No one starts a business expecting it to fail. However, the sad reality is that many small businesses go bankrupt within the first few years. There are several reasons why this happens, but today we’re going to focus on five of the most common ones. So, if you’re a small business owner, pay attention to these warning signs and take action before it’s too late.
Personal Problems
The leading cause of bankruptcy for any business is personal problems. Unfortunately, these problems often intertwine with the business and can quickly spiral out of control. Here are three of the most common personal issues that end up sinking a small business.
Child Custody and Divorce
Divorce is a way too common occurrence in the United States. It’s estimated that five couples get divorced in every 1,000 people. That’s a rate of 50% for first marriages and even higher for subsequent marriages.
The business can become a bargaining chip in property settlements when going through a divorce. This can lead to loss of ownership, lack of funds for operations, or even the closure of the business. Additionally, child custody can lead to the owner losing money. If you want to avoid these problems, it’s good to get professional help. An experienced child custody lawyer can help you reduce financial impact and protect your business interests in a divorce. They might even help you win a case. This is the same for divorce. A good lawyer can help you come out on top and protect your business.
Illness or Injury
Illness and injury can also have a significant impact on small businesses. When the owner falls ill or cannot work due to injury, it may be difficult for them to continue running the business effectively. This can lead to financial strain and, ultimately, bankruptcy. This is why it’s always good to get health insurance for you and your company to avoid this particular problem.
Substance Abuse
Substance abuse is another personal problem that can affect small businesses. Not only does it impair decision-making and weaken performance at work, but it can also lead to legal troubles and financial strain. Therefore, it’s essential to seek professional help if you or your company are struggling with substance abuse.
Poor Cash Flow Management
Poor cash flow management is one of the most common reasons why small businesses go bankrupt. To stay afloat, companies must have enough money to cover their expenses. If your business isn’t generating enough revenue to cover its costs, you’ll run into trouble very quickly. So make sure you close your cash flow and take steps to improve it if necessary. Additionally, three measures ensure that your business will have good cash flow.
Diversify
Putting your eggs in one basket can be risky, especially regarding your income. If you rely on only one or two clients for most of your income, it’s a good idea to diversify and have multiple sources of revenue. This way, you won’t be left high and dry if one source dries up.
Watch Your Expenses
It’s essential to keep track of where your money is going and ensure you aren’t overspending. Then, cut unnecessary expenses and find ways to save money where you can.
Have an Emergency Fund
Having an emergency fund is crucial for any business. This will provide a safety net in case of unexpected expenses or financial hardships. Therefore, it’s essential to plan and have enough saved up.
Over-Reliance on Debt
Another common reason for small business bankruptcy is over-reliance on debt. It’s not unusual for businesses to use loans or lines of credit to finance their operations. However, if you’re relying too heavily on debt, you’re risking your business. You could find yourself in severe financial trouble if something goes wrong and you can’t make your loan payments. Make sure you only borrow what you can afford to pay back, and always plan how you’ll repay your debts if things don’t go as planned.
Lack of Diversification
If your business relies too heavily on one source of income, it’s at risk of failing if that income stream dries up. For example, if your only source of revenue is from selling products online and suddenly your website crashes, you could be in big trouble. Make sure you diversify your income streams so that your business can weather any storms that come its way.
Poor Planning
One of the biggest mistakes businesses make failing to plan for the future. Every business should have a well-thought-out plan that includes short-term and long-term goals. Without a plan, getting off track and making poor decisions can easily lead to financial ruin. So make sure you take the time to develop a solid plan for your business and review it regularly to ensure you’re still on track.
No one wants their small business to go bankrupt, but unfortunately, it happens more often than you might think. There are several reasons why businesses fail. If you’re a small business owner, keep these warning signs in mind and take action before it’s too late.
