Running a business is challenging. Whatever expertise you may have in your specific field, operating a business that delivers services or goods within this field requires a completely different set of skills and abilities. Given that the primary objective of most businesses is to make a profit, or at least maintain financial viability, this will involve a different sort of strategy. Perhaps the most important expertise in business management is financial management.

This area can be confusing and intimidating. It is a huge and complex field that people devote an enormous amount of time and effort towards becoming experts and full time professionals in this area. It is not surprising therefore that people who have not had such extensive experience find it so challenging. That being said, it is critical to manage your business finances effectively to ensure on-going success and future development.

Hints and tips

Here are some hints and tips for how to manage business finance.

• Get comfortable with talking about money and do not be shy about chasing invoices, for example. Taking a strong, objective and business-like approach to such matters is essential to ensuring a healthy cash flow. It is also the best way of presenting oneself and one’s business as competent and well managed.

• Do your research and make sure you are pricing your goods and services competitively and in such a way that will help generate the best profit. Understand what competitors are doing and keep abreast of shifts in the market so that you can adjust your pricing accordingly and stay relevant to your customers and clients.

• Familiarise yourself with all the relevant tax issues and take personal responsibility to ensure commitments are met. Keeping meticulously accurate records is the best way of ensuring that regulatory problems are avoided before they happen.

Professional help

Third parties that deal with asset management can be an invaluable tool when it comes to staying in control of your finances. These financial experts are able to offer specialist knowledge and experience gained from a lifetime dedicated to working in this area. They can provide direction to help inform company policy and strategy as well as advise on what needs to be done with regard to day to day financial operations, taking the pressure off you and allowing you the time and space to get on with the operation of your business.

Following Jezri Mohideen is a great place to start your research in this area and identify the best places from which to source support and assistance.

Critical responsibilities

While the world of business finance can seem dauntingly complex, with its own language, terms and practices, it is an unavoidable aspect of running a company and something that anyone with such responsibilities must get to grips with and have at least a basic understanding of. Fortunately, expert help is on hand. Understanding how to enlist this help and making sure it works for you is the most effective way of delivering financial excellence with only a small investment of your own time and energy.