Starting a business without funding is always tough because you need to rely on cash flow. If you are like me, you spend almost every penny and reinvest it back into the business to increase the value of your company. Very few businesses have the ability to save although, if you can, always have at least three months of payroll in the bank (mom’s advice).

Not having extra capital available is a problem when issues arise. Something always comes up: a server crashes and needs replacement, your database is lagging and you need to pay a consultant for optimization, or your attorney bill was more than you thought it would be. Whatever the case, there are always unforeseen occurrences and if you don’t have savings, you need access to money so you can take care of your business. Below are a few tricks I have learned to get some money in the door fast.

1. Friends/Family: This is usually the first place that people go. The ironic part is that this is also always the toughest route. It’s not easy asking people for money, especially if you aren’t feeling really confident that you will one day be successful. (Don’t worry– this is how most entrepreneurs feel at some point or another.) Create a promissory note for the amount you need. You can find the form easily by Googling it. Make the note payable in 12 months and at a reasonable interest rate, like 8–10%. Email everyone who you think could afford the loan and attach the note. Let them know the terms and let them know why you need this money. Make them feel confident you can pay it back.

2. Pre-payments: This is one of my favorites. Ask your top customers to prepay you for your services upfront for one or two years. In exchange for their help, offer them a good discount or if you have a stock option plan, offer them a few options. You would be surprised at how many companies have money and would be willing to do this, especially if you have a good relationship with them (and you have life credit, of course). Remember, you still owe them services, so make sure you book the revenue as “accrual” and amortize the revenue evenly each month for the length of their contract.

3. The bank: This is the hardest way to get cash because you have to have credit or collateral. If you own a house, getting an equity line is the best. I have purchased many things on my equity line and have slowly paid it back over the years. If you have good credit, you also have a chance at getting a small business line, but there are no guarantees. I don’t think enough people realize how important having a relationship with a banker really is. Create a business relationship with a banker as early as possible. You would be amazed at what they can push through if they like you and believe in you. For instance, one banker of mine chose to value my house at the absolute highest comp in the area. This allowed me to get a larger equity line, thus giving me more capital to play with.

4. Bake sale: Start by taking two eggs, one ounce of butter, two teaspoons of … ok, I am completely kidding here. If you really need to do a bake sale, quit now.

5. Payment plan:Getting back to life credit here, if you have it with vendors you need to pay, get them to spread those payments out for you. Your cash flow just might cover their fees. Providing a discount for the payment plan, trading more services, and even offering them stock options are all great ways to convince your vendor to do a payment plan.

Can you think of anything else? I would love to hear about it.