The recession forced us to burn through our credit line, how can we grow now?

Slow-paying clients and lax collection policies on a Fortune 100 client put us in quite a jam. We're very busy, but staying afloat is difficult. We have some chances for growth but no cash to make it happen.

As tough as your situation may seem, you still have some options. But let's first discuss setting collection policies since it is a very important topic and part of the reason you are in this situation.

展望未来,设定一个你kn的收账政策ow will work in both a bull and bear market. Specifically, it would be wise to run a scenario analysis with the elements of working capital to see what terms work under various financial conditions.

Many companies get too comfortable during a bull market and lose sight of certain key elements of working capital--make sure you don't get yourself in the same situation going forward.

Option 1: Seek a Strategic Partnership

This can be a tough decision to make but it is an option worth exploring if you can find a company that compliments your business. You mentioned that you have opportunities of growth but don't have the cash to make it happen. If you can find a partner that has a strong balance sheet (i.e. cash) and a complimentary business model, perhaps you can form a partnership. Now, there are a lot of questions you must ask yourself in figuring out the right partner, such as:

1. Would a partnership help both companies financially?
2. Do the two companies have cultures that are compatible?
3. Am I comfortable giving up certain management functions to this partner?

Option 2: Seek Financial Investors

If all you need is cash, then perhaps you can raise capital by partnering with an investor who will just provide funding and take an ownership position in the company. Again, you will have to give up some ownership, but you will also have the ability to grow with fresh capital.

Option 3: Seek Further Financing Options with Banks

While your credit is poor, you may still have some opportunities to obtain financing with a bank. You may have to go to several regional and community banks to find a lender but you may find one with some suitable financing terms.

So, while your situation is tough, I believe you still have options to explore. You may just have to think a little out of the box.