About the Author
Paula Claudia Dicu
Copywriter, King Street Media
Preparing your startup for financial instability is a necessary precaution for ensuring the long-term stability and success of your venture.
The life of a startup can be unexpected, and you cannot predict what major event will dramatically impact your financial wellbeing. Being prepared will ease any tensions and alleviate stress, should something happen.
But what can small businesses and startups do in order to prepare for this instability?
1. Prioritize unexpected events
In order to prepare, you must begin to think about the unexpected that could arise.
All entrepreneurs should assess their goals and environment, alongside the risks that they are taking in these realms.
It could be worthwhile to invest in advisors that have years of experience and can help you create business plans that will cover all of your bases. Receiving a fresh perspective and outlook will stand to benefit any entrepreneur.
2. Diversify revenue
Where is the revenue coming in from, and what can you do to ensure that it comes from multiple streams and sources?
The financial wellness of your startup should not depend on a select number of buyers or customers. Seek to diversify clients and expand into a variety of markets.
Remember, building relationships along the way are key.
3. Have access to more capital
Whether you take out loans, equity finances, royalty or other forms of debt, entrepreneurs should always look at multiple options for capital.
Determine what the best interest rates are and what aligns best with your startup needs.
Through having access to capital, it’s important to also manage debt and loans in order to avoid bankruptcy.
4. Where can your business opt out
Can you reduce expenses and payments that are not efficient or benefitting your startup’s goals?
Cash flow management and budget cuts must be analyzed. Entrepreneurs should be aware of the business luxuries that are not necessary and can be opted out, if need be.
5. Understand your funnel
All successful startups have a funnel they use for smooth flow and operation.
If financial instability is present or incoming, the answer is to seek out more opportunities for financial growth. Take a look at your existing customers and what can be done to reach new ones.
6. Keep inventory low
How much of your cash is in inventory that takes up space on your warehouse shelves?
And so, how much product do you really need, especially as a startup? Budgeting for low inventory is a safe bet to start with, reducing expenses.
Planning for the future
Entrepreneurship is an exciting pathway, full of variety, possibilities for expansion, growth and impact.
Along the way, the unexpected can happen. Whether it’s an economic crisis, recession, or other unexpected series of events, it’s important to diversify your sources of income.
An emergency plan and different sources of income will soften any crash, or even help you get back on your feet.