Business leaders have varying visions and missions. From developing products and services that change lives to expanding into new markets to guiding the running business through a transformation, entrepreneurs and business managers have varied goals. But one common aim remains the foundation of every business: earnings. Money is the lifeblood of a business organization, and sales revenues are how businesses usually generate money.
But, for a small business, the need for incoming revenues is usually far greater and more urgent than for a large enterprise. Small firms have smaller profit margins, and many generally operate at a loss initially until they break even. So, resources are usually spread thin, and entrepreneurs have to make intelligent cost-saving decisions like choosing Spectrum Gold Package to make the best use of these resources. Larger firms have cash and asset reserves to weather a shrinkage or delay in profits, but smaller firms often need to. That is why you can’t afford to make costly but widespread mistakes like these:
Inconsistent Bookkeeping:
In any business, maintaining inconsistent accounting records is usually imprudent and often illegal. An entrepreneur wears several hats at a time, and one of them, at least initially, often includes that of an accountant. You own the business and likely call the most critical shots. Thus, you must always be aware of your business’s financial situation. This isn’t just about keeping an eye on to ensure no embezzlement or fraud is happening under your nose. It is also about accurately assessing your business, which can help you make informed business decisions for tremendous success.
But, in any scenario, you must have consistent bookkeeping and accounting practices. That means entering transactions promptly, maintaining the correct records, reconciling your cash and bank statements, and recording cash outflows and inflows. You will also usually need many of these records for tax purposes, and inconsistencies could result in fines or penalties.
Not Keeping Business and Personal Accounts Separate:
Corporations are separate legal entities, and their liabilities are limited to the extent of the assets they own, just like a natural person. But, the corporation’s liability usually does not extend to its owners or shareholders. Small business losses, like sole proprietorships or partnerships, often have unlimited liability, which means it can grow to that of its owners if the business goes bankrupt.
Business owners often make a massive mistake by having the same account for business and personal use. There needs to be a clear line here about where the cutoff begins between your cash and that of the company. You may end up overspending and eating into business funds. Or you may have a significant business expenditure that eats into your funds. Or you may have an overdraft that is a mesh of personal and business expenses. It can be tough to track business cash when using the same account for personal expenses. And if you run into a liquidity problem with your creditors and suppliers, a lawsuit against your business could also cost you your personal assets.
Pricing Your Product/Service Too High or Too Low:
You could have the best product or service in the world, but your business could still struggle to stay in the black if the price point isn’t right. Small companies often make mistakes with setting their product and service prices, but this can be a grave mistake in many cases.
On the one hand, a business may feel so confident in its offering that it sets a correspondingly higher price than similar products. This may seem fair, considering the added value, but if it is too high, it will only discourage customers and direct them to more reasonably priced options. On the other hand, you may set your price too low. Even with more sales, the revenues you generate may deliver a far smaller margin once you deduct your operational and selling expenses. How you price your product will vary, but you must maintain a balance between the costs you incur to sell, a healthy profit margin, and offering the correct value to your customers.
Minimal Profit Reinvestment Into Your Business:
Unless you’re hoping to stagnate all your hard work, most businesses will grow as time progresses. However, for growth to occur, you need to inject more cash into the business. That is why you need to invest a significant portion of your gross profit into your business. This can often take the form of capital expenditure such as new premises, plant, machinery, equipment, or other long-term assets that increase your capacity to generate more output and earn more revenues. CapEx will help your business grow, expand, and scale up while sustaining income. However, not investing money into your business from your profits will only limit your potential to do so.