When it comes to business, cash flow is king. After all, a large part of entering this is about making money, but the flow goes both ways. You have to manage how you earn or spend cash. This could get complicated real quick, so it is imperative that you enlist the assistance of a business lawyer. They will help you sort out all the details and make sure that all the actions that you will perform will be within the legal process. There could be ones you are not aware of. You could be violating the law and get yourself mired in a lawsuit.
There are many facets of a business where the money is involved. Payroll, operating costs, and taxes are among the many figures that are in play. Here are some financial processes that you need to look out for with your lawyer.
Loans
Most people view loans as borrowing money from a financial institution such as a bank. That is true, but there are many other details associated with it. The agreement between the borrower and the lender is legally binding. In this case, much of the responsibility is hinged on the former.
All the details of what they can or cannot do in the agreement should be followed to a T. If not, there could be legal repercussions. Getting loans in the business world is not as simple as the ones that individuals get. An Small Business Administration (SBA) loan, for example, could give you more manageable payment plans. But you will not be allowed to borrow money from any other lender. This will practically close out your other monetary options. But if all you need is a shot in the arm, this may suffice.
Payables
Running a business requires you to have long-term agreements with suppliers or vendors. For example, if your business is about selling lampshades, you should have sources for light bulbs, textiles, or power cords. They will then provide you deals wherein you get the prices you want for those parts so that you can sell them for a profit. Consider these suppliers as partners for your business.
Not paying on time may jeopardize your production because they can use this as leverage to stop supplying you with the items that you need. When this happens, you will not have any product to sell, which spells the end of your business. If you keep your lines open and are transparent with how things are happening with your business, your relationship will flourish. This could lead to them giving you flexible or easier payment terms.
Receivables
A business needs its customers to live. If you are concerned about your payments with your business partners, you should not forget about the receivables owed to you. This is where you have to analyze which customer relationships are important to you. If you have a loyal one that has recently struggled with paying you an order, having some lenience on them would be beneficial for all involved. But otherwise, you need to study the agreements that you have if you want to know the next course of action that you need to take.
Managing the cash is not as simple as adding things up. There are intricacies that would take time to analyze. So it would be best to have your lawyer at your side to make sure that what you do next is acceptable by the law. You do not want to make the mistake of violating it; this might cost you more in the long run.
