Why do Businesses Fail?

Most companies that fail by going out of business or not obtaining the goals of the management team and owners is the direct result of ineffective planning and execution of plans. In order for a company to gain a competitive edge in the market and stay ahead of competition, the company will have to improve business operations through processes such as business reengineering, taking full advantage of the value chain, improve technology, and build business intelligence to a point where the information can be used to make sound business decisions. The company will also need to have methods in place to measure progress and develop additional value through of the information collected and stored so better business decisions can be made in an ever changing competitive environment. There are many different reasons that companies fail and the following reasons are most common.

1. Inadequate financial records. Keep track of how much money is on hand and how much is owed in order to understand the financial picture. Maintaining detailed books and an appropriate record of sales and business is necessary. Keep records current and detailed.
2. Disregard for or misinterpretation financial records. Improper funding and failure to oversee debtors and creditors are examples of disregard or misinterpretation of records. Keep control of payables and receivables. A business could experience a profitable year and have solid accounts receivable on the books, but be cash poor due to lack of control.
3. Failure to control costs. Build an information system that tracks cost embedded in each business function or process to control costs. The system should track actual time expended so that labor costs can be controlled while providing incentives for employees.
4. Lack of internal control. Personally take the responsibility to decrease fraud by putting controls in place to prevent a diversion of funds, inventory or property.
5. Poor sales and customer relations. Talk with your customers about their and focus and interests. The extra effort to increase customer service and sales with set your company apart from competitors and increase sales.
6. Insufficient working capital. Although some businesses might be able to survive for a short time with a small amount of capital, eventually the money runs out. Initial development of a business is crucial and should be supported with a financial cushion. Maintain a financial safety net.
7. Lack of adequate and appropriate insurance. Families dependent on income generated from their business should carry long-term disability insurance. Additionally, adequate life insurance protects owners and families from financial hardship. A disaster, such as a flood or fire, can destroy a business. Inventory and assets must be insured.
8. Failure to adequately train and develop employee relations. Create a team work environment that keeps staff motivated and happy. Employee involvement in the business, training and increases education promotes a feeling of ownership.
9. Improper strategic planning. Create realistic but precise goals that include deadline in a formalized strategic and operational business plan. Include employees and consult the business plan on a regular basis.
10. Track key business matrixes. Business owners should have more control over factors that cause businesses to fail. By tracking key business matrixes, businesses can succeed regardless of economic conditions. Integrating business matrixes is a solid investment and should be part of the process as the business continues to grow.

J. Taylor
www.jtaylorbusinessconsulting.com

Increasing Sales and Reducing Expenses

Many business owners and managers feel that the best way to increase profits is by increasing sales. Increasing sales is one way to increase profits for a company. If you wanted to increase profits by only $5000 and your profit margin is 5%, sales would have to increase by at least $100,000 to meet your goal. Most companies have areas of operations that can be improved which results in better performance and reduced cost. I feel that it is best to optimize operations throughout an organization and reduce waste first and then start to increase sales. Which do you think will take less effort: increasing sales by at least $100,000 or reducing expenses by only $5000? Many companies go out of business by growing the company to fast without controlling expenses. The professionals at Taylor and Associates specialize in maximizing profits and reducing expenses, which will give your company a competitive edge in your market.