Strength in Numbers – Financial Resilience Basics

Economic uncertainty has a way of testing every part of a business—but especially its financial foundation. In a downturn, confidence isn’t just about mindset. It’s also about knowing your numbers and being ready to act on them. That’s where financial resilience comes in.

This kind of resilience doesn’t mean stockpiling cash or cutting back to bare bones—it means knowing your position, planning for the unexpected, and staying nimble. In this second article of the Recession-Proof series, let’s explore the practical strategies that help leaders build financial strength in uncertain times.

Cash Flow Management: Short-Term Liquidity vs. Long-Term Planning

Cash flow is king—especially in a slow economy. But too many businesses only focus on today’s balance rather than planning for tomorrow’s reality.

Strong financial resilience starts by balancing short-term liquidity (your ability to meet immediate obligations) with long-term strategy (where you want to grow). Create rolling 13-week cash flow forecasts to help you make proactive decisions. Understand your burn rate. Map out best- and worst-case scenarios.

Don’t just survive the week—plan how to emerge stronger in the months ahead.

Renegotiating with Vendors, Landlords, and Lenders

One of the most overlooked tools in a financial downturn is communication. Many businesses quietly struggle with payments rather than engaging in open conversations.

Now is the time to review your agreements and approach your partners—vendors, landlords, lenders—with transparency and strategy. Can you restructure payment terms? Pause non-essential services? Seek grace periods or more favorable financing terms?

Resilient leaders treat renegotiation not as a sign of weakness, but as a smart move to preserve cash and maintain relationships.

The Importance of a Financial Runway and Multiple Revenue Streams

Think of your financial runway like a fuel gauge: how many months can you operate without drastic changes? Ideally, you’re building enough buffer to weather 6–12 months of uncertainty.

Beyond savings, diversifying your revenue streams can offer protection. This might mean adding digital offerings, exploring new customer segments, or layering in service-based models to supplement product sales. Revenue variety helps reduce risk and smooth out income fluctuations.

When one stream slows, others can carry the load.

Tools for Real-Time Financial Tracking

You can’t adapt quickly if your financial data is always two weeks behind. That’s why real-time visibility into your finances is essential.

Leverage tools like QuickBooks Online, Xero, Float, or Dryrun to track cash flow, generate forecasting scenarios, and monitor expenses in real-time. Cloud-based accounting, paired with input from your bookkeeper or advisor, gives you the confidence to make informed decisions fast.

Financial resilience is built on clarity, not just caution.

Call to Action: Schedule a Review of Your Cash Flow and Overhead Commitments

Now is the time to sharpen your financial focus. Set aside time this week to:

• Review your current and projected cash flow
• Identify fixed vs. flexible expenses
• List opportunities to renegotiate existing agreements
• Brainstorm new or underutilized revenue streams

Schedule a financial review—whether with your accountant, bookkeeper, or advisory team. In times of uncertainty, your numbers can either be a source of anxiety or a source of strength. Let’s make it the latter.

Let’s Keep Talking:

Jenny is a business insurance broker with Waypoint Insurance.

She is also a business development consultant with Impresario Partners, helping Canadian Business expand overseas.

She can be reached at 604-317-6755 or jhansen@waypoint.ca. Connect with Jenny on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-holly-hansen-365b691b/.  Connect with Jenny at BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/jennyhollyhansen.bsky.social

Let’s Meet Up:

Jenny Holly Hansen is a cohost with Chris Sturges of the Langley Impact Networking Group. You are welcome to join us on Thursday’s from 4pm to 6pm at: Sidebar Bar and Grill: 100b - 20018 83A Avenue, Langley, BC V2Y 3R4

Tags:  #Jenny Holly Hansen #Economic Uncertainty #Finanical Resilience #Recessoin-Proof #Short-Term Liquidity #Long-Term Strategy