What’s Your Strategy for Managing Working Capital Efficiently?
In the quest for financial stability, effective working capital management is key. We gathered insights from seven CEOs and Founders, focusing on strategies ranging from optimizing inventory turnover to automating cash-flow processes. Discover the diverse tactics that these leaders employ to bolster their businesses’ financial health.
- Optimize Inventory Turnover
- Adhere to Cash-Focused Rules
- Consolidate Debt and Optimize Receivables
- Implement Dynamic Discounting
- Forecast Cash Flow Proactively
- Utilize Strategic Vendor Financing
- Automate Cash-Flow Processes
Optimize Inventory Turnover
Managing your business’s working capital is like balancing a checkbook—crucial for keeping things running smoothly. At GNC & Rue21, we honed in on inventory turnover as a game-changer. By analyzing sales trends and adjusting our ordering schedules, we struck a balance between keeping shelves stocked and avoiding excess stockpiles. It’s akin to hosting a dinner party—you prepare just enough food to satisfy everyone without leftovers going to waste! This strategy not only improved our cash flow but also made operations more efficient, allowing us to respond quickly to market changes. So, keeping a keen eye on inventory turnover is like mastering the art of serving up business success!
Josh Burris, CEO, STNDRD
Adhere to Cash-Focused Rules
I have two rules for any business, adapted from Warren Buffett’s two rules for investing.
My two rules are:
Rule 1: Focus on Cash
Rule 2: Don’t forget Rule 1
This stresses the importance of cash.
The one working capital tip I have is related to my three daily checks for any business. These three questions should be asked and answered every morning by all business owners:
- How much cash do we have? The bank should be reviewed and fully reconciled daily.
- Who has our cash? Having updated all receipts in question 1, we have an up-to-date position of who owes us money and should chase it and follow up on anything that is outstanding, as well as notifying those who have payments falling due soon. Credit control should be a daily task.
- How do we get more cash? I like my clients to have between three and six Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). These KPIs should be capable of being measured, monitored, and managed. They should be used to drive performance. There are thousands of examples of KPIs. Find a few that allow you to assess whether you have had a good day, week, or month.
Finance is simple if you make it simple and have the right people.
Craig Alexander Rattray, Growth Strategist, Know Your Numbers
Consolidate Debt and Optimize Receivables
One working capital management tip that has significantly improved our business’s financial health is consolidating debt and optimizing accounts receivable. This two-pronged approach has completely transformed our cash-flow management and overall financial stability.
We refinanced multiple high-interest debts into a single, lower-interest loan, reducing our overall interest expenses by 15% annually. The consolidated loan terms also simplified our debt repayment structure, reducing the risk of missed payments. This allowed for more predictable cash outflows, helping us redirect the saved interest towards reinvestment in the business.
Simultaneously, we implemented an automated invoicing system, reducing errors and speeding up the billing process. We introduced early-payment incentives, encouraging customers to pay faster. Additionally, we established clear, systematic follow-up procedures for overdue accounts and implemented rigorous credit checks for new customers to minimize bad-debt risk. We also negotiated more favorable payment terms with long-standing, reliable clients.
The results of these combined strategies have been remarkable:
- Our average Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) decreased from 45 to 30 days.
- Bad-debt write-offs reduced by 40% year-over-year.
- Working capital increased by 25%, providing a buffer for unexpected expenses and opportunities.
- The improved cash flow allowed us to take advantage of supplier discounts, further reducing costs.
By addressing both our debt obligations and the efficiency of our receivables, we’ve been able to strengthen our financial stability and support sustainable business growth.
I hope I was able to provide you with valuable information. If you need any more information, feel free to reach out.
Bob Schulte, Founder, Bryt Software LLC
Implement Dynamic Discounting
One working capital management tip that’s worked wonders for our business is implementing a dynamic discounting program. We offer our clients a small discount if they pay their invoices early. It’s like saying, “Hey, want to save a few bucks?” Surprisingly, many take the bait. This improves our cash flow and reduces the days’ sales outstanding (DSO) considerably. I remember one month when our cash reserves were a bit lean, but thanks to early payments, we sailed through smoothly. It’s a win-win: clients save a bit, and we keep our working capital healthy. Plus, who doesn’t love a good discount, right?
Phil Laboon, CEO, Leadstacker
Forecast Cash Flow Proactively
We place a high emphasis on proactive cash-flow forecasting and management. Regularly updated financial forecasts allow us to anticipate cash-flow challenges and opportunities. By integrating these forecasts with our operational plans, we can make informed decisions that optimize our cash reserves without stifling growth. For instance, we delay non-essential capital expenditures during predicted cash-tight periods to ensure that we can cover all essential expenses and avoid unnecessary borrowing. This proactive approach to financial planning has been instrumental in navigating the uncertain waters of tech industry cycles.
Alari Aho, CEO and Founder, Toggl Inc
Utilize Strategic Vendor Financing
One effective strategy we’ve implemented is the strategic use of vendor financing. We leverage extended payment terms with our suppliers and hold onto our cash for longer periods, allowing us to reinvest those funds into areas that drive greater profitability, such as marketing initiatives and product development. This approach has enabled us to improve our overall liquidity while strengthening our relationships with key vendors.
Josh Qian, COO and Co-Founder, Best Online Cabinets
Automate Cash-Flow Processes
Cash flow management is crucial for maintaining healthy financials as a business. One key tip that has greatly improved my business’s financial health is automating our cash-flow processes. By implementing digital tools and software, we have been able to streamline our invoicing, payment collections, and expense tracking.
Automation has enabled us to minimize human error and save time on manual processes, allowing us to focus on other important aspects of the business. With accurate real-time data available at our fingertips, we are also able to make informed decisions about budgeting and forecasting.
Moreover, automating our cash-flow management has greatly improved our cash-flow efficiency and helped us maintain a consistent positive cash flow. This has allowed us to meet financial obligations, such as paying vendors and suppliers on time, which has strengthened our relationships in the industry.
Baxter Fricks, Founder & CEO, Cardinal House Buyers
