Knowing the difference between a balance sheet and an income statement is a practical necessity for running a business. For business owners, clear knowledge of these financial statements can be the difference between securing a loan or investment and missing out on growth opportunities. But beyond raising capital, it’s also how business, large or small, […]
In an average fiscal year, employment agencies across the country receive over $150 million in grants. These grants for staffing agencies can provide a lifeline for business owners who need funds to stimulate growth. If you’re looking for funding, grants are a great way to infuse cash into your business. With that said, let’s talk […]
Regardless of industry, finding top talent is essential for any company. Because of this, many companies have a general understanding that they need the help of recruiters and talent scouts to find qualified candidates. What is less commonly understood, however, is the difference between sourcing and recruiting. While both roles serve as vital points of […]
A business owner needs to know the three major financial statements to gain a comprehensive and holistic overview of a company’s financial condition. Together, these documents provide valuable information for business accounting and strategic decision-making about investments, expansions, and cost-cutting. You can identify which areas of the business are most profitable or where inefficiencies lie—empowering […]
Say you’re a business owner looking to expand. You’re preparing for a loan application or seeking investment from outside sources. In this scenario, you must demonstrate your company’s financial health and stability to lenders or investors. Understanding the link between the three major financial statements—the balance sheet, cash flow statement, and profit & loss statement—means […]
All businesses rely on a variety of vendors. From rent and utilities to credit lenders and service providers specific to your industry, these vendors are an important part of your day-to-day operations and can even have a major impact on your business’s cash flow. And equally important for your small business’s finances is understanding the […]
How to measure success in business is perhaps the biggest question on the minds of small business owners. Regardless of industry, finding what qualifies as true “success” can be a challenge. Understanding which business performance metrics indicate that your company is in good shape will help you take steps that will keep your business in […]
As a business owner in the logistics and transportation industry, you understand that time is money. Missed connections and empty miles can eat into your profits and grow into significant problems. The competitive nature of the business puts additional pressure on ensuring your trucks are always loaded and on the move. This is where having […]
A good first step in starting a staffing agency is creating a checklist of what you’ll need prior to launching your company. This organization document will guide you along the exciting process of opening your firm, ensuring you don’t mistakenly forget any necessary requirements. You can use this staffing agency checklist as a framework for […]
Consumers hoping for relief from the elevated Fed interest rate will have to wait further, as The Federal Reserve announced on Wednesday it is holding steady on its 5.25-5.50% lending rate in a continued effort to combat inflation. The 23-year-high, which peaked in July 2023, has remained unchanged following five consecutive policy meetings. Policymakers insist […]
If you want to be a successful staffing agency owner, you need a blueprint that can put you on the path toward that success. For most, this blueprint lies in the form of a business plan. Studies show that prospective business owners who create a business plan are 152% more likely to launch their business […]
For many new businesses, figuring out how to increase inventory while appropriately managing cash flow can be a major challenge. However, even in situations where acquiring a line of credit or other forms of funding isn’t possible, businesses can still obtain the necessary funding through inventory financing. Here’s a closer look at how inventory financing […]
Let’s face it, running a trucking business isn’t a walk in the park. While becoming an owner-operator can really pay-off in the long run, this is an industry known for long payment terms and hefty operating costs. These constant challenges make it difficult to maintain enough working capital to keep operations running smoothly, which is […]
Entering the trucking industry as an owner-operator comes with one consequential decision in particular: whether to lease-on with a motor carrier or operate under your own authority. This choice defines not just the legal and operational framework of your business – but its potential for growth, independence, and profitability. Understanding the differences, responsibilities, benefits, and […]
Every day, more than four billion people open their email. So how do you stand out as a staffing agency owner who is introducing your business to potential clients? The answer isn’t obvious, but with a little bit of research, you’ll learn how to craft a perfect staffing agency introduction email to your target clients […]
ChatGPT has made a lot of headlines over the last year, and for good reason. ChatGPT and other AI tools are poised to completely change how we perform many work processes. Using ChatGPT for recruiting is an especially noteworthy possibility. While using AI in recruiting can certainly streamline work for recruiters, understanding how to properly […]
It’s no secret that the IT industry has been booming over the past decade. In just one year, the tech sector created 193,000 new jobs, with more than 300,000 open positions waiting to be filled at the start of 2023. It goes without saying that IT staffing is in demand. While this demand might be […]
There are a lot of perks as a business owner: you can set your own schedule, be your own boss, and make every decision. But one of the few downsides of running your own business is relying on clients to pay on-time in order to keep your day-to-day operations on track. Even if just one […]
Tax forms and employment classifications are a headache, right? Not if you’re prepared. For staffing agencies, it’s a tricky environment – as most organizations juggle multiple types of employment with a large pool of workers. If you’re looking to start your own staffing agency (and make sure it’s successful), you’re going to need to understand […]
Inventory, accounts receivable (AR), and accounts payable (AP) should be familiar terms for business owners. Where it gets tricky is figuring out how to tie these three components together. Fortunately, there’s a concept that encompasses all three: the working capital cycle. Evaluating your working capital cycle is a must if you’re aiming to manage your […]
It comes as no surprise that fuel is one of the most relevant and routine expenses in the trucking industry. Fuel prices directly impact the profitability and operational efficiency of trucking businesses, so it’s crucial to do your research on fuel-related topics to find answers to important questions such as, “Do truck drivers pay for […]
When it comes to running your own trucking company, few things are more important than properly managing your finances. This is especially true when it comes to taxes–or more specifically, tax deductions. Filing taxes can be a major headache for owner-operators, but understanding which tax deductions are available for truck drivers makes the process more […]
Maximizing profit margin is one of the most important points of emphasis for every staffing agency owner, and a routine way to achieve optimal profits is by properly valuing what to charge customers. That’s where staffing agency markup rates come into play. Your staffing agency markup rates will prove to be a big part in […]
When business owners need to assess the financial health of their organizations or firms, two essential variables come into play: cash flow and profit. It’s important to understand cash flow and profit because, while they each influence the other, they have vastly different meanings, causes, and impacts. In this article, we’ll break down the differences […]
As a business owner, it’s vital to understand the intricacies of your company’s finances, and it all starts with intelligent working capital management, and one of the first steps to take when analyzing your financial outlook is learning about your working capital turnover. Working capital turnover, sometimes referred to as “sales to working capital ratio,” […]
Starting your own trucking company is an exciting proposition. After all, successful owner-operators can make good money while enjoying the freedom that comes from deciding which loads to take and when. However, starting a trucking company requires much more than a driver qualification file. One of the most important questions you’ll need to consider is, […]
Ground Picture // Shutterstock The economy has small business owners in a conundrum. Objectively, small businesses are doing well. Consumers are still spending. Retail sales rose to more than two times what economists predicted as of September 2023, according to the Commerce Department. But, confidence among these business owners is waning, and many are pessimistic […]
Knowing how to run a staffing agency involves more than just starting the business and keeping day-to-day operations running smoothly. The best agency owners know how to be successful in staffing sales because they have learned the secrets of how to market and grow their staffing agencies. Before knowing how to be successful in staffing […]
Insurance. Thanks to the seemingly endless paperwork and legal jargon, it’s not a glamorous word, but obtaining proper insurance coverage is one of the most important steps when starting a staffing agency. We’ve done our best to whittle down everything about staffing agency insurance to just a few paragraphs so you can take note of […]
If you’re a company driver or have a solid understanding of how the trucking business works, you might consider starting your own trucking business. It can be a lucrative career – owner-operators earn more than $300,000 per year – but how exactly do you start a business with one truck? Starting a business with one […]
Sometimes, people want to make an expensive purchase, but they haven’t obtained enough cash to pay for the item in full upfront. To serve the needs of these customers, service providers, banks, and other financial institutions offer deferred payments. A deferred payment allows you to make that purchase without breaking the bank. How so? Let’s […]
Few things are more important for a business than ensuring it has enough funding for its operations, evidenced by financing difficulties being cited as the top reason why businesses fail. To maintain financial health and improve cash flow, business owners often turn to secondary sources to obtain additional funding, often through what is called non-dilutive […]
Creating a budget is essential when running or starting a small business. When doing so, setting attainable goals, knowing your limitations, and understanding the best business budgeting tools will give your small business the best shot at profitability and sustained success. Continue reading to learn more about the benefits of budgeting for your small business, […]
Few topics are more controversial in the current business world than artificial intelligence. Is AI and all of its benefits a net positive, or will AI become a net negative by automating so many labor-related jobs that it causes an economic downturn? This question is highly relevant for one industry in particular: staffing. One study […]
An important measurement of your business’s financial health and liquidity, working capital shows whether you are able to cover all of your expenses in the near future. Because of this, any decrease or increase in working capital is worth paying close attention to. What’s even more important is understanding the root cause of these working […]
You’re all set, finally gearing up to sell your products or services after successfully launching your own business. But wait! The lingo’s tripping you up. Pro forma invoices, commercial invoices — it’s like deciphering a foreign language. The confusion is real and not isolated to you; every business owner has a learning curve with accounting-related […]
Andrey_Popov // Shutterstock Americans are being rejected for loans at rates unseen in at least five years. The difficulty getting approval is hitting applicants across the board—including those in the market for homes, mortgage refinancing, vehicles, credit cards, and credit card limit increases. altLINE analyzed data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s Credit […]
The trucking industry has dealt with its fair share of ups and downs in 2023, but one aspect that’s been particularly challenging for owner-operators is low freight rates due to less demand. Because of this, knowing how to negotiate better freight rates has never been more important. Running a trucking business is expensive, so it’s […]
As with any profession, it’s important that if you’re thinking of becoming a trucker, you do so with the belief you’ll enjoy the day-to-day behind the wheel. However, we work to pay the bills, so earning a decent income is just as important. You may be convinced you’d enjoy life on the road, but how […]
If you’re new to running a business, you’ll also be a new possessor of a business credit score. Your initial score as a first-time business owner won’t allow you to obtain all the funding you might want, but the saving grace is that you’re not alone. A common struggle of starting a new business is […]
mavo // Shutterstock Inflation has nothing on the American entrepreneurial spirit, which, judging by the volume of new businesses formed, continues to see potential in the post-pandemic economy. To better understand the post-COVID-19 outlook for entrepreneurship in the U.S., altLINE analyzed data and reports from the National Bureau of Economic Research and the Census Bureau. […]
When it comes to your company’s finances, few practices are more important than working capital management. By understanding the definition of working capital management and learning effective working capital solutions, you can improve the efficiency and financial stability of your business. Here’s a closer look at how you can turn working capital management into a […]
Paying invoices is a facet of running a company that first-time business owners might be unfamiliar with. Sure, you probably have a good general understanding of what an invoice is, but it’s important to understand that making an invoice payment is more than just signing your name at the bottom of the document. So, what […]
Jobseekers have likely heard about 2023 being a year of an impending recession (small business owners even believe we’re already in a recession). Yet, while the overall landscape of the job market has seen better days, that’s not entirely the case for the truck driving industry. In fact, even with the economy having slowed down, […]
Bankruptcy is a situation no business or individual wants to deal with — but unfortunately, it can happen. During the Chapter 11 bankruptcy process, it isn’t unusual for a business to have debtor in possession status over its property and other assets. But what does that mean? By understanding the meaning of debtor in possession […]
If you’re a small business owner, there’s a good chance you’re often searching for ways to improve cash flow. Sometimes, alternative lending options or new business ideas can provide solutions, but you may first want to look at your business’s cash flow from assets to find opportunities to build up your profit. While “cash flow […]
It’s common for business owners to feel fatigued from dealing with the hefty amount of paperwork that comes with running a business. The stereotype that every lending option comes with seemingly endless forms to fill out and documents to provide can even disenchant borrowers from seeking out certain financing options entirely. Fortunately, a few lending […]
The thought of becoming an owner-operator can be both exciting and daunting. On one hand, owning your own trucking company can provide financial returns that might not be obtainable by being a company driver, while on the other hand, there are added responsibilities that make for a more complex and time-consuming day-to-day job. Fortunately, you […]
For business owners, efficiency is everything, particularly in today’s economy. But how is the efficiency of a business’s financial processes accurately measured? One of the best ways to do so is by calculating your cash turnover ratio. The cash turnover ratio highlights a company’s efficiency and can even provide a glimpse into overall profitability. To […]
Getting loads for trucks is one of the most universal challenges for those in the trucking industry. Trucking statistics show that the US trucking market size was upwards of $217 million in 2022 and projected to grow. So you know the loads are out there, but how do you find them? Finding the answer to […]
By offering early payment discounts, one of the biggest challenges for small and medium-sized business owners can potentially be alleviated: late invoice payments. One Quickbooks study showed that the average medium-sized business is owed more than $300,000 annually due to customers not paying on-time. These delayed payments are especially impactful for smaller businesses operating on […]
Rewarding customers who pay invoices on time is worthy of your time and effort, especially given the fact that a staggering 49% of B2B invoices become overdue. One of the common ways that sellers reward and encourage on-time payments is by offering early payment discounts, such as 1/10 net 30. Both parties in a transaction […]
When it comes to managing your business’s cash flow, few things are more important to understand than the difference between revenue vs. income. By understanding how to correctly identify revenue vs. income in accounting, you can streamline your business accounting and have the confidence needed to take on essential tasks like auditing your cash flow […]
There are few, if any, more important business metrics than cash flow. While profit and revenue are good indicators of success, cash flow is perhaps the best indicator of overall business sustainability. Businesses with strong cash flow have cash inflows that outweigh outflows, setting them up for operational success and long-term growth. If you’re looking […]
For business owners, CEOs, investors, and really any business stakeholder, staying on top of assets is pivotal in order to obtain a holistic understanding of a company’s finances. A business’s assets are considered anything that can be converted into cash (or cash equivalents). Assets are, however, a bit more complex than this definition might sound, […]
Processing invoices is no simple task. Most businesses handle at least 500 invoices per month, and 66% of businesses say that processing invoices takes five days of work per month. Whether the invoice is received by mail, email, or e-invoicing software, if the average business isn’t utilizing invoice automation, it’s going to require a lot […]
For customers, knowing the cost of a service before committing to buying and paying for the service can be extremely helpful when budgeting and balancing opportunity costs. Thankfully, there’s a document that helps both the buyer and seller get a better idea of price estimation: a business quote. What Is A Quote In Business? A […]
Before arranging a transaction with a buyer, your prospective customers will likely want to negotiate the critical terms of the arrangement, such as any potential discounts, delivery timelines, and price. When this stage of the negotiation is complete, it’s typically considered good practice for your business to send an initial draft of the invoice to […]
Studies have shown that 61% of late invoice payments are due to incorrect invoicing. These incorrect invoices can significantly stunt cash flow for small businesses, which is why understanding the different types of invoices is so important. By knowing which types of transactions or situations call for which types of invoices, you can prevent your […]
Canva The average U.S. business spent $206,383 on capital expenses in 2021, but some types of businesses are more expensive to operate—and more capital-intensive than others. Whether a business requires brick-and-mortar space, is run online, or consists of providing services is one key factor in determining the amount of capital funding needed. There are many […]
Starting a business is a venture that most people have, at some point, strongly considered; data shows that 61% of Americans have had an idea for starting a business. However, an overwhelming 92% of those respondents never followed through with their ideas. Sometimes, all you need is a little inspiration to get going. Therefore, we’ve […]
Small business owners handling accounting processes for the first time might be overwhelmed at the amount of unfamiliar lingo that comes with the new territory. One particular term that can cause confusion is, “paid in arrears,” as it takes on multiple meanings that differ based on context. Some might have a negative connotation of arrears […]
Mastering the art of accounting is one of the most frequent challenges small business owners struggle with tackling. But overcoming the accounting hurdle is pivotal, and knowing how to reference and define terms correctly will prevent bookkeeping errors that could otherwise put a business in jeopardy. Two accounting terms you will hear in business that […]
Often, you’ll hear the terms “invoice” and “bill” used interchangeably, and you won’t think twice. But depending on who you ask, you may get slightly different definitions of an invoice vs. a bill, potentially leading to even the most experienced accountants dealing with confusion when balancing the books. On their own, terms such as invoice, […]
As a first-time business owner or someone new to handling accounting procedures, you’re going to come across a plethora of new terminology, such as “payment terms” and “Net 30,” both of which pertain to the invoicing process. Since properly managing your accounts payable (AP) and accounts receivable (AR) processes is necessary to achieve long-term success […]
Security guard companies are unique. Unlike many industries in which assets lie in the name of equipment, land, or other physical resources, security guard companies’ biggest assets are their people. This makes financing security guard companies particularly challenging for two reasons. First, most traditional bank loans are unattainable without significant collateral, and a security guard […]
While the telecommunication business can be lucrative, running your own telecom business isn’t a simple, or cheap, undertaking. Between obtaining licenses and permits, paying fees to the FCC, and making necessary business-related investments, you will likely – at some point – be faced with cash flow challenges that could put important growth goals in jeopardy. […]
An invoice is an essential component of any transaction between two parties. In fact, invoices are one of the earliest expressions of written records, being traced back to 2900 BCE when merchants would carve details of transactions on stone tablets. While the layout of a modern-day invoice looks quite different from 5000 years ago, its […]
Learning how to send an invoice may not be the most glamorous aspect of running a business. However, the efficiency of a business’ invoicing process can significantly alter cash flow and be a determining factor into whether important growth goals are met. One survey showed that 49% of B2B invoices become overdue, while a separate […]
As a business owner, knowing your finances like the back of your hand is crucial during important decision-making processes. Among the most important financial metrics that help business owners analyze their trajectory are gross profit and gross margin. Often, these two terms are used interchangeably and sometimes get confused with terms such as net profit […]
Starting a business is an exciting yet demanding venture with inevitable challenges that get in the way of what business owners wish could be an entirely smooth process. However, knowing what roadblocks you could face beforehand to avoid being taken by surprise will help you overcome these obstacles. Many common stressors small business owners struggle […]
Business owners who are considering invoice factoring to improve A/R cash flow may wonder what the payment process looks like between their customer and the factor. For most factoring companies, lockboxes play a vital role in this process. They provide a source for both parties – the debtor and the factor – to transfer and […]
Business owners often look to profit and revenue as key determinants of success. However, a company’s overall financial health also coincides with another equally important measure — cash flow. While most established businesses boast a consistent stream of positive cash flow, it’s not uncommon for startups and small businesses to, at some point, contend with […]
The time has come where you feel ready to sell your staffing agency. You’ve met (or exceeded) your goals, feel accomplished in helping match jobseekers with the right employers, and are excited to turn your business into a significant profit. But selling a business can be an intimidating process, especially if you have no experience […]
Non-notification factoring is used by businesses to improve accounts receivable cash flow as an alternative to financing methods such as traditional factoring, taking out a loan, or applying for a line of credit. The ultimate goal of non-notification factoring is the same as that of traditional invoice factoring – to increase working capital. However, a […]
For business owners, managing cash flow wisely is a pivotal factor in determining long-term success, particularly for small business owners. Given 60% of small businesses struggle with cash flow, it is not a unique problem to have, and owners often look to third parties to assist with these struggles. Two of the most common options […]
