A recent poll shows the number one concern for business owners is being able to pay expenses and debt on time.
Ann Gibbard shares 12 actionable ways to improve your cashflow – helping you boost working capital, reduce stress, and grow more confidently.
Don’t delay. The faster you invoice, the faster you get paid.
Offer flexible and accessible payment options:
Some businesses lose 1–2 weeks between finishing the work and sending the invoice. Fix this process gap and your cash improves immediately.
Wasted time and materials erode your gross profit. Common causes include:
Audit your internal processes to identify and plug leaks.
Boost what you earn without increasing overheads:
Are your prices aligned with your value and market?
Avoid underpricing or discounting out of fear – it’s a fast path to cashflow stress.
Many businesses focus on finding new leads and forget their database.
Reactivating existing relationships is often faster and cheaper than acquiring new ones.
Avoid overstocking and cash being tied up in slow-moving inventory.
Track your stock turns and consider moving to just-in-time purchasing if feasible.
You may be able to:
Every bit of breathing room helps.
Go line by line through your expenses and ask:
Spreading out payments for essential assets (equipment, vehicles) can free up short-term cash while still supporting growth.
Make cashflow part of your weekly management rhythm.
This allows you to take proactive action rather than reacting to late payments or sudden shortfalls.
Brian Elliott is a Business Success Partner at Oxygen8. He helps businesses improve profit, manage costs, and implement cashflow systems that reduce stress and support sustainable growth.
Contact Brian at brian.elliott@oxygen8.co.nz or call 021 164 6385 to talk through your situation.
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