A Primer on Cash-Flow ProjectionsRegular cash flow projections can keep creditors at bay--and go a long way toward ensuring the good health of your business

You've probably heard the phrase "cash is king," but do you really know what it means, beyond the concept of making more of it than you spend? Many new business owners--and even some seasoned entrepreneurs--don't.

Lenders and investors? They understand cash. They don't care about your plan to change the world unless it includes some down-to-earth cash flow projections.

The problem is confusing profits with cash flow, which are completely different things. Profit is income less expenses, but not all income represents cash in.