Part of you is filled with excitement. Finally. I get to rest my weary body, take off all the different hats I have been wearing, and finally, I can be on holidays (not all get to say this, mind you!).
The other part of you (the brainy part!), is subconsciously worrying about how you are going to pay the bills. This is the million dollar question for some business owners, especially those that are facing their first Christmas as a business owner. Hopefully some of you have been given advice throughout the year, and will sail comfortably through to the New Year. For those that are starting to panic, here are 5 ways to get you through, and no, it is not too late. Yet.

1. If you have any new clients/customers/orders - process them first. This is unexpected income, so look after them!

2. Plan, plan, plan - create a daily forecast, on what your expected collections are for the next 3.5 weeks. Yes - daily, because Christmas is only days away!!! This will give you a good indication on what you will collect, and you can work out whether it is enough to get you through. If it doesn't, time to hit points 3 to 5 below.

3. If your business has stock or inventory, now is the time to sell those slow moving or obsolete stock. Discount them if you need to, just get the cashflow in to sustain the business. Of course, don't be silly and sell things below cost just to get some funds. Only do this if you believe the value is below cost now (for whatever reason)

4. Cut back on your spending - now this may be hard, but it can be done. Delay paying for anything that can be delayed, until the business cashflow starts to pick up again. Ask for a repayment plan if possible. If you don't ask, you will never receive.

5. This is our favourite : invoice early - as soon as your service has been provided or the goods have been dispatched - INVOICE. CHASE. COLLECT. This is the season to be a hound chasing a scent!!


This is a tried and tested model, and it has worked for us. We hope it will help you too.