remains a great opportunity for savvy entrepreneurs, all new restaurant ventures require some up-front investments to create the best possible culinary experience. If you’re unclear on how to finance up-front costs like equipment, human resources, and mortgage, contact the Currency team for guidance.
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Let’s face it: failure happens. The worst thing you can do is convince yourself that nothing wrong is happening and continue as you are. Simply acknowledging that your business needs to recover is a critical first step to doing so. As entrepreneur John Rampton wrote, “Failure is a big part of being an entrepreneur. In fact, the most successful entrepreneurs have come face-to-face with a failed business at some point. What makes a successful entrepreneur, however, is the ability to get back up and try again.”
This is a defining moment for you and your business. You certainly are not alone if your endeavor is suffering—even Bill Gates launched an unsuccessful business called Traf-O-Data. It’s true that you put a lot of effort in already, so the fact that you need to recover at all feels miserable, but attitude is everything. Brush it off, don’t take it personally or dwell on it, and get back to work.
Assess where you went wrong
Take a good, long, and detailed look at where you went wrong. Were you spending too much money on something that was unnecessary? Were you not reaching your intended audience, or somehow connecting with the wrong one? Were you using any outdated processes? Thanks to advances in technology, it’s possible to automate the more tedious tasks so that you can redirect your focus to actionable or valuable things. Poor record keeping is a trap that ensnares many businesses, so pledge to yourself that you will painstakingly monitor every detail in the future. Do this the help of cutting edge-software. Overexerting yourself may be one of the reasons your business is struggling in the first place.
Implement necessary changes
Pay special attention to what really hurt you. It’s tempting to simply adjust the numbers aspect of your operations, but what you need to fix may be cultural. Entrepreneur notes that every small business market is already over-saturated:
“There will always be plenty of people selling goods and services at low or discounted prices. The strategy doesn’t make sense for long-term success, so stop focusing on them. Stop blaming them. You will succeed only by differentiating yourself from your competitors. A segment of the market will always be willing to invest in a product or service, so long as they perceive the value is aligned with their lifestyle choices.”
Don’t waste your time addressing issues that will not make a difference in the long run. Your business should put the customers first, so what is it that they are looking for that you did not initially give them? Once you determine what you need to do, target the proper audience, and understand that this process is going to take time.
Make and carry out a plan
How will you approach your needed changes? Be as specific as possible. It won’t help to have a vague objective, so define a concrete goal you can actively pursue. Financial Mentor recommends the “S.M.A.R.T.” set of guidelines: make your endeavor Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely.
Saying “I want to do better” is not going to cut it. Instead, aiming to earn $20,000 after taxes the first quarter of 2019 is something that points you in an attainable direction. It’s measurable, too, so if you are not close to your goal by the beginning of March, it is clear that something else still needs adjusting. A realistic number is essential, as is a logical deadline: as tempting as it is promise yourself one million dollars, you do not want to stretch your abilities or make guarantees to clients that will only make you fail again. Remember, hard work is good, but overexertion is not.
Executing your plan is going to be emotionally challenging. The quip “kill your darlings” is a phrase that writers say to one another when they need to cut a certain segment of their work if it does not add value to the overall story—even if it is a beautiful piece of language. Determine what you need to spend money on, and what you like to spend money on. You may need to trim expenses that are hard to let go of, or even employees.
Be transparent with yourself, your customers or clients, and your suppliers. If your business is failing, you may need to win their confidence back, but keeping everything to yourself only pushes them away. Consumers want reliable brands, so even if you were not successful the first time around, honesty communicates that you are still trustworthy.
Entrepreneurship is a dynamic landscape, so failure is inevitable at some point or another. What is important is that you acknowledge this and learn from your mistakes—they may be exactly what you needed to shape your business into the enterprise you know it can be.
If you have questions regarding developing a recovery plan, the Currency Capital team is always available to offer guidance. Contact the team here.
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Entrepreneurs are often applauded for making the most out of the least. It’s viewed as an admirable feat to provide the highest return from nearly nothing. And yet, taking this approach can sometimes hurt a business more than it helps.
Yes, the cliché is true. Sometimes, you have to “spend money to make money,” but blindly following this philosophy can lead to an untimely demise. How do you determine the correct amount to spend?
One strategy is to offer a product or service unique to the area. Using this strategy can potentially set your business up to be the only business in a local market offering a specific service. Imagine the revenue produced by that one product alone, let alone the other services offered.
Upfront Costs Can Save More in the Long Term
Many businesses ignore new equipment and opt to start their search with used equipment because of the cost difference, but sometimes the benefits of new equipment can exceed the immediate savings. New equipment has a longer life expectancy, better access to maintenance and parts, and devalues less over time. In addition to running better, it can also help make your overall business perform better as well.
Newer technologies allow for your processes to be done quicker and run more efficiently, saving you both time and money. Additionally, by implementing a reliable system of machinery, training becomes much more transparent and fluid, reducing labor costs and interruptions of your production.
If you’re still not sure if new equipment is really worth the upfront costs, there are plenty of other options to consider in terms of value. For example, most manufacturers offer leasing options, and interest rates are at one of their most competitive points for small business.
Bringing on More Equipment Increases Your Offerings
Bringing on more equipment increases the number of packages and services a business can offer. In turn, your versatility and diversity can be the edge needed to beat out your competition. As studies have shown, firms that focus on diversifying offerings have been much more successful in surviving long-term.
For example, let’s look at the model for a screen printing shop. Let’s say that an average town has five screen printers, with all of them having the basic capabilities of producing silk screens. However, three out of the five have direct-to-garment printing, and two out of them offering embroidery as well as graphic design. By being able to package along not only designing the shirts, but printing them as well, they’ve expanded their offerings to fit the needs of their customers beyond their competitors. In many industries, this can make all the difference.
Final Thoughts
While it may seem like a tough decision to make the investment upfront and purchase more equipment, it can be one of the best choices for the success of your business. Not only will your operations and process run more efficiently, but you’ll be able to offer more products and services as well. However, even though it may seem advantageous to invest as much as you can, it comes with some caveats.
Make sure that the investments you're making balance out with the rest of your budget. Leasing, as well as obtaining a loan, to afford new equipment can help ease the process, but always look at the expected life of the equipment in comparison to the usage. Additionally, having the right skilled labor in place is key
The decision to bring on new equipment may seem like a stressful task. However, if your business is planning on being open for a long time, it’s vital to make long term investments for it.
If you have questions regarding your financing options or are looking to find the best lending option to cover your business’s up front investments, the Currency team is always available to offer guidance. Contact the team here.
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The word “recession” can scare any small business owner. For most, just the possibility of having to cut employees or close their doors is chilling. As small business owners were some of the hardest hit in 2008, the idea of another economic downturn sounds especially terrifying.
However, although most economists predict another recession soon, this isn’t exactly a bad thing. Recessions are pretty commonplace throughout history, with 2008 being an anomaly out of the bunch. In fact, some entrepreneurs found the recession to be one of the most advantageous times to be in business.
Small businesses are some of the most innovative assets we have. A lot of the lessons learned from the market crash brought on new marketing and advertising strategies, such as the rise of social media, as well as a complete transformation in lending practices.
Lessons from the Last Recession
The Great Recession undoubtedly caused a lot of damage to the small business community but didn’t necessarily kill the industry entirely. After all, small businesses make up over 115 million jobs in America, providing over $33 trillion dollars in sales and services.
2008 saw a huge change in how lending practices were handled for small businesses. While banks and credit unions were traditionally afraid of the volatility surrounding these types of businesses, non-bank lenders rose to the occasion, utilizing peer-to-peer marketplaces as well as crowdsourced lending to meet this need. Because of this increase in competition, interest rates have remained at a competitive point for the past few years and firms have reaped the benefits. Non-bank loans have allowed for more negotiation over rates, and these lenders have been more accommodating in terms of smaller loans as startup costs have decreased.
Another change is the drastic shifts in marketing and advertising strategies. According to the New York State Small Business Development Center, small businesses that continue to put forth the same efforts to their advertising budgets saw a dramatic increase in sales. Additionally, those that have upped their online advertising and inventory saw an immense amount of success as well. We also have to remember that in 2008, social media was in its infancy, but now, it has now transformed into a multi-billion dollar industry, and has saved a lot of small businesses.
Advertising and guerrilla marketing via social media completely changed the game for small businesses, allowing them to gain the highest ROI on media while spending the least. Not only is it virtually free, but it also allows mom-and-pop shops to have a genuine “mom and pop” approach online. This has brought more awareness to the partnerships, events, and sales being offered within communities.
Potential Changes Aren’t Necessarily a Bad Thing
As much as it hurts to say, the financial downturn provided some valuable lessons in how businesses should approach the economic climate in the future. Some noteworthy points for thinking ahead included keeping larger cash reserves, acquiring liquid assets that are at lower devaluations, and finding ways to maximize ROI for marketing efforts.
If you keep these principles in mind, your business will not only survive the next recession but will thrive. A similarly grave situation to 2008 doesn’t seem to be likely, but a recession is. Plan accordingly, and it can become a catalyst for growth.
A fear of recession should not derail your business’s growth plans. Currency vast network of lenders and industry expertise can match your business with the best available loans. If you have any questions about financing through Currency, contact the team today.
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If you are hoping to start a small business, or need some extra help funding your existing one, you are probably going to need a loan. Unfortunately, the process of acquiring a small business loan can be an arduous and complicated one. The 2008 recession frightened many lenders, and most have not quite regained their confidence yet. Should you seek to obtain a loan in the near future, here are a few best practices it may be wise to follow.
Determine what kind of loan you need
There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to loans. There are several types that come from multiple sources. Before you begin sending in applications, determine what variety of loan suits your business best. Business News Daily lists many of them. Here are a few we’d like to highlight:
Small Business Association Loans: The SBA offers four kinds of loans, which are the 7(a) Loan Program (the organization’s primary program, which is flexible and can be applied to an assortment of purposes), the Microloan program (gifts small amounts for purchasing capital but not for paying back existing debts), real estate and equipment loans (long-term financing for major assets), and disaster loans (for after events like hurricanes or fires cause damage).
Alternative Lenders and Conventional Banks: Sources other than the SBA can offer similar options or others with different terms. These include working capital loans (short-term solutions), equipment loans, merchant cash advances, lines of credit (a take-what-you-need system where you only pay interest on what you use), franchise startup loans (for getting off the ground), and professional practice loans (specifically for professional service providers, like architects and physicians).
We at Currency are an alternative lending source. We host a platform of various lenders, so when you apply for a loan, we evaluate your creditworthiness and match you with a lender with rates and terms best suited for your needs.
Applying for a loan
Once you have chosen the kind of loan you are going to apply for, determine how much money you need. It’s tempting to borrow a high amount and convince yourself that you’ll pay it back without any problem, but this is a thinking trap you do not want to fall into. US News notes that the formula you should use is net operating income divided by your total annual debt, which calculates your Debt Service Coverage Ratio. US News elaborates:
“Lenders are looking for small businesses that have a 1.0 ratio. This means your cash flow is equal to your monthly loan payment. However, it’s ideal to have a bit of a buffer, so lenders prefer a 1.35 DSCR. For example, if your annual net operating income is $135,000 and your total debt is $100,000, your DSCR is 1.35.”
You will also need to consider the impact new capital will have on your business. Many small companies borrow sizable amounts of money thinking it would serve as a cushion, but they succumb to interest payments and borrowing expenses that make the loan a source of grief rather than aid. Do not borrow more than what you absolutely need, or else it may be difficult to pay back.
Smart borrowing is about more than numbers and figures, though. Strategy also requires creativity. When you apply for a loan, you will need a narrative, something that attests to the “five C’s of Credit”: your character, your requested conditions, capacity for repayment, capital, and collateral. Jeff Parker from US Bank’s Small Business Segment tells Redshift:
“A good banker will want to understand the story. What does the business do? Who are the customers? What industry is the business in? What products or services are provided? How do you get paid? When do you get paid? When does the company pay providers? What are the margins? Why is a loan request being made? How has credit been managed in the past? What are the company’s sales and financial trends?”
You will also need a strong business plan and personal credit score. Lenders are putting their faith in you to succeed, so smart personal borrowing practices and planning assure them that not only do you know what needs to be done, you are willing to follow through. Best practices for small business loans necessitates both a significant amount of planning and some practical creativity.
When you follow tested strategies and plan accordingly, you will have more success in your financing search. Contact us today if you have any questions about the best financing options your small business. We’re always available for a call at 877-358-4595, and would love to answer your questions and guide you toward the best option for your business.
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Starting and running a business can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Unless you have the funds in your pocket, though, you are going to need some help getting off the ground. You certainly have a vision for what you want your enterprise to be, but what are the first steps you need to take to get there? You’ll have to finance your business first. When you have a sustainable platform, you’ll have a springboard to help you achieve your goals.
What is business financing?
Financing is garnering funds for business activities, investing, and making purchases. Investopedia details two primary types of financing you can choose from - equity and debt (with Weighted Average Cost of Capital being a mix of the two). Equity refers to company ownership. Instead of going into debt, you can sell a stake in your business to an outside party (if your venture is worth one million dollars, you can sell a 10 percent stake for $100,000). This way, your secondary investor takes on all the risk associated with your success. If you fail, they get nothing. However, you will also have to relinquish a bit of control. A stakeholder will want a voice regarding how the enterprise operates, so you will not be solely in charge of realizing your vision. Shareholders also claim some of your future earnings as compensation for investment proportionate to their contribution. Debt financing is what you are probably more familiar with. This process entails taking out a loan, usually from a commercial bank, the Small Business Administration, or some other lender. This is money you will have to pay back, with interest. Many lenders require you to provide collateral, an item that represents a sizable investment, to withhold as an insurance policy in case you do not pay back the loan. You will have to pay back whatever you borrow no matter how your business is performing, but unlike selling equity, you maintain complete control over your business operations.Set some goals
Before you decide what kind of financing is most appropriate for you, it’s best to set some goals. Attainable goals are not the same as a loose interpretation of what you want to see your business become. They detail a more intricate strategy that you can follow realistically. Assess your idea, what tools you have at your disposal, and your plan before you begin. Perform extensive market research to make sure you are meeting unmet customer demands. Look into how similar businesses in your industry are performing to set a sort of “standard” regarding what you should aim for. Conduct a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) to illuminate potential gaps in your plan. The United States Department of Industry recommends that you set SMART goals: they should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely. If you are opening a bakery, as incredible as it would be, it’s unlikely that you will sell 100,000 pastries during your first month. Can you even make that many? Will you have the customer base? Can you reach them efficiently? It’s good to dream big, but the steps you take to get there should be manageable. Stretch yourself too thin, and your efforts won’t be able to keep up with your vision. When writing down your goals, consider what you are willing to do. Whether this venture is a passion or a hobby will influence what kind of growth you can cultivate. How determined are you to see this succeed? What will you do if it doesn’t work out? Are you prepared to balance your work and social life, possibly making sacrifices? You should have a contingency plan (or multiple) should your business decline.How to finance your business
So where do you turn when it’s time to acquire funding? The Small Business Administration is a popular source for loans, which offers policies that allow lenders to offer longer repayment terms. You can go to commercial banks, which may provide more customizable contracts and less strict qualifications. If you lack much of a credit history or collateral that makes you an attractive borrower, you can secure a microloan from a nonprofit organization or a specialized microlender. Angel investors are individuals on the lookout for promising businesses to invest in that will, in time, create a profit for them (you can approach these people with a well-written pitch and honesty). We at Currency Capital host a network of various lenders, so we can match you with someone who is willing to work with your needs, terms, and ideas. There are numerous ways to finance your business (you can even try crowdfunding), so do not be discouraged if an option or two do not work out. When you set realistic goals and plan accordingly, it’s possible to realize your dreams. How will you finance your business? Contact us today if you have any questions about financing your small business. We’re always available for a call at 877-358-4595, and would love to answer your questions and guide you toward the best option for your business." ["post_title"]=> string(40) "Business Financing to Achieve Your Goals" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(42) "business-financing-to-achieve-your-goals-2" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2019-05-16 01:00:30" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-05-16 01:00:30" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(54) "https://www.gocurrency.com/?post_type=blog&p=2127" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "blog" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [11]=> object(WP_Post)#2020 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(908) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "6" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2018-12-11 00:28:58" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-12-11 00:28:58" ["post_content"]=> string(6340) "
Starting and running a business can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Unless you have the funds in your pocket, though, you are going to need some help getting off the ground. You certainly have a vision for what you want your enterprise to be, but what are the first steps you need to take to get there? You’ll have to finance your business first. When you have a sustainable platform, you’ll have a springboard to help you achieve your goals.
What is business financing?
Financing is garnering funds for business activities, investing, and making purchases. Investopedia details two primary types of financing you can choose from - equity and debt (with Weighted Average Cost of Capital being a mix of the two).
Equity refers to company ownership. Instead of going into debt, you can sell a stake in your business to an outside party (if your venture is worth one million dollars, you can sell a 10 percent stake for $100,000). This way, your secondary investor takes on all the risk associated with your success. If you fail, they get nothing. However, you will also have to relinquish a bit of control. A stakeholder will want a voice regarding how the enterprise operates, so you will not be solely in charge of realizing your vision. Shareholders also claim some of your future earnings as compensation for investment proportionate to their contribution.
Debt financing is what you are probably more familiar with. This process entails taking out a loan, usually from a commercial bank, the Small Business Administration, or some other lender. This is money you will have to pay back, with interest. Many lenders require you to provide collateral, an item that represents a sizable investment, to withhold as an insurance policy in case you do not pay back the loan. You will have to pay back whatever you borrow no matter how your business is performing, but unlike selling equity, you maintain complete control over your business operations.
Set some goals
Before you decide what kind of financing is most appropriate for you, it’s best to set some goals. Attainable goals are not the same as a loose interpretation of what you want to see your business become. They detail a more intricate strategy that you can follow realistically. Assess your idea, what tools you have at your disposal, and your plan before you begin. Perform extensive market research to make sure you are meeting unmet customer demands. Look into how similar businesses in your industry are performing to set a sort of “standard” regarding what you should aim for. Conduct a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) to illuminate potential gaps in your plan.
The United States Department of Industry recommends that you set SMART goals: they should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely. If you are opening a bakery, as incredible as it would be, it’s unlikely that you will sell 100,000 pastries during your first month. Can you even make that many? Will you have the customer base? Can you reach them efficiently? It’s good to dream big, but the steps you take to get there should be manageable. Stretch yourself too thin, and your efforts won’t be able to keep up with your vision.
When writing down your goals, consider what you are willing to do. Whether this venture is a passion or a hobby will influence what kind of growth you can cultivate. How determined are you to see this succeed? What will you do if it doesn’t work out? Are you prepared to balance your work and social life, possibly making sacrifices? You should have a contingency plan (or multiple) should your business decline.
How to finance your business
So where do you turn when it’s time to acquire funding? The Small Business Administration is a popular source for loans, which offers policies that allow lenders to offer longer repayment terms. You can go to commercial banks, which may provide more customizable contracts and less strict qualifications. If you lack much of a credit history or collateral that makes you an attractive borrower, you can secure a microloan from a nonprofit organization or a specialized microlender.
Angel investors are individuals on the lookout for promising businesses to invest in that will, in time, create a profit for them (you can approach these people with a well-written pitch and honesty). We at Currency Capital host a network of various lenders, so we can match you with someone who is willing to work with your needs, terms, and ideas. There are numerous ways to finance your business (you can even try crowdfunding), so do not be discouraged if an option or two do not work out.
When you set realistic goals and plan accordingly, it’s possible to realize your dreams. How will you finance your business? Contact us today if you have any questions about financing your small business. We’re always available for a call at 877-358-4595, and would love to answer your questions and guide you toward the best option for your business.
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Traditional advertising is not sufficient anymore. Thanks to ad-block software and the fact that telemarketing is more of a nuisance nowadays, startup companies have to be resourceful when it comes to spreading the word. Luckily, there is something that consumers do not get tired of - content. Whether it’s social media-based, a blog post, or another avenue, content marketing is the strategic art of distributing valuable content to relevant audiences with the goal of converting them into customers. Any startup that wants to put itself on the map needs to invest in content marketing early in the game.
Why is content marketing necessary?
Neil Patel notes that content marketing costs 62 percent less than typical methods, generating approximately three times as many leads. Even if you are a startup owner with no experience, any form of content is better than none at all, and it does not cost much to write a relevant article or execute a social media campaign. Content is also the perfect channel for shaping your voice: what is your mission statement? What do you, as a company, offer that your competitors don’t? Don’t think just money-wise; the customer experience is everything. Are you an impersonal overseer, or are you engaged with your customers on their level?
You know the importance of establishing an online presence, but content marketing will affect all aspects of it. Audience Ops says that content can increase the number of people signing up for your email list, steer your search engine optimization, inspire your social media posts (many people get their news from outlets like Twitter and Facebook, so sharing links to articles is a good idea), and increase your chances of connecting with influencers.
Due to content marketing’s nature, it presents an opportunity, as well as a necessity, to be consistent. Marketing Insider Group reports that 33 percent of blog users acquired at least one customer when they posted less than monthly. However, 72 percent of blogs that posted once a week garnered a customer— and 89 percent converted at least one person when they posted multiple times each day. People like to see companies being active, so the more information or entertainment you share, the more likely you are to find someone interested in doing business with you.
Working with a marketing service
Content marketing is indeed cheaper than traditional avenues—but what if you are on a tight budget, or short on time? If you do not have the funds to pay a full-time writer or time to do it yourself, you may feel like you are at a loss. Content marketing is still worth the investment, though, so there are experienced outside parties you can turn to.
According to Eucalypt Media, content marketing can not only boost your sales; it can establish you as a thought leader in your field worthy of facing off with large-scale competitors:
“A content marketing agency can support you by collaborating with you on quick phone interviews to get a sense of the topics you want to cover, then developing thorough think pieces written from your point of view, which can be published on your own blog and in industry-leading websites and media publications. This will help you quickly improve your reputation, and pave the way for interviews, speaking invitations, and other opportunities that will grow both your personal and business brands.”
There are numerous marketing firms to choose from, so how do you know which is right for you? Look at what potential partners offer and testimonials from their past clients: remember, you are not just investing in advertising, you are building a community and telling a compelling narrative.
180fusion, for example, aims to help clients accumulate traffic in practical ways, optimizing your SEO, PPC, social media, and other strategies that will increase your reach both locally and internationally. Ulku Logistics will also assist you with navigating an increasingly complicated technological space, offering hands-on guidance for launching campaigns and achieving higher Google search rankings.
Executing your content strategy
When you are ready to begin marketing with content—and it’s never too early to do so—research what existing pieces are performing well. Depending on what field your business operates in, blogs, infographics, videos, tweets, articles, or other media may see different results. We advise that you take advantage of whatever automated processes you can when it comes to social media (reminder: consistency is essential).
Your goal is not to provide an overwhelming amount of information or insight. People search the Internet for solutions to their problems, so your content needs to be the answers they are looking for. If you hope to reach as many customers as possible from the moment you open your doors (digital or otherwise), the time to participate in the content marketing game is now.
If you have any questions regarding growth strategies for your small business, don’t hesitate to reach out to our specialists at Currency. We’re always available for a call at 877-358-4595, and would love to answer your questions and guide you toward the best option for your business.
" ["post_title"]=> string(53) "Why Startups Should Invest in Content Marketing Early" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(53) "why-startups-should-invest-in-content-marketing-early" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2019-05-16 01:00:43" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-05-16 01:00:43" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(30) "https://gocurrency.com//?p=903" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "blog" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } } ["post_count"]=> int(13) ["current_post"]=> int(-1) ["in_the_loop"]=> bool(false) ["post"]=> object(WP_Post)#2031 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(2301) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "6" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2019-06-17 09:00:55" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-06-17 09:00:55" ["post_content"]=> string(6342) "Are you new to the business world and find yourself Googling phrases like, “basic accounting for dummies” more often than you care to admit? Basic accounting can seem overwhelming--even if you have been doing business for a number of years, there are so many accounting-terms that it can be hard to remember them all. From time to time, you might think to yourself, what do people mean when they talk about cash flow or balance sheets, or, what on earth does “accrual accounting” refer to?
To refresh your accounting-knowledge, here are 11 basic accounting terms every business owner should know:
1) Assets
An asset refers to an item of value that your business owns. They can be physical—such as equipment and technology—or intangible, such as intellectual property.2) Liability
When you owe a debt to somebody, it is known as a liability. Liabilities are your business's financial obligations, such as salaries and wages you owe your employees, or purchases you have made but not yet paid for.3) Equity
Equity refers to what you own in your business—investments, earnings, etc. While you might technically own the whole enterprise, equity is essentially the difference between your assets and liabilities. According to Fundera, the truth is that many businesses have negative equity because their owners might be taking out too much money or their ventures are not profitable. A formula to remember how to calculate equity is:Equity = Assets - Liabilities
4) Cost of Goods Sold
Cost of goods sold, also known as the cost of sales, is the cost of producing your products or delivering your services. It’s the first expense noted on your profit and loss statement and the first figure in calculating your gross profit margin.5) Accounts Receivable/ Accounts Payable
Accounts receivable and accounts payable refer to money owed to you and money you owe, respectively.6) Return on Investment
Return on investment—commonly referred to as ROI—relates to the profit you make divided by the required investment to earn it. This number is usually a percentage, not a dollar amount, so if you have a total revenue of $10,000 and walk away with $6,000 after paying all expenses, your ROI is 150%.Return on Investment = (Revenue - Investment Costs) / Investment Costs
7) Cash Flow
Cash flow denotes the money entering and leaving your business. It’s like your venture’s lifeblood—money spent on payroll, operations, investments, etc. subtracted from money earned through sales and other functions for a particular period (usually a month). It is possible for this number to be negative for one or even several months and for your business to remain afloat—as long as immediately available funds (cash on hand) are sufficient.8) Burn Rate
Burn rate is similar to a business’s outflow of cash, however, burn rate usually implies a longer time interval. To calculate how fast you are spending money, subtract your cash on hand at the end of a given period (such as a fiscal quarter) from what you had at the beginning and divide it by the number of months. This basic accounting figure is essential for understanding how quickly your business goes through cash so that you can better manage your cash flow.Difference = Starting Balance - Ending Balance
Cash Burn Rate = Difference / Number of Months
9) Balance Sheet
A balance sheet is a financial statement that documents your business’s assets, equity, and liabilities. It shows your business’s net worth. According to the Entrepreneur, a balance sheet is “a basic tenet of double-entry bookkeeping in that total assets (what a business owns) must equal liabilities plus equity (how the assets are financed). In other words, the balance sheet must balance.” It’s a simple equation, but it’s a vital part of making your business function successfully.Assets = Liabilities + Equity
