If you are a small business owner you are probably also somewhat of an entrepreneur and most entrepreneurs like to focus on the big picture. They are often visionaries. The problem with being a “big picture” person though is that dealing with the details-things like finances can be a real frustration and a drag. It is the kind of thing that makes most entrepreneurs want to run in the opposite direction. No matter how you think about finances they are a necessary element of running a small business.  Finances don’t have to be something you fear. Here are some ways you can simplify finance for your small business.

Understand Your Seasonal Cash Flow

Start-up businesses and small businesses need to understand their sales cycle and seasonal cash flow. It is important to know when your low cash periods are as well as those periods during the year when your cash intake spikes.  Once you understand the pattern of your cash flow you can put away extra money for those months when cash flow peaks to keep you going during tighter months. It will help to create financial stability throughout the year and in realizing your vision for your business.

Stay Focused On Your Core Strengths

 Focus on your core strengths and avoid the temptation to try and create everything from scratch. There are financial benefits to leveraging already existing technologies rather than wasting time and money on hiring people to create apps from scratch. Keep your employees focused on activities and tasks that drive revenue for your business.

Accounting 101

Accounting is pretty dry and there is a tendency for many small business owners to avoid tasks like bookkeeping and reporting but it is important for the health of your business. Don’t procrastinate when it comes to getting your finances in order. There are lots of good programs you can use. One of the best things you can do for your business is to ensure you have a person on your team who understands accounting. You do not have to do the daily accounting work, but you should invest in yourself and make sure you can understand your financial reporting. Even with a good advisor you will make the best decisions for your business when you can understand the basics of accounting and reading financial reports.

Discount Please

Small businesses are often tight on cash and it may be difficult to pay for the latest technology to move your business forward. One of the simplest things to do to is to ask your suppliers for discounts. Not everyone will be willing but a lot of businesses rolling out new technologies may be willing to offer a discount in exchange for a testimonial. You can also try bartering depending on what your business sells.