<![CDATA[The Business Forum - Accounting and Cash Flow]]> http://www.elifelines.org/ Sun, 02 Apr 2006 19:03:44 +0000 PunBB <![CDATA[Staying on top of it]]> http://www.elifelines.org/topic/10/staying-on-top-of-it/new/posts/ Keeping track of cash flow is a lot easier than you might think. A simple excel spreadsheet will do the job really well, and if you keep this spreadsheet updated and in sync with quickbooks, you will truly be on top of your game!

Don't pay your bills late. Don't string your vendors along. You are building a reputation at the same time as your are building your business, and you need to make your word worth more than your product.

]]> Sun, 02 Apr 2006 19:03:44 +0000 http://www.elifelines.org/topic/10/staying-on-top-of-it/new/posts/ <![CDATA[Boot Strapping]]> http://www.elifelines.org/topic/4/boot-strapping/new/posts/ Most businesses are started with less capital than you would imagine.   However, some capital is essential to pay bills, suppliers, establish modest marketing collateral material, hiring a book keeper, .....  A rule of thumb is be prepared for at least 6 months of making no money.  It almost always takes longer than you imagine to make money than you predict in your business plan.   In the beginning, it is a good idea if funding is an issue to be frugal or down right cheap.  Used furniture, home offices, a business card and brochure for marketing material are all reasonable steps in the first stage of a business.

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