Will something bad happened or not?
Our lives would have been so much easier if we had known if something bad will happen or not. Just because we do not know means that we need to manage the unknown, the risk.
Risk is simply defined as a future uncertainty about the probability and severity of something happening. It is important that we identify these risks to enable us to manage the risks to achieve the objectives of the business. In essence, risk management is all about planning.
The 4 main types of risk are:
- Strategic risk – e.g. you own a speciality store and a chain store opens a branch in your area
- Compliance and regulatory risk – e.g. the introduction of minimum wage
- Operational risk – e.g. theft of key equipment
- Financial risk – e.g. interest rate hikes
But other risks can also be a threat to your business. These include environmental risks, political and economic instability, health and safety risks, workforce risks and risks pertaining to your specific industry or business model. Financial risk will be the focus of this article.
Business owners must understand their finances and must be prepared for all eventualities. The first category of financial risks is market risks, it is the possible loss of changes in market prices like the rise of interest rates and commodity prices due to a rise in inflation; for importers the rise in the exchange rate. The second category is the risks pertaining to your customers, suppliers or partners. For example, if your business income is mainly derived from one customer or you source products from only a specific supplier or partner, or any major stakeholder, does not qualify for much-needed credit to continue operating. The last category is financing or liquidity risk. This is the ability to obtain financing. Or the risk that the business will not be able to service its debt when it falls due. The cash flow is a risk to be managed by itself, as it is the lifeblood of any business.
The most important benefit of managing the financial risk in a business is the ability to focus on the core activities and to achieve the business goals. The business will be seen as successful, competent and credible. It will remove the volatility in earnings and ensure stability. The cash flow will be protected. All this will increase the possibility to obtain finance, thus the business will be in a better position to exploit opportunities.
Risk can be managed in a framework.
- Almost certain to happen, or happens very frequently
- More likely to happen than not to happen, or happens often
- Could happen or happens frequently
- Unlikely to happen, or almost never happens
- Financially devastating, possibly resulting in bankruptcy
- A huge financial impact that would result in radical change
- An uncomfortable but manageable financial impact
- Very little financial impact
You can use the table format to start the process:
Managing risk is a continuous process.
Every business faces financial risks and the ability to manage those risks will determine the achievement of the goals and even the ability to thrive.
You will definitely not get a clear-cut answer to whether something bad will happen or not, but you will be able to remove some uncertainty. Not managing the risk is most certainly more expensive than not making the effort.