When they’re just starting out, many new entrepreneurs don’t have all the financial tools or experience they need to run a business successfully. They can rely on their peers, the information they can find online, and various business books to get started, but nothing can really beat the experience when it comes to knowing how to handle money in business and succeed .
Therefore eight members of Council for Young Entrepreneurs offer their best guidance below. Here, they each share one financial tip they wish they had known when they got started, and why this advice can help any entrepreneur successfully get their business off the ground.
Members of the Young Entrepreneur Council discuss financial tips they wish they had known sooner.
Photos courtesy of individual members.
1. You don’t have to invest in financial tools right away
Startups already have a limited budget to start with, so it’s unwise to spend what you have on tools to facilitate certain processes. Relying on the tools from the start can limit your learning opportunities. So it is better that you try to build the processes from the ground up. As for the experience, you will earn it along the way. To get started, all you need is a dream and the drive to work hard enough to achieve it. – Stephanie Wells, Formidable shapes
2. You have to make a budget and stick to it
One of the most important things new entrepreneurs can do is create a budget and stick to it. Doing this will help you keep track of your expenses and make sure you don’t overspend. It is also important to have a handle on your finances and understand your cash flow. This will help you make smart decisions about how to use your money and avoid getting into financial trouble. – Syed Balkan, WPBeginner
3. It’s OK to Seek Professional Help
One simple step any new business owner can do is to work with an accountant. You don’t have to hire one full time. Many professional accounting companies handle your books for a monthly fee. This ensures that your finances are in order from the start and saves you a lot of headaches down the road. Accounting firms and professionals have a great deal of business and financial knowledge. They also have a lot of experience in setting up companies and managing legal documentation. They can help you get your business up and running in no time if you are willing to trust them and invest in their services. – Blair Williams, Members Press
4. Improving your financial literacy is essential
If you are a new business owner, it is important to work on improving your financial literacy. Many entrepreneurs are knowledgeable about their field, but don’t necessarily know much about finance. There are many free and inexpensive resources available to help. Don’t try to learn everything at once, but make it a habit to absorb as much financial information as possible. Listening to financial podcasts is a good way to pick up ideas and terminology. This is something you can do while commuting, taking a walk or running, or whenever you have a spare moment. If you want, you can read blog posts or watch videos. – Kalin Kassabov, ProTexting
5. Always keep your expenses in mind
One of the most important things for new entrepreneurs to keep in mind is that they need to be mindful of their expenses. It can be tempting to splurge on office space or expensive equipment when you first start out, but it’s important to remember that every cent counts. It is also essential to have a good understanding of your financial situation and to draw up realistic budgets. Many new entrepreneurs don’t realize the importance of building a cash reserve, which can help you get through unexpected expenses or slow periods. Finally, it is always a good idea to consult a financial advisor or accountant for expert advice on managing your finances. These professionals can help you make sound financial decisions that will make your business successful. – Michael Garrido, E-Valve Technologies
6. You have to learn it or hire it
To handle money successfully, you need to learn it or hire someone with experience. There is no other way. Many entrepreneurs or starting entrepreneurs learn business processes at work. They work for a long time in a decision-making role to learn about running a business and to gain critical experience. Then they start their own company. This applies to a significant number of entrepreneurs. One can even gain financial literacy through professional courses, but this is not enough to run a business. Business literacy is a completely different game, and the best way to learn it is to experience it. I always try to learn things by doing them. Furthermore, when I need help, I speak with experienced professionals to get the best advice for my specific situation. – Kelly Richardson, Infobrandz
7. You need to develop the right mindset to handle money
The financial management tools are meaningless if you don’t have the right philosophy for handling money. For most businesses, it’s not the big expenses that they incur – it’s the mismanagement of all the little things that really matter. It can be subscriptions, office costs, unnecessary employees for whom you have not yet found a good match and more. Your cash flow is the lifeblood of your business; you have to keep a close eye on it. Keep track of all your expenses monthly, especially the monthly recurring subscriptions. I wish I had known this when I started because I could have been more successful sooner. – Andy Karuzac, NachoNacho
8. You just have to start
Just start. Keep your receipts and invoices on the go. Track every dollar your business earns. Tax services are extremely affordable, as are LLC incorporation services. You need momentum in your favor; the rest can be done in due course. Business leaders are not experts in finance. They are visionaries. They are creatives. Someone will be all too grateful for a chance to make a little bit of money making your books or designing your logo. Remember that no one knows everything, and that is not the barrier to entry for any field. So give yourself grace for the things you don’t know, believe you can learn and triumph, and you will do it! – Tyler Bray, TK Trailer Parts
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