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Have you ever nodded knowingly when someone talked about his/her (or your) current ratio, all the while wondering what “current” meant—let alone “ratio”? Have you ever asked your bookkeeper for a list of your accounts payable so you could “get those people to pay us”? Have you ever secretly dreaded that someone would find out you don’t know all that you’re supposed to about running your retail business?
This first in a series of three articles walks through the basics of "conversational banker-ese": all those retail financial terms you need to feel comfortable with when talking with your banker.
Most of us treat banks as if they are utility companies or government agencies. Your bank statement even resembles a utility bill. But don't be fooled. Banks are in business just like you. Only they rent money. That branch office is a retail outlet. Your banker is a highly trained salesperson. His or her job is to rent you money in a manner that guarantees the bank a profitable return. To that end, bankers want to reduce as much risk as possible.
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Quick now, define debt-to-worth. How about net worth? What’s the formula for calculating turnover? Did you have to slow down a bit to answer the above questions? Then this “Conversational Banker-ese” series is for you. In three articles, we’re covering the basic terms of retail financial management. Mastering these should make you more comfortable in discussions with bankers.
This is the third in a three-part series of learning "conversational banker-ese": the basic retail financial terms you need to be comfortable when talking with your banker about your business.
Sales up. Sales down. Retailers of all sizes are forever battling to maintain a steady and positive cash flow. As you probably already know, short-term bank loans can smooth out tricky highs and lows in your annual revenue, making it easier to manage your business efficiently.
Now. Learn Basic Retail Finance. At your own pace. 24/7.
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No retailer really wants to pay for bookkeeping or accounting. But it's necessary for two reasons: (1) to accurately satisfy the I.R.S.; (2) to accurately show where the business has been and where it is now. This second reason is essential for what REALLY matters: doing better in the future! The ROI has developed The Screening Test for Retail Bookkeepers. As an ROI Member you may download a free copy of that test to use as you interview prospective bookkeepers. For more information, see The ROI's "Bookkeeping Articles."
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