Been focusing on referrals lately, but unpaid invoices are eating into my cash flow. It’s a delicate balance - nurturing relationships for future work while chasing down payments. Anyone else navigating this tightrope? Curious how others handle it without burning bridges.
Man, balancing referrals and cash flow is a constant juggling act. Here’s what works for me:
For unpaid invoices:
- Send reminders at 7, 14, and 30 days
- Offer a small discount for early payment
- Consider a payment plan for struggling clients
Building referrals:
- Ask happy clients for LinkedIn recommendations
- Partner with complementary businesses
- Host a free workshop to showcase your skills
I’ve found being proactive on both fronts helps. Chasing payments sucks, but it’s part of the gig. And referrals take time, but they’re worth the effort.
One last tip: Keep detailed records of everything. It’ll save you headaches down the road when dealing with both referrals and payments.
I just send invoices and move on. Can’t waste time chasing money or begging for referrals. People either pay or they don’t. Word gets around if you do good work.
I’ve found a simple approach works best. Send invoices promptly and follow up once a week if unpaid. For referrals, just do good work consistently.
Offer a small discount for early payment or successful referrals. It gives clients extra motivation without much hassle on your end.
Focus on quality work and timely communication. That naturally leads to more referrals and fewer payment issues over time.
I’ve been down this road, and it’s tricky. For unpaid invoices, I started using a simple system:
- Send invoice reminders every week
- Call after 30 days
- Offer a payment plan if they’re struggling
It’s helped a lot. I used to wait months before following up, and that was a disaster.
For referrals, I found the best approach is just doing good work and being reliable. Clients remember that. I also started asking happy customers if they knew anyone who needed my services. It felt awkward at first, but most people are glad to help if you’ve done a good job for them.
One thing that’s worked well: I offer a small discount on the next job for successful referrals. It’s not much, but it gives people an extra reason to spread the word.
The key is to keep both balls in the air. Don’t let unpaid invoices slide while you’re chasing new work. And don’t get so caught up in collections that you forget to nurture those relationships. It’s a balancing act, but it gets easier with practice.
I focus on work then chase unpaid bills.
Referrals are gold, but cash flow is king. Don’t let unpaid invoices slide. Set clear payment terms upfront and stick to them. For late payers, a friendly reminder call usually does the trick. If they still don’t pay, stop work until they do. Good clients understand this.
For referrals, do quality work and follow up after jobs. Ask satisfied customers if they know anyone who needs your services. Offer a small discount for successful referrals. Join local business groups and trade associations too. It’s all about building trust over time.
Remember, it’s not just about getting new work. It’s about getting paid for the work you do.