Many new businesses face financial risks, which explains why 20% of new companies fail within two years. Additionally, 45% fail in five years and 65% within ten years. In effect, only 25% make it to the fifteenth year. However, research by Investopedia revealed that financial problems are a significant reason for business failure. Fortunately, you can save your business should you know the proper steps to take. That said, here are some ways to reduce your business’s financial risks.
Limit the number of business loans to take
New entrepreneurs are often tempted to take loans for their business sustenance. Unfortunately, that might not be sustainable, as they can put undue pressure on you. Besides, you might end up paying an exorbitant interest rate. Experts agree that it is vital to start your new company without needless financial pressure. However, there should be just enough capital to sustain you for the targeted period. Admittedly, your type of business will determine how much money you need to begin with. But, it is possible to run your business without loans until you make enough profits to establish it.
Develop a solid marketing plan
How robust is your new business’s marketing plan? Ideally, your business plan must capture the needed strategies to run the business, including marketing and advertising. However, it is prudent to carefully assess your particular situation before investing in marketing and publicity activities. Thanks to social media, real-time marketing strategies have gained traction and are producing excellent results for companies. Perhaps, it explains why companies have jumped onto the Real-Time Promotions bandwagon to push their content marketing plans. As a tip, you should always conduct market research before using these strategies.
Save money
It is prudent to note that your profits are not for personal gain. They rather belong to the company and must be used to push it forward. Apart from salaries that you need to pay (including yourself), business proceeds must be saved to further the company’s growth. Once you fail to adhere to this basic saving rule, you will be setting your establishment up for a substantial financial downturn and eventually bankruptcy. Anything can happen in business, making it prudent to save for this purpose. This can protect your business in stormy times.
Diversify income, products, and services
Indeed, this rule is non-negotiable. When you run a business, you shouldn’t depend on one income or revenue-generating stream. It’s prudent to include complementary products and services to drive sales and boost income generation. Moreover, apart from protecting your business, you will be providing extra options for your customers when you diversify, keeping them loyal to your brand. This way, you’ll promote your brand successfully and ensure your business’s success.
It’s also best to be mindful of other factors that can halt business operations. In the meantime, you should consider that the odds may be against you as a new business, but that should not deter you from working more intelligently. Hopefully, you’ll follow these tips to avert financial problems in your business.