5 Signs Your Business is in Financial Difficulty

No matter what kind of company you run or how much experience you have in business, if there is one thing you need to always be in control of, it’s your finances. Whether you’re a small startup, or an established organization, things can spiral out of your control and plunge you into debt.

To avoid racking up further charges, or the possibility of having to close your business, here are some warning signs that could indicate you’re in financial trouble.

Major Clients Leave the Company

Important contracts are not just a guarantee of regular income; they indicate a level of trust between you and the client which helps keep your business afloat. Should key clients begin leaving your business at the same time, this can have a huge impact on your finances, as the fewer contracts you have, the less revenue you will receive.

Losing Top Performers

As a business owner, your employees are the backbone of your organization, helping to keep everything in order. If you don’t possess excellent communication skills and keep in touch with your workforce, you can’t expect them to go above and beyond to help you out. Losing a top performer will have a huge implication on revenue and can harm your business reputation.

Falling Behind on Bills

Although it may sound like an obvious red flag, you will be surprised at how many business leaders fail to see paying bills as a top priority. If you fall behind on payments, there is something evidently wrong within the financial realm of your business. There are numerous things that could be affecting your cash flow, with inventory being the most common. If you fall behind on bills, you can end up swimming in debt that can be difficult to get out of. To avoid anymore debt, click here to learn about filing for bankruptcy, especially if you’re in a time of crisis.

Can’t Borrow Money from Banks

When businesses are in dire financial straits, many go to their bank to obtain a loan to keep them going. A business loan can do wonders for your operation and help you get back up on your feet. However, if you have been to the bank and find that you’re unable to borrow any money, this is a major sign that you’re in a worse position than you first thought. A lack of consistent cash-flow is one of the major reasons why banks won’t lend money to a business.

Your Customers Have Noticed

Your customers are the reason you’re in business today, and you may forget how good they are at spotting when something has changed. If they believe they aren’t getting good value for money from your products or services, they’re likely to go elsewhere for their custom. If you start to lose customers, this will naturally have an impact on your finances.

If you resonate with any of the red flags above, you’re not alone. There are many businesses big and small that come into financial difficulty at some point or another, so knowing what steps to take to resolve the situation will help you retain your operation and get you back on track.

Adam Hansen
 

Adam is a part time journalist, entrepreneur, investor and father.