A lot of business owners panic when the bank account dips.
The instinct is: “We’re not making enough!”
But often, that’s not true.

You're making money.
You're profitable on paper.

So why are you still short on rent, payroll, or your own paycheck?

⏳ The Problem Isn’t Income — It’s Timing

Your bills come on a schedule.
Your income? Totally unpredictable.

One client pays you in 3 days. Another takes 45.
Your expenses keep rolling in whether cash is in the account or not.

This mismatch is what kills cash flow — not a lack of revenue, but a lack of rhythm.

🔄 The Pattern Looks Like This

• You land a bunch of work — great!
• You cover materials and payroll — ouch.
• You invoice when it’s done — okay.
• You wait to get paid — not great.
• In the meantime, you’re dipping into your credit line just to float the gap.

Sound familiar?

📊 The Books Can Help — If You Use Them

Your books aren’t just about profit and loss.
They can show you exactly when the money moves.

Look for patterns:

• Which months are consistently tight?
• Which clients always pay late?
• Are you stacking expenses before any cash comes in?

Once you see it, you can start adjusting.

✅ How to Get Back in Sync

1️⃣ Bill faster.
If you invoice a week late, you get paid a week late. Stop the lag.

2️⃣ Set clear payment terms.
Net 30? Due on receipt? Be specific — and enforce it.

3️⃣ Follow up early.
A polite nudge at Day 5 beats begging at Day 45.

4️⃣ Match your expenses to your cash cycles.
Can you stagger supplier payments? Negotiate due dates? Line up your rent or payroll with your income peaks?

5️⃣ Build a buffer.
Even a small cash reserve gives you breathing room during tight months.

🧠 The Bottom Line

You can run a healthy business and still feel broke if your cash flow is out of sync.
The solution isn’t always more revenue — it’s better timing.

Know when the money’s really coming in.
Line it up with what’s going out.
Stop the stress spiral before it starts.

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