Brilliant Start-Up, 2nd Edition

160 brilliant start-up

OK, so there’s a cost against this, but weigh it against the

future growth of your business.

6 Develop a rigorous system

Issue an invoice the moment a job is complete. If possible,

phone the customer in advance to let them know what this sum

is going to be – that stops them disputing it a month later.

The day it falls due, phone them, and ask when you can expect

payment. Chances are they’ll give you the immortal kiss-off line

‘the cheque’s in the post’. Fine, but take them at their word:

‘Great, so I can expect payment arriving in two days maximum?’

Then call them again on that morning to request ...