# Cash flow

Concept · [Business and metrics](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/business)

Also called: cashflow, cash flows, cash in and out

The timing of money coming into and going out of a business. A [profitable](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/profit) company can still run out of cash if customers pay slowly.

**For example:** A firm wins a large contract but gets paid 60 days after finishing, so it must cover [payroll](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/payroll) in the meantime.

## Connects to (6)

- [Accounts receivable](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/accounts-receivable): Money customers owe you for work already delivered or goods already sold, but have not paid yet.
- [Runway](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/runway): How many months your company can keep going before the money in the bank runs out, if spending stays the same.
- [Burn rate](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/burn-rate): How fast your company is using up its cash, usually counted per month.
- [Profit](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/profit): What is left of your revenue after every cost is paid.
- [Retainer](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/retainer): An ongoing services arrangement where a client pays a set amount each month to reserve a provider's time or attention.
- [Sales cycle](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/sales-cycle): The steps and time from a first conversation with a prospect to a signed deal.

Map view: https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/cash-flow