Seasons change, but for some businesses, one challenge remains the same: seasonal cash flow problems.

While many businesses struggle to manage cash flow, several types of businesses may be additionally affected by seasonal fluctuations, such as:

• Businesses that are weather or season dependent, such as snow removal businesses, landscapers, and some construction firms
• Businesses tied to tourism peaks or a holiday season
• Agencies and creative businesses reliant on client budget cycles
• Businesses tied to specific yearly events, such as accountants at tax season
• Businesses affected by fluctuations in supply, such as retailers

Even year-round businesses can experience seasonal ups and downs-grocery stores, for example, may sell more burgers and hotdogs in the summer, more candy around Halloween, and more turkeys around Thanksgiving.

Regardless of what forces dictate your business's standard seasonal fluctuations, it's imperative that seasonal businesses have enough cash on hand to make the most of their peak profitable periods. In order to meet these predicted spikes in demand, businesses typically have to increase their production power by spending more on raw materials, labor, machinery, and equipment, which in turn requires advanced planning and careful budgeting throughout both the off-season and the previous year's peak season.

Unexpected expenses, lower-than-anticipated revenue, or large purchases can complicate cash flow for seasonal businesses. Small business loans can help businesses overcome these challenges, but it can be difficult for seasonal enterprises to secure the financing they need from traditional lenders like the SBA or banks, particularly during their slow season when cash flow is depressed. Alternative lenders like Bluerock Options® have more flexible approval requirements that consider cash flow alongside factors that demonstrate the overall health and potential of your business, and are more likely to fund seasonal businesses.

The most important thing small businesses can do-seasonal or not-is to track their cash flow year-round so they can better prepare for anticipated lulls. If your business is seasonal, your down-times should be predictable, which means you can plan for them well in advance and use these lower-demand periods to your advantage without draining your cash reserves.

In this post, we'll share 10 tactics businesses can use to combat business seasonality and alleviate seasonal cash flow problems, including:

1. Maximizing peak season demand
2. Managing late-paying customers
3. Offering new services during your off-season
4. Watching operating costs closely
5. Using your off-season effectively
6. Creating a cash flow forecast
7. Managing inventory
8. Creating plans for best- and worst-case scenarios
9. Seeking financing proactively
10. Building your savings

Let's get started.

The more revenue you can generate during your peak season, the better off you'll be during your slow season. There are several ways to maximize your peak season profits to help even out seasonal fluctuations in business, such as:

• Upselling services to existing clients in order to generate more revenue per contract
• Asking for referrals from existing clients so you can expand your client base
• Investing in online or traditional advertising during your peak season, or just before, to attract new business
• Creating a sense of urgency before your seasonal peak arrives by encouraging new and existing clients to book before time slots fill up or purchase before inventory runs out

Often, revenue-generating strategies like these require an up-front investment of capital to promote your business, acquire raw materials or inventory, or hire more staff to meet increased demand. Working capital funding like merchant cash advances is ideal for funding initiatives that will increase your revenue without straining your cash flow.

Merchant cash advances are an unsecured form of financing known as a "purchase of future receivables", in which a business receives a cash advance in exchange for a portion of their daily or weekly credit and debit card sales until the advance is repaid. Because repayments are tied to your sales, MCAs are ideal for funding initiatives that will increase your revenue because increased revenue means faster repayment. This structure can also be helpful for businesses during their slow periods, since repayments will be reduced in proportion to sales.

Learn more about merchant cash advances

Delays receiving payments from clients can exacerbate cash flow problems for seasonal businesses. Late payments may not be overly troublesome when it's your peak season and money is rolling in, but it can create problems down the line when business slows and your revenue is trapped in accounts receivable.

There are a number of ways small businesses can combat business seasonality by better managing late-paying customers, including:

• Sending invoices promptly once a job or contract is complete
• Sending reminders for late payments-some software will even handle this for you automatically
• Shortening your accounts receivable periods
• Offering discounts for early payment
• Making it as easy as possible for clients to pay
• Asking for up-front deposits for large projects

It can be difficult for business owners to manage administrative tasks like invoicing when they're busy operating a business. Investing in financial and business management software can help you send invoices quickly (or even automatically), and the right software can even make it easier for clients to pay their invoices online and on-time without requiring awkward follow ups.

If your business typically closes altogether during your off-season, you could consider keeping your doors open and offering new services during these months. For example:

• Landscapers could offer indoor plant or living wall maintenance, autumn or winter tree pruning, or snow removal
• Bike shops could shift their focus from bike sales and rentals to bicycle maintenance and upkeep, or even winter sports gear
• Hotels and other accommodations could rent spaces for holiday parties or host business events
• Food trucks could offer delivery or pickup during colder seasons
• Businesses in many industries could add ecommerce functionality to their website in order sell products your customers use year-round

If you're thinking about offering new services during your slow season, consider your clients' perspectives and behaviors. What do they do during the off-season that your business might be in a position to help with? Identify gaps and start by offering pilot programs to a few key clients-if it goes well, consider expanding the program the following year.

Rent still needs to be paid, utility bills keep coming in, and you need to pay yourself-even when your business isn't generating revenue.

Keep a close eye on both fixed (rent, insurance, salaried payroll) and variable (utilities, hourly wages, material costs and inventory) operating expenses throughout the year so you can better predict fluctuations and make sure you're prepared with cash on hand. For example, wages may be higher during busy seasons when you have to hire extra part-time staff, or utility costs may be higher during seasons when you have to run the heat or air conditioning longer. Being aware of these patterns will help you create a budget that factors in the peaks and troughs so you can identify where and when you can cut back.

There are a number of cost-cutting tactics you can you can employ to manage seasonal fluctuations in business, including:

• Hiring part-time employees only for the peak season
• Negotiating better payment terms with your vendors
• Leasing equipment rather than buying it, or leasing out your equipment during seasons when you don't need it
• Renting out unused office space
• Looking into skip payment leases, which allow you to make payments during peak periods but stop payments during slow times
• Reducing business hours so you work shorter days and lower wage costs

Off-season slow times are a great opportunity to identify problems that may be stopping you from reaching your peak-season revenue goals. Use your off-season to:

• Create a cash flow forecast for the next year. Read our next tip for more on cash flow forecasting.
• Develop new marketing campaigns so you can generate as much revenue as possible during your peak season.
• Rebuild your website to make it easier for clients to book, purchase, or pay invoices online.
• Gain a deeper understanding of your bills and invoices so you can better budget for recurring expenses and how much revenue you'll need to cover them.
• Review payment terms with your creditors so you can prioritize bills that have penalties for late payment or bills that offer incentives for early payment.
• Compare the most recent peak season over previous years-this kind of comparative analysis can help you assess whether to ramp up your staffing or cut back in future years, or adjust how much inventory you order.
• Review your inventory needs so you can stock up strategically-purchase inventory in bulk when you know you'll need it, and avoid stocking up on items that aren't selling.

Cash flow forecasting is the process of estimating your business's future financial position by thoroughly analyzing sales income, expected expenses, and other sources of cash. Effective cash flow forecasting helps you spot cash shortages before they become a problem, and it can also help you avoid overspending by removing the guesswork on how much money you have to spend each month.

Using your business's budget and tracked spending, create a cash flow forecast for the next year so you can more accurately predict cash flow and proactively identify potential gaps and cash flow problems. Set aside time to refine your forecasts monthly-at the end of every month, update your forecasts and add a new month to the end so you'll always have a rolling prediction of what's to come. Rolling forecasts can also help you take advantage of higher revenue periods when there is more cash on hand.

Be as honest as you can when doing your cash flow forecast. Don't overestimate your peak-season revenue or underestimate your off-season expenses. Use the previous years' information to form a baseline, and add a cost buffer to factor in the rising cost of utilities and inflation in 2022.

As supply chain issues and inventory volatility persist in 2022 and into 2023, inventory management will remain an ongoing challenge for businesses in any industry, including those that don't typically contend with business seasonality. One way to combat these issues is to maintain buffer stock, but for seasonal business, unsold inventory or unused materials can dry up your cash flow by increasing your carrying costs.

Instead of holding onto unused materials or unsold inventory, seasonal businesses may benefit from end-of-season sales that help recoup some costs. Talking to your suppliers can also help you mitigate seasonal cash flow problems caused by unsold or unused inventory or raw materials-some suppliers will even allow you to return merchandise for a credit against next season's orders.

Taking the time to create two budgets-one for strong cash flow, and one where you need more of a cushion-can help you weather any cash flow fluctuations caused by business seasonality. Create cash flow forecasts for best-case scenarios like hiring a new staff member so you can take on more business, as well as for worst-case scenarios like losing a client. Considering all possible contingencies can help you plan for your growth and avoid any major cash flow problems.

Creating plans for best- and worst-case scenarios can also help you make decisions during tougher times. If you already have thoughts and ideas in place for how to manage sluggish cash flow, such as planning to apply for financing, you can approach these strategies with more preparation and less stress and confusion.

Acquiring third-party financing for working capital can be an effective way to shore up cash flow during the off-season.

Having a clear understanding of your sales cycle and annual cash flow peaks and troughs, as well as detailed cash flow forecasts, will help you secure financing by showing lenders that you are proactive and engaged, rather than simply reacting to unexpected expenses.

Merchant cash advances are a popular funding solution for helping to manage business seasonality. Business line of credit for small business can also be beneficial for managing seasonal fluctuations. Seasonal businesses can withdraw from and repay their line of credit as needed and will only ever pay interest on the amount borrowed, similar to a credit card but with higher limits and lower fees.

Not sure what to do with all that extra revenue you generated during your peak season? It can be tempting to re-invest it all right back into your business, but for seasonal businesses, it pays to save or invest at least some of it for leaner times.

Ideally, you should have enough cash on hand to pay for six month's worth of business expenses. Seasonal businesses can improve their cash cushion by:

• Generating as much revenue as possible during their peak season
• Strategically cutting operating costs during off-peak months
• Collecting payments from clients as promptly as possible
• Paying suppliers prudently-that means paying your bills on time, but not necessarily early (unless your supplier offers early payment incentives), so that you have cash on hand when it's needed

Cash flow problems are one of the biggest challenges faced by small businesses that deal with business seasonality. Cash flow forecasting and adopting revenue-generating techniques that enable your businesses to capture more business and collect payment faster can help alleviate cash flow problems caused by seasonal fluctuations in business. Accessing third-party financing can also be a helpful cash flow management strategy for small businesses.

With streamlined online applications, flexible approval requirements, and fast turnaround, alternative funding can help small businesses access the working capital they need to successfully manage their cash flow. Invoice factoring and business lines of credit are two of the most common financing options available to help small businesses maintain positive cash flow, but other alternative financing options like merchant cash advances can also provide working capital when you need it without straining your cash flow.

1. “4 Tips for Managing Cash Flow in a Seasonal Business.” Lisa Stevens. Entrepreneur. December 9, 2017.
2. “How Cash Flow Impacts Seasonal Business.” Catriona Bane. Float. October 13, 2022.
3. “How to Balance Cash Flow in a Seasonal Business.” Arlene Soto. Bplans.
4. “How to Conquer Cash Flow in a Seasonal Business.” Nick Darlington. FreshBooks Blog.
5. “How to Manage Cash Flow for a Seasonal Business.” Revenued. May 17, 2021.
6. “Is Year-Round Expansion Right for Your Business?” The Hartford.

Poor cash flow management is the most common reason small businesses fail, and nearly a quarter of business owners report small business cash flow management and payment collection as one of their top three challenges.

In this post, we'll share 13 actionable cash flow management strategies for small businesses, including:

1. Making cash flow analysis part of of your regular routine
2. Investing in financial management technology
3. Sending invoices quickly
4. Managing inventory
5. Asking for a deposit or milestone payment structure
6. Offering discounts for early payment
7. Making it as easy as possible for customers to pay
8. Asking for longer repayment terms with your vendors
9. Paying your bills strategically
10. Factoring unpaid invoices
11. Selling or leasing unused equipment
12. Leasing new equipment instead of buying it
13. Considering a line of credit

But before we dig into these cash flow strategies for small businesses, let's take a moment to review what "cash flow" means and why it's so important.

Put simply, the term "cash flow" describes the action of money moving in and out of your business. Managing cash flow for small businesses includes actions like:

• Minimizing cash on hand
• Accurately and completely balancing incoming cash with outgoing spend
• Ensuring any money spent is done so with a focus on a strong return on investment

There are two types of cash flow small business owners must consider:

1. Positive cash flow means you're earning more than you're spending, which means you'll have cash on hand to cover expenses like payroll, equipment purchases and repairs, loan payments, rent, and other unexpected costs.
2. Negative cash flow, on the other hand, means you're spending more than you're earning. Businesses with negative cash flow may not be able to pay employees or suppliers, cover their rent, or meet their daily operating costs.

Understanding the difference between positive and negative cash flow and implementing cash flow management strategies for your small business are critical to operating and growing a successful business, regardless of what industry you operate in or how many employees you have.

While "managing cash flow" may sound simple, it can actually be very complicated for a small business owner. It can be tempting for business owners to focus on simply generating profits, but it's important to remember that running a successful business is about more than just revenue.

Focusing exclusively on profits and ignoring cash flow can put your business in a vulnerable position. It's entirely possible for a profitable business to fail if they have negative cash flow and don't have working capital available when it's needed. For example, invoicing a customer may count toward your sales and may be recorded as profit, but until your customer pays, those profits aren't actually in your pocket. Accrue enough unpaid invoices and you may not have the liquidity you need to cover day-to-day operations, manage unexpected expenses, or grow your business.

Cash flow woes are often symptomatic of underlying management issues, but some small businesses are more susceptible to cash flow challenges than others, such as seasonal businesses, new businesses, or businesses that invoice clients rather than taking payment up front.

Implementing cash flow management strategies can help ensure that your small business maintains positive cash flow so that you always have working capital at your disposal, whether you need it to cover an unexpected expense or you're ready to invest in your business's growth.

The best cash flow strategies for small businesses depend on what kind of business you operate and how you typically bill your clients. Here are 13 cash flow management strategies for small businesses in any industry to consider:

The simplest cash flow strategy for small businesses is to, well, actually make an effort to manage your cash flow. This means regularly reviewing both incoming and outcoming cash to make sure you are meeting your goals and maintaining positive cash flow. Monthly or quarterly reviews are the most common, but you may even want to do it weekly if you are new to the practice, or are a newer business.

By streamlining your financial documentation, online accounting software can make managing cash flow for small businesses much simpler. When it's easier to monitor how much money you have coming in and where it's going, you can more accurately project future cash flow so you can spend less time worrying and more time actually running your business.

Online accounting software will give you the ability to manage your cash flow by:

• Capturing, organizing, and analyzing all of your spending. Visibility into spending is a key component of successful small business cash flow management-inaccurately tracking your business's spending can leave you unexpectedly short of working capital when you need it most.
• Organizing all of your financial information into one cloud-based system, accessible from any device.
• Automating financial processes like invoicing, integration with vendors, etc.
• Integrating other software like inventory management and invoicing.
• Creating accurate budgets and financial projections.

If you bill your clients using invoices, you won't get paid till they receive the invoice-and it may take even longer for them to pay their balance, especially if you have long payment terms. Sending invoices quickly can encourage faster payment and ensure your cash flow stays positive.

If your business uses a monthly invoicing model, consider shifting it to bi-weekly or a milestone-based model to encourage faster payments and keep cash flowing.

If your business moves inventory quickly, such as a restaurant or retail store, keeping a close eye on inventory is key to your small business cash flow management.

To keep cash flowing, be prepared to make difficult decisions about items that aren't selling well. Instead of typing up cash flow in unsold inventory, consider offering discounts on inventory that isn't moving so that you can recoup some cash back and free up space for items you know will move quicker.

On the other hand, it also pays to keep your eyes open for opportunities to purchase more inventory for items that do move quickly. Stocking up on these items can boost your cash flow and ensure it stays positive.

If your product or service requires a lot of up front work or large expenditures to purchase raw materials, asking for a 50% deposit to get started is an effective way to manage cash flow while you work on the project. Milestone payment structures can also help keep cash flowing as you complete extended or complicated projects.

Offering early payment discounts can encourage clients to pay their invoices faster. A "2/10 Net 30" structure is common, in which clients receive a 2% discount if they pay their invoice within 10 days; otherwise, the full amount is due in 30 days.

On the other hand, don't be afraid to levy penalties for late payments, especially if a customer is a chronic offender. To reduce the risk of late-paying clients, consider changing your payment terms and requiring payment up front or setting up direct debit for ongoing payments.

Making invoices as easy as possible to pay is one of the simplest ways to encourage clients to pay their balance quickly and improve your small business cash flow management.

Some bookkeeping software includes options for single click "pay now" buttons that allow clients to pay directly from their invoice. You may also be able to set up automated payment reminders-some people simply forget to pay, especially if they're also a small business.

Alternatively, payment plans can make it easier for clients to pay their balance over time because some customers may be more likely to make payments quicker if the payments are smaller and more manageable. If this option is appealing, you may consider charging a small interest fee, and you should be prepared to check their credit rating before you commit to a payment plan.

More flexibility with your payment terms can make it easier to manage your cash flow without the pressure of short invoice terms that may conflict with your business's other fixed expenses.

If you have a good relationship with your vendors, you may be able to negotiate new payment terms that will simplify your small business cash flow management. If your current payment terms are 15 days, for example, you could consider asking for 30 days with a discount for paying early.

If possible, try to schedule your bill payments so that they are not all due at the same time. Start by reviewing your bills and sorting them according to priority, then see if you can stagger your payment dates so that invoices that offer incentives for early payment and your most important bills (like rent and payroll) are covered first. Payments that have more flexibility, such as vendors you have a good relationship with, can be addressed later.

You can also structure your payroll to integrate more seamlessly with your revenue schedule. For example:

• If you generate daily revenue, like retail or restaurants, weekly payroll might be easier to manage.
• If you have a slower revenue stream like manufacturers, a biweekly or monthly schedule might be easier to accommodate.

Invoice factoring involves selling your outstanding invoices to a lender, called a "factor", in exchange for up to 90% of the invoice value up front. The factor will collect payment from the client, and deposit the rest of the outstanding invoice (minus any fees) once payment is received. Leveraging your unpaid invoices in this way can be one of the most effective cash flow management strategies for small businesses that issue large invoices or invoices with long payment terms.

Learn more about invoice factoring for small businesses

Selling or leasing unused or underused equipment to other businesses can boost your cash flow, either temporarily or on an ongoing basis. This small business cash flow management tactic is best for long-lived equipment that is easy to move, transport, and install.

Buying new equipment can be very costly in the short-term. Leasing new equipment, on the other hand, can be an effective cash flow management tactic for small business because it offers access to the equipment you need without requiring a major outlay of cash or a commitment to a fixed, long-term payment schedule. It also makes it easier to upgrade to updated equipment down the line if needed, and equipment leases may even qualify for tax credits.

Business lines of credit offer immediate access to working capital when you need it. If you're considering a line of credit as a cash flow strategy for your small business, keep in mind that it's best to apply for and receive a line of credit before you actually need it, especially if your business is in good financial standing. You don't have to use it, but you can rest easy knowing it's there if you have an unexpected equipment breakdown or another surprise expense.

Business credit cards are another viable option, but often come with lower limits and higher interest rates than business lines of credit.

Lines of credit are available from traditional lenders like banks, as well as alternative online lenders like Bluerock Options®. Alternative lenders have more flexible approval requirements than banks, streamlined online applications, and can even make funding available in as little as one business day.

Learn more about alternative business credit

Small business cash flow management is one of the biggest challenges faced by business owners in any niche. Adopting techniques that enable faster, easier payments from your customers and clients can ease cash flow woes. Accessing third-party financing can also be a helpful cash flow management strategy for small businesses.

With streamlined online applications, flexible approval requirements, and fast turnaround, alternative funding can help small businesses access the working capital they need to successfully manage their cash flow. Invoice factoring and business lines of credit are two of the most common financing options available to help small businesses maintain positive cash flow, but other alternative financing options like merchant cash advances can also provide working capital when you need it without straining your cash flow.

1. “10 effective cash flow management strategies for small businesses.” Firm of the Future. October 7, 2014.
2. “12 Effective Cash Flow Management Strategies for SMEs.” BrooksCity.
3. “Cash Flow Management Strategies and Best Practices.” Lyle Del Vecchio. Planergy.
4. “Eight tips for small business cash flow management.” Wells Fargo.
5. “Struggling for Cash Flow? Strategies for Survival.” Skye Schooley. Business News Daily. Updated June 29, 2022.

According to The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for cleaning services is expected to increase by 11% over the next decade. The increased demand for specialized cleaning services can be attributed to needs that go beyond just cleaning every inch of your house.

In 2022, there is much more focus on cleanliness-not just in homes, but at work as well. While this kind of maintenance has traditionally been something that people have handled themselves, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed many businesses' approach to building maintenance, and there’s a growing feeling that these tasks should be left to professionals who have experience and expertise to handle them properly.

At home, the rising cost of living and the increasing prevalence of two-income households may also be fueling this growth-more people are finding themselves unable to keep up with the demands of their home, so they’re turning to professional cleaners who can make their lives easier.

If you own a commercial or home cleaning business, you may be wondering in what areas you can improve or what could help the growth of your cleaning business. With the cleaning industry increasing in popularity, it's important to stand out from your competitors. Check out eight of our best tips to help make your venture a successful one:

1. Offer a variety of services
2. Develop a marketing plan
3. Train your employees thoroughly
4. Invest in high-quality cleaning supplies and equipment
5. Set prices that reflect the quality of your services
6. Get permits and insurance
7. Establish good customer relationships
8. Budget your project’s funds, then pursue the best financing option for you

Let's jump in.

Cleaning businesses that offer a range of services are more likely to be successful than those that focus on just one or two services. This is because potential customers will see that you’re able to meet their needs, no matter what they may be. You can offer new services like:

• Upholstery cleaning
• Window washing
• Pressure cleaning
• Post-construction cleaning
• Move-in/move-out cleaning
• Disinfecting services
• Home organization
• Green cleaning

It is easier to target a variety of audiences with a range of services. For example, if a business offers both carpet cleaning and housekeeping services, they can target people who want their carpets cleaned as well as people who want their entire home cleaned. Offering a variety of services will also help you attract new customers who may not have considered using your services before.

A marketing plan is a roadmap that will help your business achieve its goals, including strategies for targeting your ideal customers, and how you will reach them. By taking the time to develop a marketing plan, you can save time and money by making sure that you are focusing your resources on the right activities.

When it comes to a home or commercial cleaning service, there are a number of different marketing strategies that can be used to attract new customers. For instance:

• Online advertising
• Direct mail
• Print advertising

These can all be effective ways to reach potential customers. In addition, developing a strong social media presence can help to create buzz and generate leads. By taking the time to develop a comprehensive marketing plan, you can ensure that you are taking the necessary steps to grow your cleaning service.

Employees are the backbone of any business, and it is important to take the time to train them. This includes teaching them how to use equipment and supplies, as well as how to properly clean different types of places and surfaces. By investing in their training, you are ensuring that your team has the necessary skills and knowledge to provide top-notch service. A well-trained staff will provide better service, be more efficient, and represent your business in a positive light.

In addition, well-trained employees are more likely to be satisfied with their jobs and stay with your company long-term. Engaged employees will not only save you money on advertising and interviewing but will also save you time while training new employees. It’s more cost-efficient to keep your existing employees happy and engaged.

One of the most important parts of your cleaning business is your equipment. Using quality products and equipment will not only make your customers happy, but it will also help you achieve better results. This includes:

• Commercial vacuum cleaners
• Carpet cleaners
• Window cleaners
• Pressure washers
• Wet/dry vacuums
• Steam mops
• Auto floor scrubber

Although it can be costly, investing in quality products and equipment will pay off in the form of satisfied customers and repeat business. If you have equipment in need of financing, there are several funding options you can choose from to finance that equipment.

Something like a business line of credit could help you since they are intended to be short-term solutions for financing needs, and most people pay them off within a few months, much like a credit card. A merchant cash advance could also be an option. With a merchant cash advance, you can get working capital when you need it most. We'll receive a percentage of your daily or weekly credit card sales until the advance is paid back.

When setting prices for your services, it is important to remember that you are providing a quality service and should be compensated accordingly. Do your research and find out what other businesses in your area are charging for similar services. Be sure to set prices that reflect the quality of your services and are competitive with other businesses. Also keep in mind that you may need to adjust your prices from time to time, depending on the market.

In order to protect yourself and your business, it is important to get insurance, licenses, and permits. This includes liability insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, and any necessary permits for your business. Having the proper insurance and permits in place will help you avoid any legal problems down the road.

While providing high-quality services and developing trust is important, establishing strong customer relationships is the key to the success of any business. Good customer relationships will result in loyal, repeat customers.

It is important to take the time to build strong, long-lasting relationships while also taking the time to listen to your customers’ needs and concerns. When you take the time to listen to your customers, they’ll feel like you’re truly invested in them and their experience with your company and they’ll be more likely to come back time and time again.

A budget plan is a crucial part of any commercial and home cleaning business. A budget plan will help you to track your income and expenses, as well as give you a clear picture of where your money is going. Additionally, having a budget will help you to make informed decisions about how to allocate your resources.

It's important to note what components are included in your budget so that you don't overspend in one area and fall short in another. For commercial and home cleaning services, variable costs may include things like:

• Cleaning supplies and equipment
• Marketing or advertising
• Costs associated with employees, such as their salaries, benefits, and training
• Travel expenses
• Insurance and permits

Once you have your project's budget ready, you can pursue the best financing option for you. You can begin by figuring out which are your funding needs and find out which lenders offer different types of business loans. Here are some of the alternative funding options available for running a successful commercial and home cleaning business:

There are a number of fast small business funding options that can help home and commercial cleaning businesses take on new projects and continue to grow. Here are 4 popular alternative funding options to consider:

• Merchant Cash Advance: With a merchant cash advance, you can get working capital when you need it most. We'll receive a percentage of your daily or weekly credit card sales until the advance is paid back. Learn more what MCA is & what they is used for.
• Invoice Factoring: Invoice factoring is ideal if you have a long accounts receivable period. You can sell us your pending invoices in exchange for the net amount in cash. You'll receive the balance of the invoices' value when we receive payment (minus our fee). Learn how online invoice factoring for small business works.
• Collateral Loan: A collateral loan is a secured loan that uses commercial real estate to establish creditworthiness and reduce risk. With a collateral loan, you can qualify for a larger amount of money at lower interest rates and fees.
• Business Line of Credit: A business line of credit gives you the ability to borrow funds without having to commit to a fixed-term loan. You can draw as much or as little as you need, then repay it as you go, and only pay interest on the amount you've actually borrowed.

Running a successful cleaning business takes time, effort, and planning. But with the right tools in place, you can streamline your operations and make more money while keeping your customers happy.

No matter what industry you operate in, you can't ignore the importance of online reviews, especially if you're a small business. A whopping 86% of consumers now read reviews for local businesses, including 95% of people aged 18-34-91% of whom trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations.

So what does this mean for your small business? If you want your business to survive in the online age, you will need to create a strong online reputation. A reputation is different than simply having a presence like a website or social media page-your reputation is how people view your business, and it can have a measurable impact on your bottom line.

Managing your online reputation may seem like a daunting task, but there are a number of simple things you can do to ensure your business maintains a positive rep. Here are a few reputation management tips you can use today:

No matter what industry you operate in, you can't ignore the importance of online reviews, especially if you're a small business. A whopping 86% of consumers now read reviews for local businesses, including 95% of people aged 18-34-91% of whom trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations.

Small business owners already have a lot to deal with, from conducting day-to-day operations to managing your business's finances. Review management can be time consuming, and it's easy to let this important task slip to the bottom of your to-do list.

Instead of reacting to bad reviews as they come in, smart business owners take a proactive approach to managing their reputation by creating a strategy for how they'll read and respond to reviews before they have to deal with a negative one. Developing a strategic approach gives you a roadmap to follow when you're dealing with a bad review, which makes it easier to respond objectively without getting emotional, and will ultimately make the task feel less daunting.

When creating your strategy, be sure to address these elements:

• What reviews will you respond to? If you are limited for time, start by prioritizing responses to negative reviews or 1 or 2-star reviews.
• When will you respond? Set aside time every day or week to read your reviews, and try to respond as quickly as you can.
• How will you respond? Whatever you do, always respond objectively and resist the urge to get defensive. Some businesses owners create template responses that can be customized as needed, but it's important not to respond to all reviews with the same message-this is a dead giveaway that you didn't put any time or thought into your response, and can suggest that you don't value the review or care enough to personalize your message.

So what does this mean for your small business? If you want your business to survive in the online age, you will need to create a strong online reputation. A reputation is different than simply having a presence like a website or social media page-your reputation is how people view your business, and it can have a measurable impact on your bottom line.

Managing your online reputation may seem like a daunting task, but there are a number of simple things you can do to ensure your business maintains a positive rep. Here are a few reputation management tips you can use today:

As hard as it may be to directly confront your bad reviews, it's critically important for businesses-especially small businesses-to address negative reviews quickly and politely. 45% of consumers say they're more likely to visit businesses that respond to negative reviews.

A bad review left unattended can quickly snowball if the reviewer shares their negative experience with others, or if other reviewers see their negative comments and begin to add their own. Here's some good news: nobody is perfect, and consumers recognize this. If handled properly, a few bad reviews aren't going to tank your business. You can limit their negative impact by:

• Responding as soon as you can.
• Accepting responsibility, even if it's not really your fault. It's not about you-it's about your customer and their experience.
• Apologize for their experience. A simple "sorry" can go a long way to repairing a relationship.
• Offer a solution or demonstrate that you've taken steps to resolve the issue.

The best way to ensure that your business receives positive reviews is to provide top-notch service. If you provide stellar service that exceeds your competition, your customers will be more inclined to leave a review than they would following a mediocre experience.

Your business's customer service should also be responsive. This is not limited to answering customer questions online, in person, or on the phone-it also includes activities like affirming comments talking about how good your product or service is by responding to positive reviews as well as negative ones.

Keep an eye on social media, forums, and across the web for mentions of your brand to monitor how people feel and talk about your business. This will help you understand your business's "brand sentiment" and reputation, as well as give you an opportunity to spot potentially problematic conversations before they can seriously impact your bottom line. Regularly monitoring your online reputation can also help you uncover any potential brand ambassadors who can further boost your reputation.

You don't have to do it all on your own-there are a number of tools available to help brands and business owners with social monitoring. You may also wish to conduct regular surveys of your customers to get an idea of how they feel about your brand, what you're doing well, and what you could do better.

50% of local marketers don't have the time to put more effort into managing their online reputation. As a small business owner, how do you get customers to leave reviews without devoting too much time to this task? Here are 4 ways to get customers to review your business:

1. Be present. The easier it is to review your business, the more reviews you'll get. Create or claim existing profiles on all major review sites (including Google, Facebook, Yelp, Yellow Pages, Trip Advisor, and BBB) so that your customers can leave reviews wherever is easiest for them. Include a link to all your profiles on your website.
2. Ask! 70% of consumers who are asked to leave a review will write one. Ask for a review at check out, post a sign near your till, or create tabletop cards for cafes and restaurants. If you collect customer emails, you can also follow up a few weeks later with an email request.
3. Share positive reviews. Highlight positive reviews on your website or social media channels to provide social proof that may encourage more customers to share reviews (and good reviews to boot).
4. Respond to all reviews, if you can. 89% of consumers read businesses's responses to reviews. Responding to all reviews shows your current clientele and any potential customers that you are an active business with a vested interest in making sure your patrons are satisfied, which may in turn encourage them to give you a review.

In today's online economy, no business owner can ignore their online reviews. A few bad reviews can be discouraging, but there are easy ways for business owners in all industries to improve their online reputation, including:

• Creating a proactive strategy for reading and responding to reviews
• Prioritizing top-notch customer service across all touchpoints
• Responding to negative reviews quickly and politely
• Regularly monitoring reviews and mentions of your brand online

Ready to boost your marketing budget? A small business working capital loan can provide the infusion of cash flow you need to jumpstart your online reputation management and keep on top of your online reviews.

Managing your business's finances is one of the most challenging elements of operating a small business, especially if you don't have a background in finance. What the heck is a balance sheet? What's the difference between gross revenue and total revenue? When is the right time to expand?

As a business owner, the best thing you can do is educate yourself. Having a functional knowledge of financial management makes it easier to conduct day-to-day operations and stay on top of your budget so you don't fall behind or slip into bad habits that could negatively impact your business later on. Understanding the basics of business finance will help you create a stable financial future for your business-and yourself.

Keep reading to get 10 of our best small business finance tips:

The business world is full of its own unique terminology and jargon. Without knowing the buzzwords, you may struggle to manage your finances, keep up with your competition, and stay on top of industry trends.

Before you start digging into the nitty gritty of your business's finances, familiarize yourself with these terms:

• Balance Sheet. Your balance sheet is your best friend. It's a major financial document that lists assets, liabilities, and the capital of your business within a certain period. Your balance sheet provides a crucial snapshot of your business's finances, and can help determine if your business qualifies for a loan or additional credit when it's time to grow.
• Liabilities. This consists of any financial expense or amount owed, such as products or services bought on credit from a supplier. This falls under the category of "Accounts Payable".
• Assets. This consists of items you own, including cash and items converted into goods. Common assets are inventory, vehicles, property, and supplies.
• Gross Revenue or Total Revenue. Gross revenue is the total amount of money you made from clients who have purchased your products or services. Gross revenue is also called "total revenue" because it refers to the amount earned before deductions and expenses are applied. "Net Revenue" describes the amount earned after any deductions or expenses are calculated.
• Expenses. This consists of products or services that you must pay using your gross revenue, such as rent, payroll, utilities, and taxes.
• Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC). CAC refers to how much it costs your business to convince a potential customer or client to purchase your product or service.
• Customer Lifetime Value (CLV). This describes the total worth of a customer over the entirety of their relationship with your company. It's especially important for businesses that rely on repeat business.

Check out our blog for more small business finance tips.

It can be tempting to support your business using your personal finances, especially if you're a new business and have not yet established business credit . Do your best to avoid this-mixing business and personal expenses complicates matters when it's time to do your taxes. It's also more likely to lead to unexplained losses, and can put your personal assets at risk.

Instead of relying on your personal finances, start a separate bank account for your business, and pay any business expenses out of this account. You will eventually qualify for a business credit card, which will make it easier to separate your expenses as well as help build your business credit.

Staying on top of the day-to-day management of your business's finances is the simplest way to keep everything organized and under control. This means:

• Accurately tracking income and costs. If you struggle with this, don't hesitate to ask for help from an accountant or bookkeeper.
• Regularly reviewing your costs and return on investment (ROI) to determine if you are spending your money effectively, or if you're investing in activities that aren't paying off.
• Making financial projections to address any possible future obstacles or opportunities to grow.
• Monitoring your books. Set aside time every day, week, or month to review your finances, even if you're working with an accountant or bookkeeper. This way, you'll always be familiar with your financial situation, and you'll be armed with the information you need to make smart decisions for your business.

Establishing good habits and protocols such as these will make it easier for you to manage your finances in the long term.

Lack of working capital or limited cash flow is the most commonly reported problem faced by small businesses, and is a prevalent cause of business failure.

One of the simplest ways to manage your cash flow is to avoid premature spending. Wait till you have consistent revenue coming in before you make any big investments in marketing or inventory-these activities can strain your cash flow, leaving you in a tough spot if you encounter any unexpected challenges or expenses. If boosting your marketing or acquiring new inventory is the next step in growing your business, a working capital loan can provide the infusion of cash you need without compromising your cash flow.

As much as you may want to grow your business quickly, avoid expanding too fast or drastically. Growing too quickly can easily max out your cash flow, which can make it tough to maintain your day-to-day operations.

If you are in a good position to expand, a working capital loan can enable you to take advantage of opportunities to grow without cramping your cash flow. At Bluerock Options®, we help small and mid-sized businesses across the United States and Canada grow by providing fast and easy alternative funding options designed to fuel the growth of small businesses, whether that means making improvements to your facility, investing in new equipment, or hiring more employees.

Learn more about alternative small business loans.

Some states have made eco-friendliness a standard, including Florida where businesses can receive a sales tax exemption for using renewable energies. Not only does going green result in financial advantages for your business, it also makes a great story to share with your current and potential clients, especially as consumers shift their focus (and their dollars) towards supporting businesses that prioritize sustainability.

Leasing equipment can help you avoid maintenance costs and overpaying for equipment you only need for a short period of time. Renting space also makes it easier to relocate or expand.

Every business deals with clients who are consistently late paying their invoices. Late payments can seriously restrict your cash flow, which can make it tough to operate your business on a day-to-day basis-and even tougher to grow.

Business owners should always follow up on outstanding invoices, but if you notice a chronic issue with a particular customer, you may also want to get more creative with your billing strategy. Try a "2/10 net 30" approach-if your customer pays within 10 days, they receive a 2% discount. Otherwise, the full payment is due within 30 days.

If you wait till you're in trouble to apply for small business funding, you are less likely to be approved. Instead, apply for a smaller loan when things are going well, and use the funding to boost your business. This will also positively impact your credit score, making it easier to get additional funding later.

It can be tempting to put all your proceeds back into your business. As a business owner, you deserve to be compensated for your effort. Plus, paying yourself also ensures that your personal finances remain in good shape.

Managing your small business's finances is no easy feat. Follow these small business finance tips to keep your books in order and ensure that your business is in a good position to succeed and continue to grow:

1. Brush up on your lingo
2. Separate business and personal expenses
3. Keep up with day-to-day money management
4. Manage your cash flow
5. Expand wisely
6. Become a green business
7. Rent space or equipment instead of buying
8. Bill clients consistently
9. Don't wait to take out a loan
10. Pay yourself