There is an inherent level of risk in any business venture. Yet most small business owners accept the need to take risks in order to continue operating and expanding operations over a period of time.
The difficulty arises when the risks begin to outweigh the potential rewards. When business is booming, it can seem wise to continue taking risks to keep on track. However, when boom times end and it becomes more difficult to keep cash flows stable, many entrepreneurs begin to reassess their appetite for taking risks.
Know Your Risk Exposure
In order to determine whether your company is operating at an acceptable risk level, it’s important to understand your current level of risk exposure. There are several areas where a business might be exposed to risk.
Financial: Sales, transactions, cash flow, systems and structure of the business
Strategic: The decisions that concern or impact your business objectives
Operational: Operating and administrative procedures within the business
Staff: The people who keep business running smoothly
Compliance: Complying with local laws, regulations, taxes and business standards
Environmental: Outside factors that can affect the business’s operations
Reputational: Perception of the business
Analyzing Risk Levels
The key to analyzing a business’s risk levels is to identify risk factors and then calculate the potential impact of those risks. Determine the probability of an event happening and the consequences the business would be exposed to if the event came about.
For example, if the probability of the business premises being wiped out by a flood is extremely unlikely, the risk level is low and could be mitigated by having the proper insurance coverage in place. More often, risk factors will center around the capital structure and the amount and types of debt leveraging the assets of the business. Asset Based Lending can be an attractive option for large
However, if the probability of the business’s cash flow becoming unstable is highly likely, the risk level is considered high and plans need to be put into place to mitigate those risks.
Risk Management Plan
A business’s risk management plan needs to detail specific strategies for dealing with potential risks that threaten to affect operations. Take time to complete a review of the business to identify any potential risks and then work out the most effective way to manage those events or circumstances.
For example, if a business owner identifies that low sales risk affecting the business’s cash flow position, it’s important to seek ways to shore up any shortfall in funds. Asset-based lending might offer a form of long-term financing to cover costs associated with larger purchases or acquisitions. However, invoice factoring may be a preferable option for short-term financing to keep cash flows stabilized.
Conclusion
Every business contains a level of risk. However, with a strong risk management plan in place to cover any potential risks that may arise, it’s easier to maintain control and ensure the business continues to operate smoothly.
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