Small business owners, should be very cautious with the money they are spending on their businesses. This might be very difficult for a lot of individuals. As not all business owners don’t have fancy business degrees but worry not!
In this article, we are going to talk about the most common financial mistakes that small business owners make in the hopes that the added awareness may lead you to make smarter financial decisions and your success. Paying attention to your business finances can also prevent you from falling into a debt cycle.
1) Diving in Without a Plan
See, the Avengers got the Hulk, Jethalal has a Tarak Mehata, And your small business needs a Plan.
It doesnt have to be detailed, especially if youre not intending to show it to anyone else. However, you should at least do your research, formulate realistic financial projections, and set a budget for your first year.
Doing so will give you a reference on what your financial priorities are and prevent bankruptcy during the early stages of your business.
Learn how to create a business plan.
2) Not Separating Your Business and Personal Finances
I don’t mix business with pleasure, is not just a fancy line Mr Bond says to the Bond girl in every movie. Mr. Bond is giving good advice to small businesses, to avoid a major financial mistake.
Business is a big aspect of a business owner’s life, but not the only part. Its always a good idea to keep your business finances and your business finances separate
Always keep them in separate bank accounts.
Keeping all your finances in one place will lead to business cash flow issues and make tax computation and expense tracking unnecessarily difficult.
For your business finances also think about investing in an affordable accounting software like ProfitBooks.
Financial mistakes can be overwhelming for a small business
3) Failing to Stay Frugal
Every entrepreneur or small business owner just wants the best for their business. Thats why it can be tempting to invest in the latest technology, the most stylish office space, and the most talented employees.
While its true that they can give your startup a boost of advantage against competitors, they would also require you to spend money that frankly, you have yet to earn.
Formulating a realistic budget, sticking to it, and staying frugal are the best ways to keep your business afloat. Put your capital only on essential things.
Do you need that equipment or piece of furniture? Then you might want to look into alternative ways of getting them. Maybe someone in the family is not using one and you can borrow it instead? You can also consider renting or getting secondhand.
At the very least, avoid making big purchases without a plan. To avoid this financial mistake. Keep in mind that theres always a better time for everything. For instance, you can mark the next big sale on your calendar and put a little bit of money away before your purchase.
This will help you and your small business to avoid this financial mistake, and let’s just face it 2023 and there is no shame in starting small. All the big companies like Google, Apple, and Amazon were nothing but pet projects in people’s garages.
If you have a good working environment people will be more than happy to work for your small business.
Check out these amazing tips for saving money in your business.
4) Not Setting up an Emergency Fund
Save for a rainy day! Accidents are like RCB winning IPL chances are very low, but might happen. When it does happen ( Accidents not RCB winning) you should have sure you have some backup funds to ensure that your savings from a small business are not blown in an emergency.
We recommend setting up two to cover your business and personal affairs respectively. This will also prevent you from using your business funds for personal emergencies and vice versa.
This financial mistake is a very crucial one, as an emergency can put you under a lot of burden and stress, and under such circumstances, money should be the least of your worries.
Heres a question we frequently get from our readers: how do you know if something is an emergency? Thats simple. Ask yourself, can you go about your daily life amidst this issue? If yes, then its not an emergency. If not, then it is.
Your car broke down in the middle of nowhere, the only computer you have suddenly wont power on, or your child got into an accident and needs to get rushed to the hospital?these are only a few examples of cases that warrant the use of your emergency fund.
Heres another question: how much should you save? The more savings you have, the better. However, we do recommend having enough to keep your business (or your personal life) comfortably running for three months even without income coming in.
5) Neglecting Business Insurance
Think of running a small business as driving a car. Your emergency fund serves as a seat belt. Its your primary protection against accidents. It might not be enough to save you from a total wreck, though. Youll need an airbag for that. That is your business insurance. It further minimizes the financial risks in case of unforeseen events.
Not all policies are the same, so be sure to do your research to determine the one that best fits your needs.
There are three basic types of small business insurance that we recommend new owners look into:
- General Liability Coverage. This type of policy seeks to cover non-employee bodily injury and property damage. For instance, suppose a customer tripped and fell while shopping in your establishment. Being enrolled in this type of policy means that you wont have to shoulder his medical bills out of pocket.
- Commercial Property Coverage. Heres another type of policy that new owners should consider. Commercial property coverage seeks to protect your physical location and other assets. This includes your inventory, the tools, and equipment you use for production, or even the pieces of furniture in your office. Depending on your chosen coverage, this type of policy can also help you recover from damage and loss brought about by natural calamities or fires.
- Workers Compensation Insurance. Finally, you should also consider getting workers compensation insurance. It is a type of policy that seeks to provide benefits to your workers in case of work-related injury or illness. For instance, suppose an employee got his hand caught in a piece of equipment. This policy will provide for his medical care, lost wages, and even disability benefits.
Emergencies can cost a fortune to a small business owner if not prepared for them
6) Underestimating the Necessity of Financial Tools
Theres no rule against using a journal to keep track of your business finances. This practice has its own merits.
However, we still think that using it as your only method is a potentially deadly mistake.
Manual methods are inconvenient and more prone to inaccuracies. They will also lack organizational and analytical features that will provide you with the data you need to make informed financial decisions.
You must start using good accounting software.
7) Ignoring Your Business Credit Score
Your business credit score is a public record that shows your startups financial history and reliability.
It is an essential grade that you will need later on as you further scale your business.
Not only will you need it to secure business financing but can also grant you better terms, attract potential investors, and improve brand recognition.
8) Putting off Investment in Research and Marketing
We understand why they might not be on your priority list during the first few months of your business, but this mistake can significantly impact your growth.
Consumer and product research, for instance, can reveal available opportunities that you might have missed otherwise.
On the other hand, taking too long to invest in marketing can slow down sales and ROI.
9) Not Asking for Help When Needed
Finally, dont be afraid to seek the help of financial professionals. Having an accountant is always ideal. Meanwhile, a financial expert can give you sound advice that can increase your chances of achieving business success.
It can also help to consider customer feedback and constructive criticism coming from concerned friends and family as long as you believe them beneficial for your business.
Final Thoughts
As we have mentioned, to err is human. Making mistakes and learning from them is part of running a business. That said, isnt it still better to avoid them whenever you can?
Keeping these top financial mistakes in mind will not only help minimize risks but will also set up your business for success.
FAQs
How do financial mistakes impact the overall financial health and sustainability of a small business?
Financial mistakes can have a significant impact on a small business’s overall financial health and sustainability. These mistakes can lead to cash flow problems, excessive debt, reduced profitability, and challenges in meeting financial obligations. They may also limit access to capital, hinder growth opportunities, and result in legal or regulatory issues.
What are some common financial mistakes that small business owners make when managing their cash flow?
Common financial mistakes in cash flow management for small business owners include poor invoicing and collection practices, inadequate cash reserves, excessive spending, and failure to regularly monitor and adjust cash flow projections. To avoid this financial mistake you can invest in accounting software like ProfitBook.
What are the potential consequences of inadequate financial record-keeping for small businesses?
Inadequate financial record-keeping can lead to inaccurate financial reporting, difficulties in tracking expenses and income, challenges in meeting tax obligations, missed deductions or credits, potential legal and regulatory issues, and hampered decision-making. Small businesses must prioritize proper bookkeeping and maintain organized financial records.
How do small business owners commonly make mistakes in pricing their products or services, and how does it affect their profitability?
Small business owners often make mistakes in pricing their products or services by underestimating costs, setting prices solely based on competition rather than value, or failing to regularly review and adjust prices. These pricing mistakes can erode profit margins, decrease sales, and compromise the business’s competitiveness in the market.
What are the risks associated with poor financial planning and budgeting for small businesses, and how can these mistakes be avoided?
Poor financial planning and budgeting can pose risks for small businesses, including cash flow shortages, challenges in managing expenses, and an inability to allocate resources effectively. To avoid these mistakes, small business owners should develop comprehensive budgets, accurately forecast revenue and expenses, set realistic financial goals, and regularly monitor and adjust the budget as needed
Also Read:-
20 Tax saving tips for business owners
Top cashflow mistakes that can kill your business
How To Track Small Business Expenses 4 Easy Steps
7 Effective Ways To Account For Business Credit Cards.
How To Manage Cash Flow In Small Business
30 Cost-Cutting Ideas To Survive Cashflow Crunch
10 Cashflow Mistakes That Can Kill Your Business
