Tag Archives: Relative

How Do You Improve Infrastructure to Manage Cash Flow? Seven Points

Situation: A CEO wants to improve management of his company’s cash flow. While this is particularly important during times of tight cash and rapidly changing market conditions, the CEO wants to know what others focus on when monitoring cash flow in their companies. How do you improve infrastructure to manage cash flow?

Advice from the CEOs:

  • Track project mix and margin contribution both in part and in total. To accomplish this estimate relative contribution margins of different project types.
  • Adjust sales targets and commissions to emphasize projects with higher contribution.
  • Segment the company’s business model by margins, overhead, and cash flow. Set targets and drive focus on profit per “X” (selecting the proper indicators).
  • Analyze contribution per direct cost factor, for example per engineer on payroll.
  • Develop detailed cash budgets on a monthly or even weekly basis when times are uncertain. For example, inflows and outflows by major category tracking actual cash receipt or disbursement.
  • Start with broad projections, and refine the analysis over time as the company better understands the factors that drive cash flow and profitability.
  • As understanding improves, formulate value propositions for salespeople which reflect the most advantageous cash flow contributors of the business.

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How Do You Plan for Succession? Four Points

Situation: The CEO of a family business seeks to create a succession plan. One family member has expressed an interest in taking the reins of the company but has failed to take the initiative to demonstrate that he is prepared to take on this role. Another family member is now demonstrating both interest and initiative. How do you plan for succession?

Advice from the CEOs:

  • How should this situation be approached?
    • Do not view this situation competitively, but rather from the standpoint of what is best for the whole family because many family members stand to benefit from the ongoing success of the business.
    • Whatever decision is made, the successor will need support and assistance understanding both the financial and business sides of the company. This individual must also be aware of conflicts and challenges that face the business.
  • What else should be done to prepare for succession?
    • Given that there are two individuals interested in becoming CEO sit down with each individual and negotiate a clear boundary statement on what you, as CEO, can and can’t do, as well as what can and cannot be expected of you, as CEO, as the succession decision is made. This understanding should be documented in writing and signed, signifying understanding by both the CEO and the candidate. Each candidate should have their own signed agreement with the CEO.
    • In a family business, the CEO, as guarantor of the company, may be faced with a different level of financial risk than other family members. Both candidates for the CEO position must understand that if they accept this position, they also accept this risk.

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