Protecting your business from bankruptcy

By Cutter Slagle
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Today, if you happen to run a business—any type of business—there is the risk of having to file for bankruptcy. This dreaded outcome is often times chosen as a last option, but it still lingers in the air when a company fails to make a profit.

Unfortunately, businesses located worldwide stand the chance of meeting this fate. In the United States, the owner of Columbia House music and movie club filed for bankruptcy this past month, followed by Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. having to filing, too. This company is just one of the latest victims of the coal industry’s downfall.

While over in Canada, the Nine West store owner filed for bankruptcy protection earlier this summer. Regarded as one of the most known shoe retailers in the country, it’s been reported by CBC News that the store owes upwards of $32 million to creditors.

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With the assistance of our sister brand Business Review Canada, we’ve put together a list of tips that could prove to be useful in avoiding the act of filing for bankruptcy. Depending on the specific type of company you represent, you may find one option to be more helpful than another. Take a look!

How much can you pay?

Before actually filing, speak with your creditors and learn how much you need to pay—the bare minimum—in order to avoid bankruptcy. If you are honest about your debt burden and at least make an effort to pay it off month-by-month, you may discover that some creditors are willing to work with you.

Are you making a profit?

If you plan on staying in business, then you need to determine how much money your company needs to bring in each month to survive. Don’t forget to include your monthly debts in this figure, as well as all of your operating fees.

Can you change your management team?

Depending on how much your business is suffering, you may need to change your management team. After all, putting someone else in charge with new ideas could be quite beneficial to your business. If you want to turn your company’s success rate around, then you will need to make some big changes.

What costs can you cut?

One of the hardest things about running a business is the need to cut costs. However, if you’re going to save money, then you’ve got to cut back you spending in a few areas. For starters, try to find redundant charges or charges that do not add value to the business. Though difficult, you may even have to let some employees go.

Have you formed a strategy?

If you really want to avoid filing for bankruptcy, then make a plan and stick to it. You need to consider all of your options, and what outcomes will be best for you and your business. Your strategy should list various options of what you can do to cut back and earn a profit.

For example, one option that should be pursued is to ask for longer payment terms from your vendors. If they don’t agree, then it’s no harm, no foul. However, if they agree, then you can extend your accounts payable, which will provide an additional source of cash to help fund short-term needs.

However, make sure you also consider your long-term needs and the overall goal—to stay in business and not be forced to file bankruptcy. Also, don’t be afraid to try and re-negotiate all of your contracts.

Would you hire a specialist?

Though it may not seem like a good idea to spend more money, hiring a professional in the area may be your best options. A financial specialist can look at your business, determine where you’re suffering and then make appropriate changes for you. You may gain a sense of comfort by working with someone who has experience in the matter.

If you have other advice regarding this issue, don’t forget to share with us! Your business tips could help out a fellow owner or executive!

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[SOURCE: CBC News and smallbusiness.chron.com]

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