For most small business startups, the first few years set the stage for either success or failure. Given that 99.7% of all U.S. employer firms are small businesses, their success is important to the economy. Yet, too often, new business owners lack the resources, knowledge and experience to build and sustain a company from the ground up.

Before starting a new endeavor, entrepreneurs need to understand the basics of financial planning and discipline. Through closely managed cash flow and sound financial resources, your business can grow responsibly, plan for the future and make smarter decisions. Use the following tips to help steer your startup in the right direction and build toward success.

The Importance of Cash Flow Analysis

While many small startups understand the basics of business cash flow, they do not always account for every cost. Most business owners can tell you how much profit they make compared to the wholesale cost of their merchandise, but they may not account for other expenditures. Loan payments, recurring expenditures and sunk costs all factor into your company’s cash outflow, effecting your profit margin.

It’s important for every new business to balance their cash flow. With thorough cash flow analysis, your company can make smarter, more informed decisions about the future, such as capital investment, hiring increases and expansion.

Work With Professional Consulting Services

Knowing your limits of expertise is an important element to all successful startups. As a new business owner, you’re not expect to know everything about financing and accounting. However, there are experts who can help you.

Business and financial consultants are an invaluable resource for new companies looking to gain experience in managing their businesses. Additionally, they can perform the services for which you can’t afford fulltime employees. For instance, not all small businesses have the budget for an in-house advertising team. However, they can bring on an outside agency, which costs less, and still achieve their marketing goals.

Practice Financial Restraint

Finally, startups, more than ever, need to demonstrate financial restraint. While some business owners are eager to grow, they often spend too much, too quickly and find themselves in over their heads. Entrepreneurs need to show patience with their aspirations; the fastest way to achieve success in business is through careful, thoughtful financial decisions.

Building a business from the ground up is not an easy undertaking. Yet, with concentrated cash flow analysis and financial discipline, you put your startup in a much stronger position for growth, sustainability and success.