In recent articles we have discussed several aspects of business finance.  Topics so far have included internal controls, capital planning, and managing working capital. While almost every business pays attention to financial performance, studies show that small and medium sized businesses in particular frequently do not engage in thorough financial planning - if at all.  »» Read more… »

Question of the month: Is using a process approach useful in improving the financial performance of a company?

The articles in February revolved around financial issues such as financial controls, working capital, return on investment and cash flows.

Discussions of improving processes are too commonly relegated to the production floor. Is it any less important for your office processes to function effectively and efficiently? »» Read more… »

In the past few weeks we have been covering important elements of finance processes, including internal control systems as prescribed by Sarbanes-Oxley, and the importance of capital planning to ensure key high level financial facets such cost of capital and return on assets have established goals and are being measured. »» Read more… »

Last week we explained how profit is used to drive growth, which is one aspect to your cash needs. But what are you going to do with the excess cash from your business? Your options include purchase assets, spend it on various expenses, hold it in an investment account, pay down debt, or give it back to the shareholders. »» Read more… »

Capital is one of the most critical components that fuels your organization. Without it, organizations can’t grow, but how do you know how much you really need? Having too much or too little can both be detrimental to your organization. You don’t have to be a finance expert to understand how cash works within your organization, but it might help. »» Read more… »

With the implementation of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX), finance and accounting departments have scrambled in recent years to put in place internal control systems as required by SOX section 404. Compliance with SOX and SEC regulations are certainly good reasons for companies to create an internal control system. Small and medium size business (SMB) owners might wonder, though, how this applies to them or helps improve their business metrics. Perhaps you have a few investors or creditors and need to produce financial statements, but you don’t have to worry about complying with SEC or SOX regulations. Or do you? »» Read more… »

During the past month we have raised questions about increasing demand for your products and services. Demand-generation, otherwise known as sales and marketing, will be a continuing interest for us here as we develop products and services to help you grow. »» Read more… »

What does it cost to call one prospect? How many times must you call that prospect until the timing is right and he has a need for your product or service? Assuming that you get lucky and call him when he has a need, why should he listen to you? Wouldn’t it be great if prospects called you when they were ready to consider buying? »» Read more… »

Last week we discussed using visual stories to convey your message. But even when you have a message, how will your prospects find you?

One way that business people find goods and services is to search the web. It’s up to you to optimize your site to make it easy for search engines to serve up your site when prospects go searching. »» Read more… »

Last week’s article talked about crafting marketing message from your customers’ perspectives. This week we will discuss how a simple visual story can simplify a message complicated with symbols and shapes. »» Read more… »