SME Loan Red Flags: What Every Banker Must Identify Early Vinu: Manu, when an SME loan proposal comes in, what is the first red flag you look for? Manu: Unrealistic growth. If last year’s turnover is ₹2 crore and the proposal shows ₹4 crore next year without capacity expansion, it’s a warning. Vinu:...
Understanding Business Costs: Fixed, Variable & Hidden Expenses Explained Vinu: Manu, my sales are growing, but profit isn’t improving. I think my costs are the problem. How should I understand them clearly? Manu: Start by separating your costs into fixed, variable, and hidden expenses. That alone g...
Working Capital Optimization: Improving Liquidity Without Raising Debt Vinu: Manu, can a business really improve liquidity without taking new loans? Manu: Yes, Vinu. The fastest liquidity improvement comes from optimising working capital, not from borrowing. Vinu: Where should executives start? Manu...
Why Financial Projections Fail: A Banker’s Guide to Stress Testing Vinu: Manu, most borrowers submit detailed projections. Yet many of them fail in reality. Why? Manu: Because projections are usually optimistic, not operational. They reflect what promoters hope will happen, not what the business can...
Key Financial Numbers Every Entrepreneur Must Track Monthly Vinu: Manu, I don’t have time to study full financial statements every month. What are the exact numbers I should track? Manu: Good thinking, Vinu. As an entrepreneur, you only need 8 critical numbers every month. Vinu: What is the first on...