We all have those months where, for one reason or another, we need to come up with some quick cash in our business. Before the panic sets in, let me share 7 ideas that can bring money in fast – some of these have worked brilliantly for me and my clients over the years.
A quick caveat: these are short-term fixes, not long-term strategy. If you find yourself needing to do this regularly, it’s time to look at your pricing, your marketing, and your business plan. But for right now? Let’s get some money moving.
1. Chase The Money You’re Owed
If you’ve got outstanding invoices sitting there unpaid – chase them. Today. The people who follow up consistently get paid first, always. Send a polite but firm email, follow up with a phone call, and use your invoicing software (Xero, QuickBooks, or FreshBooks) to send automatic reminders. If the thought of chasing makes you feel sick, hire a VA for an hour to make the calls for you.
2. Invoice Faster
Stop waiting until the end of the month. Invoice as soon as the work is done. Better yet, take payment upfront using Stripe, Square, or your booking system. The days of “30-day payment terms” are fading fast – especially for small businesses. Consider switching to upfront payment or a 50% deposit as standard.
3. Make An Irresistible Offer To Your Existing Customers
Your existing customers already know, like, and trust you. Put together a special offer just for them – a bundle, a VIP package, or an exclusive deal – and send it out via email. Use Flodesk, MailerLite, or ConvertKit to create a gorgeous email that makes them feel special. Add a deadline to create urgency (this is key!) and watch the sales come in.
4. Run A Flash Sale
Flash sales are brilliant for generating quick income. 24-48 hours, a juicy discount, and lots of buzz on your social media. Promote it on Instagram Stories with a countdown sticker, post about it on LinkedIn, email your list – go all in for a short burst. If you sell digital products or online courses, this is especially powerful because there are no stock costs. But even product-based businesses can shift older stock this way.
5. Offer A Quick-Win Service
Think about what you could offer as a one-off, quick-turnaround service. A 90-minute strategy session, a mini audit, a done-in-a-day service. Something with a clear outcome and a fixed price that people can say yes to immediately. Promote it on your Instagram, add it to your link-in-bio page (Linktree, Stan Store, or your website), and make it ridiculously easy to book and pay.
6. Sell Stuff You Don’t Need
Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best. Got equipment, stock, or supplies you’re not using? List them on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Vinted. You’d be amazed what people will buy. Clear the clutter AND bring in some cash – it’s a win-win.
7. Be Open To Opportunities
This one might sound a bit woo, but hear me out. When you shift your mindset from “I’m so broke” to “I’m open to money flowing to me,” you start noticing opportunities you’d otherwise miss. That collaboration DM you almost ignored. The speaking slot you nearly turned down. The old contact who could become a referral partner. Stay open, stay positive, and say yes to more things this week.
Here’s the thing – just ONE of these ideas could put money in your hand within days. But reading this blog post doesn’t count. You need to actually DO something. Pick one, take action today, and let me know how you get on!