Many small business owners ask their staff to produce financial statements, but fail to pay attention to how these monthly statements can help them improve their cash flow forecasting. Putting the appropriate amount of time into sales, operations, customers service and accounting will help small business owners get a better idea of how their business is progressing. While it is important to stay on top of everything associated with an enterprise, small business owners must keep cash flow a top concern. Here is a list of ways to make cash flow an asset.

Accept numerous forms of payments
Businesses can expect to get their invoices filled if they are flexible in their acceptable forms of payment. Some clients will give every excuse in the book as to why they can't pay their invoices on time. By accepting means of payments such as cash, checks, business credit cards and other types of e-payments, businesses may be able to cut out some of the excuses and receive payments more quickly. A more reliable payment schedule may enable business leaders to make more accurate cash flow projections.

Send out invoices ASAP
Getting paid as quickly as possible will ensure that small business owners have the necessary cash flow to make investments for the future and continue to improve their products and services. The best way to make sure there is available cash flow is to send invoices in a timely manner so they can be filled as quickly as possible.

Get clients to sign a contract
Savvy small business owners have heard the common adage "get it in writing," and while this may be basic advice, it is imperative to have clients sign a contract when engaging in business. Certain clients may run into cash flow problems that prohibit them from paying for products and services, but having a signed contract will guarantee that clients will have to pay up. By getting contracts signed with all clients, small business owners can get a better sense of when they'll receive payments, allowing them to plan for the future more effectively.