The #1 reason a company fails:

Cash flow issues.

Track this metric to thrive:🧵

There are 2 types of operators:

Those who...

1. Track everything
2. Track nothing

Whether ignorance or information overload - neither is ideal.

Instead, choose fewer, but more meaningful KPIs.
Cash Conversion Cycle (CCC) is simple, but has far reaching application - that's why I like it.

The info can be applied to:

1. Finance
2. Operations
3. Customer Management

One centralized KPI keeps departments working together.

The best part?

It's centered around cash.
What is CCC?

The time (in days) it takes a dollar to go from product or service to cash in the bank.

Note: CCC is used for inventory investments, but the service equivalent is called:

Service-to-Cash Cycle.

Same principles, so we'll use CCC for simplicity.
How is it measured?

In days, and...

Above 0 = longer to sell & collect cash than to pay vendors.

Below 0 = faster to sell & collect cash than to pay vendors.

The lower, the better.

Higher numbers indicate current or future cash flow issues.
Though typically a financial metric, it has use as a company-wide measuring stick.

How is it used across departments?
FINANCE:

Strong CCC means there is cash to fuel growth.

Without it, growth must be financed.

It's risky - with larger receivables, comes larger payables.

When bills are due & there's no cash...

You know what happens.
Long A/R cycles are interest free loans to customers that bear opportunity cost.

Make cash collection a priority & finance teams can analyze new opportunities instead of restructuring debt.
OPERATIONS:

Collecting cash quickly is a function of operational efficiency.

Product/service, sales, A/R, & A/P teams must be working together with accurate and timely information.

This is easier said than done.

Low CCC = effective management.
RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT:

Getting great payment terms from customers & vendors requires quality relationship management.

Consistency, reliability, & being liked will dramatically improve the cash position.

Treat them well and be clear with expectations.
So, how important is CCC?

Extremely.

Harvard Business Review credits a negative CCC for Amazon's survival of Dot Com bust.

By collecting before spending, sustainable growth was possible.

Competition was financing product purchases, hoping to collect.

A viscous cycle.
How can you implement in your small business?

With my SEO company, Bright Line Media, I collect cash 21 days before I owe vendors.

It wasn't always this way.

I once paid a vendor 2X before getting paid and it prompted change.

Here's what I did:
I called customers and switched:

1. Payment date to the 5th
2. Must pay via Stripe
3. NO physical checks

Receivables, solved.
Next, I called my vendors:

I negotiated better payment terms by always paying on time & promising to pay via ACH (no fees).

Payment Date 26th.

21 Days from collection to payment.

New sales enter into this cycle & never incur an out of pocket cost.
Cash Conversion or Service-to-Cash Cycles change the fortunes of a business quickly.

Quick Summary:

1. Don't overproduce / hire
2. Collect cash quickly
3. Set consistent payable cadence
4. Cross department communication

Build a healthy company - on the cash you're owed!
Lastly, I recommend having an accountant or CFO do the math - accuracy is critical.
If you found this helpful, please RT the 1st tweet so others can find it.

Follow me @barrettjoneill for more on business, growth, & SEO.

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Once upon a time there was a Raja named Uttānapāda born of Svayambhuva Manu,1st man on earth.He had 2 beautiful wives - Suniti & Suruchi & two sons were born of them Dhruva & Uttama respectively.
#talesofkrishna https://t.co/E85MTPkF9W


Now Suniti was the daughter of a tribal chief while Suruchi was the daughter of a rich king. Hence Suruchi was always favored the most by Raja while Suniti was ignored. But while Suniti was gentle & kind hearted by nature Suruchi was venomous inside.
#KrishnaLeela


The story is of a time when ideally the eldest son of the king becomes the heir to the throne. Hence the sinhasan of the Raja belonged to Dhruva.This is why Suruchi who was the 2nd wife nourished poison in her heart for Dhruva as she knew her son will never get the throne.


One day when Dhruva was just 5 years old he went on to sit on his father's lap. Suruchi, the jealous queen, got enraged and shoved him away from Raja as she never wanted Raja to shower Dhruva with his fatherly affection.


Dhruva protested questioning his step mother "why can't i sit on my own father's lap?" A furious Suruchi berated him saying "only God can allow him that privilege. Go ask him"