{"id":7806,"date":"2021-09-17T17:22:43","date_gmt":"2021-09-17T16:22:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/?p=7806"},"modified":"2026-01-07T13:39:43","modified_gmt":"2026-01-07T13:39:43","slug":"starting-side-hustle-faqs-answered","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/starting-side-hustle-faqs-answered\/","title":{"rendered":"What to consider when starting a side hustle: Top 10 FAQs answered"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class=\"entry-header has-dark-background-color entry-header--has-illustration entry-header--has-illustration--generic\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__row row align-center\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-lg-7 col-xlg-6 entry-header__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"component component-single-header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__misc text--subtitle text--uppercase text--small\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/category\/growth-customers\/\" class=\"entry-header__link\">Growth &amp; Customers<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-title-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"entry-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat to consider when starting a side hustle: Top 10 FAQs answered\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"entry-header__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"single-post-details container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"posted-on \">Published <time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2021-09-17T17:22:43+01:00\">17 September, 2021<\/time><\/span><span class=\"reading-time\"> min read<\/span>\n\t\t<button\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\tclass=\"social-share-button button button--icon button--secondary js-social-share-button\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-title=\"What to consider when starting a side hustle: Top 10 FAQs answered\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/starting-side-hustle-faqs-answered\/\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-text=\"Please read this interesting article\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__share-label\">Share<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-label\" hidden>Copy Link<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\" hidden>Copied<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/header>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-author has-dark-background-color alignfull\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"co-authors\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-author-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"entry-author\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/author\/staceymcintosh\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2018\/11\/Stacey-McIntosh-350-1.jpg\" class=\"entry-author__image\" height=\"40\" width=\"40\" fetchpriority=\"high\" \/>\t\t\t\t<span class=\"entry-author__name\">Stacey McIntosh<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So, let\u2019s cut to the chase. How do you start a side hustle that will supplement your income, and may even become your full-time gig in the future?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Say you\u2019ve got an idea for a side hustle \u2013 perhaps based on an interest or passion, a gap in the market, or a customer need that you\u2019ve identified. Now you need a play-by-play for transforming it into a bona fide business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This article takes a close look at the business admin considerations that need to be front and centre, and covers the most searched for frequently asked questions (FAQs) on how to go from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/sound-advice-side-hustle-mathew-porter\/\">side hustle<\/a> to startup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Plus, we feature advice from the experts who\u2019ve scaled their own small businesses successfully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s what this article covers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"#do-anchor-link\">1. Do I need a business plan?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"#how-anchor-link\">2. How do I write a business plan?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"#long-anchor-link\">3. How long should my business plan be?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"#customers-anchor-link\">4. How do I find customers?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"#funding-anchor-link\">5. What if I need funding to get started?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"#income-anchor-link\">6. What\u2019s the best way to manage my income and expenses?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"#bank-anchor-link\">7. Should I set up a business bank account?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"#accountant-anchor-link\">8. When should I hire an accountant?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"#paid-anchor-link\">9. How do I get paid?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"#hire-anchor-link\">10. When should I hire other people?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"#gate-6403c820-b6b5-4d8c-bcbc-7b0e39c6a523\">Download your free side hustle toolkit, comprising a side hustle guide, business plan template and cash flow forecast template<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"do-anchor-link\">1. Do I need a business plan?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. Next question.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Seriously, we recommend you don\u2019t skip this step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even if you already have customers lined up, you need to document and plan the bones of your business if you want longevity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Taking the time to strategise will help you later down the line, no matter how small your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/set-up-side-hustle-full-time\/\">side hustle<\/a> is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Why?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/sound-advice-small-business-plan-sahar-hashemi\/\">business plan<\/a> is the roadmap your business will take, considering:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>How you define your unique selling proposition (USP)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If there is a profitable market for your offering<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Who your competitors are and what makes you stand out in the market<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Overhead costs, paying yourself a salary, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/protect-cash-flow-challenging-times\/\">cash flow<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your business plan is how you prepare to be successful in your business \u2013 a must-have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-anchor-link\">2. How do I write a business plan?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Just as each journey needs its own map, business plans will be different. Many will have the same elements, but some will be more complex than others depending on the business model.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s a breakdown of a business plan&#8217;s common components:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Value proposition.<\/strong> This section explains the unique value of your offering. It needs to be cut and dry, no jargon or corny marketing speak.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The problem you solve.<\/strong> This is basically your \u2018why\u2019. What problem do you solve? The solution you provide can resolve a known problem for your ideal customer, or one they don\u2019t yet realise they need. This section explains that.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Target market and competition.<\/strong> Who are you selling to and who else is selling to them? What other options do your customers have and what are their deciding factors when choosing? This will help you to identify your strengths and weaknesses, again, helping you to prepare for success.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sales and marketing.<\/strong> How will you reach your target market to make sales? How will you explain your offering to gain their interest? In this section, you identify where your target audience is and your plan to go there.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Budget and sales.<\/strong> This is where you start to look at forecasting sales, cash flow, and where you\u2019ll spend your money. How many sales do you need to make to turn a profit after you settle your expenses?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Goals and milestones.<\/strong> How will you measure success? This section is where you set your milestone targets to keep your business\u2019 bigger picture within view. Vague targets are just ideas. Assign yourself due dates and go into detail about what needs to happen to achieve each goal. Things will be more manageable this way.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Finances.<\/strong> Break down how money will be used to get set up and maintain operations. Detail how you plan to pay off debts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Risks.<\/strong> This section highlights what could go wrong and how likely it is for those things to happen.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It can be easy to feel overwhelmed with all the things to consider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, one easy way to give yourself a 360-degree view of where your company\u2019s blind spots are is by doing a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s what that is in more detail:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Strengths<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What is your business already doing exceptionally well? How can your strengths help you to deal with risks?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Weaknesses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In what area is your business weak? Is it knowledge? Money? Bandwidth?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Opportunities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Where are the opportunities?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Big or small, set a goal for each opportunity that is specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and can be done in a realistic timeframe (or SMART goals. Yep, an acronym in an acronym).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Threats<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Threats tend to attack your weaknesses first, so use this as another opportunity to remedy your weaknesses and reduce the risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"long-anchor-link\">3. How long should my business plan be?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This depends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When you first start out, your plan could be on one page. Or, nailing down the details of your business could take several pages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This will be a living document for you \u2013 you will update it regularly as your company evolves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Review it often to ensure things are moving in the right direction, or use it as your blueprint to change direction completely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"#gate-6403c820-b6b5-4d8c-bcbc-7b0e39c6a523\">Download your free side hustle toolkit, comprising a side hustle guide, business plan template and cash flow forecast template<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"customers-anchor-link\">4. How do I find customers?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now you\u2019ve built a roadmap, it\u2019s time to execute on your first paying customer and validate your business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is how you confirm that your fantastic-sounding idea actually solves a problem that exists, and that people are willing to pay money for it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You might already have the connections to secure customers from your experience, background and contacts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These customers could be your best prospects for immediate sales. They offer the most cost-effective way to increase business because you already have a relationship with them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you don\u2019t have connections, here\u2019s some suggestions for finding your first customer:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Create a functional website and set up social media profiles (you don\u2019t need to every single social media channel \u2013 perhaps start with one or two) to explain what your business does and provide ways to purchase your product or service.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cold call and pitch your services, both online and offline. Advertise in both traditional (offline directories, community boards) and digital ways, depending on your budget. Get visible \u2013 using the media or attending online events, for example.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Partner up with business owners who offer services that you customers need, for cross-promotion.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"funding-anchor-link\">5. What if I need funding to get started?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are tons of ways to get the funding you need to get started but you have to be immaculate with your plans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To start with, we\u2019ll look at traditional funding methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For traditional financing from a bank or an investor, you must demonstrate that you\u2019ve considered every risk and opportunity stemming from your business idea and that you\u2019ve done the research to account for where you\u2019ll spend the money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/create-a-business-plan-wow-investors\/\">business plan will come in handy<\/a> here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let\u2019s look at these two in a bit more detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Funding through business loans<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pros:<\/strong> This option allows you to keep total control of how your business moves forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The loan repayment terms can be straightforward \u2013 make payments on time regularly and everyone\u2019s happy. Financial service providers such as banks aren\u2019t looking to make a huge profit off your loan, either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As long as you keep your loan in good standing, they\u2019re pretty much out of your way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Cons:<\/strong> Getting approved for a business loan can be difficult if you don\u2019t have a good credit history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can use personal assets such as your home as collateral \u2013 but if the worst happens, your home could be repossessed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Funding through investors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pros:<\/strong> Investors are loaded with cash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can use that to purchase technology to help you work faster and smarter for your customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can make more product, if that\u2019s your thing, and hire more people to help you saturate your market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your investor wants to help your business operate on the highest level for their investment\u2019s biggest return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They won\u2019t hound you for repayment because they\u2019ll make their money through equity in your business. The more you make, the more they make.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Cons:<\/strong> It\u2019s a competitive market for the attention of investors. Entrepreneurs everywhere claim to have the next big thing in their pocket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unless your business is already doing massive numbers with a high earnings forecast and manageable risks, it can be hard to stand out among the crowd.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Plus, investors will want equity in your business, so you\u2019ll have to give up a portion of your control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Alternative funding options<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Loans and investments can seem glamorous and tempting, but in reality not everyone will be in a position for either (or will have a desire to consider them).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don\u2019t despair \u2013 these two funding methods aren\u2019t the only option for your side hustle or future business. There are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/alternative-finance-small-business\/\">alternative funding options<\/a> to try.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You could use your own savings or income from your primary gig. There\u2019s the option to reach out to friends and family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You might decide to go down the crowdfunding route \u2013 there are numerous online platforms you could try.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There\u2019s also the option to try and get a government grant (and if you\u2019re successful, you won\u2019t have to pay it back \u2013 bonus).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"income-anchor-link\">6. What\u2019s the best way to manage my income and expenses?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Easy. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/sage-business-cloud\/accounting\/\">Accounting software<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It takes all the guesswork out of how to create processes to capture the data you need to forecast cash flow and calculate your taxes accurately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can save time processing data and skip straight to planning and strategising for your business\u2019s future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"bank-anchor-link\">7. Should I open a business bank account?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re running your side hustle as a sole trader, or are freelancing or working as a contractor, then you don\u2019t have to open a business bank account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But if you\u2019ve set up a limited company, your business will be legally separate from you, then you will need a business account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, no matter which of the two camps you\u2019re in, opening a business account is a good move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The key to accuracy when it comes to reporting and calculating taxes is keeping your business and personal expenses separate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That means separate statements, debit cards, everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And that is why it\u2019s worth having an account for your business affairs that\u2019s separate to your personal account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Top tip:<\/strong> Your business account should be free of any purchases that don\u2019t qualify as a business expense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"accountant-anchor-link\">8. When should I hire an accountant?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It makes sense to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/how-to-choose-an-accountant\/\">use an accountant<\/a> right away, but it isn\u2019t mandatory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your side hustle is one in which you incur expenses (that is, you buy materials or consumables), then the use of an accountant is likely to pay for itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They\u2019ll know what you can claim to offset your total tax bill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Using an accountant also <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/accountant-huge-difference-business\/\">saves a lot of time and effort<\/a> when the time comes to file a tax return, and they will remove the stress and worry that you might\u2019ve got it wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you bring an accountant in right away, they can help you decide if you should set up as a sole trader or limited company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They can walk you through the tax implications of each and help you make your choice based on your business ambitions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tom Coward, chief financial officer (CFO) of Cytora, a platform that helps insurers to underwrite more accurately, advises to hire an accountant once managing your finances becomes unmanageable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He says: \u201cI suggest dividing your financial tasks into two categories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Do it yourself (DIY):<\/strong> Business critical things such as cash flow forecasting and business plan modelling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hire an accountant:<\/strong> Things you must do but aren\u2019t a value add for you such as VAT reporting and statutory accounting, and repetitive things like payroll, payments, and invoicing.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIf the DIY category becomes too much and you can afford it, bring someone in-house. You can start with a portfolio finance director who does this for two or three companies.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"#gate-1a953aef-c126-42e1-a130-e0fbefd38b65\">Download your free side hustle toolkit, comprising a side hustle guide, business plan template and cash flow forecast template<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"paid-anchor-link\">9. How do I get paid?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">First, think about what type of cash cycle you have. This is the time between completing a job and getting paid for it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re a retailer or sell products online, then the buyer usually pays you immediately, so the cash cycle is very short.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But if you <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/sage-business-cloud\/accounting\/features\/invoicing\/\">invoice customers<\/a> in a business-to-business transaction, you\u2019ll probably need to wait for payment anywhere from 30 to 60 or even 90 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The fastest way to see improvements in your cash flow is to ensure you have tight payment policies from the very beginning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Consider these actions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ask customers to pay by credit card and\/or direct debit. It gives them a chance to conveniently pay the bill (for the former option, they can enjoy the interest-free repayment grace period offered by every credit card company; for the latter, it can be set to a regular cadence, meaning the customer doesn\u2019t have to think about it).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keep new customers on a maximum credit limit until they have established a favourable payment history with you.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ask customers for deposits upfront to reduce your exposure to late payments.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ask customers for progress payments as you go, especially for large jobs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Move from credit sales to cash sales.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Along the way, measure the average number of days it takes you to collect debts so you can see if these changes to your payment policies have a positive impact on your cash flow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"hire-anchor-link\">10. When should I hire other people?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sid Moore is the founder of Moore Accountancy and she has some great advice here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On hiring people, she says do it \u201cwhen you don\u2019t have the capacity \u2013 or more importantly the expertise \u2013 to handle something yourself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The point is to be able to remain focused on what you\u2019re best at, and that\u2019s serving your customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If there are parts of running your business that you find tedious, it\u2019s best not to risk valuable time and inaccuracies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Moore adds: \u201cI suggest subcontracting work out where you can as an easier step for getting additional support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWith a professional at the helm, you won\u2019t have to worry about the risks of tax penalties, cash shortages, making payroll, and missing deadlines.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your cash flow and forecasting will dictate how soon you are able to hire the support you need, so that is the best place to start investing if you are not especially skilled in that area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There\u2019s only one way to test if your side hustle has what it takes to make you money \u2013 and that\u2019s to give it a try.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And at the same time, stay organised with your finances by using accounting software and you\u2019ll have the clearest view to make smart decisions that will keep your business moving in the right direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta gated-content\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner on-scroll-highlight__target\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Side hustle toolkit<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Get your free guide, business plan template and cash flow forecast template to help you boss your side hustle and achieve your goals.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-6403c820-b6b5-4d8c-bcbc-7b0e39c6a523\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Download your free toolkit<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1222451249-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1222451249-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner on-scroll-highlight__target\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Subscribe to the Sage Advice newsletter<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Join 1.5 million subscribers and get the best business admin strategies and tactics, as well as actionable advice to help your company thrive, in your inbox every month.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-53abbdcc-410c-4c8c-bf97-ca5c6982eebd\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Subscribe now<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"999\" height=\"666\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2021\/04\/z.5E3A0481_All-Uses.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2021\/04\/z.5E3A0481_All-Uses.jpg 999w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<section class=\"more-topics alignfull has-grey-light-background-color wp-block-sage-post-topics\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12 col-lg-4\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"more-topics__title h2\">Browse more topics from this article<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12 col-lg-8\">\n\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"post-tags__list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/tag\/bookkeeping\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBookkeeping\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/tag\/cash-flow\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCash flow\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/tag\/getting-funding\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tgetting funding\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/tag\/start-business\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHow to start a business\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<div class=\"alignfull wp-block-sage-related-posts\">\n\t<section class=\"related-posts card-grid has-dark-background-color\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"related-posts__heading related-posts__heading--featured h1\">Explore more wisdom<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"row related-posts__featured\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-0 post-18026 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters category-strategy-legal-operations tag-accounting-102 tag-business-intelligence tag-business-planning tag-cash-flow tag-compliance tag-profit-loss tag-tax tag-vat business_type-small-business business_type-medium-sized-business business_type-accountants card-post--is-clickable\"\n>\n\t<div class=\"card-post__media-wrapper\">\n\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/10\/GettyImages-1254783885-1-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/10\/GettyImages-1254783885-1-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/10\/GettyImages-1254783885-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/10\/GettyImages-1254783885-1-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t<div class=\"card-post__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__label\">Recommended<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-06-26T12:03:32+01:00\">26 June, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">6 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__title-link\"\n\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/vat-rates-in-ireland\/\"\n\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tVAT rates in Ireland 2026: who qualifies for the 9% rate?\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"card-post__description\">\n\t\t\t\tUnderstand which goods and services qualify for Ireland\u2019s 9% VAT rate in 2026. Learn key changes from 1 July, common mistakes, and how to apply the correct VAT rate.\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row related-posts__non-featured\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"related-posts__heading related-posts__heading--more h4\">More on this Topic<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-1 post-17859 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters category-strategy-legal-operations tag-accounting-102 tag-audit tag-bookkeeping tag-business-management tag-financial-decisions tag-profit-loss business_type-small-business business_type-medium-sized-business business_type-accountants\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/three-way-matching-in-accounts-payable\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2021\/04\/Sage_Cantelowes1444_All-Uses-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2021\/04\/Sage_Cantelowes1444_All-Uses-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2021\/04\/Sage_Cantelowes1444_All-Uses-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2021\/04\/Sage_Cantelowes1444_All-Uses.jpg 999w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-04-13T11:11:45+01:00\">13 April, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">11 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tThree-way matching in accounts payable: What it is and why it matters\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-2 post-17849 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters tag-bookkeeping tag-cash-flow business_type-small-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/what-is-a-pro-forma-invoice\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1171809453-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1171809453-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1171809453-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1171809453-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T12:10:49+01:00\">10 April, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">7 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tWhat is a pro forma invoice?\u00a0\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-3 post-17836 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters tag-bookkeeping tag-business-finances tag-payments business_type-small-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/accounts-payable-management-best-practices\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1400801126-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1400801126-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1400801126-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1400801126-1215x810.jpg 1215w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T09:25:32+01:00\">10 April, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">7 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tAccounts payable management best practices\u00a0\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-4 post-17834 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters tag-bookkeeping tag-security-fraud business_type-small-business business_type-medium-sized-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/3-way-matching-in-accounts-payable\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-643644406-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-643644406-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-643644406-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-643644406-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-04-09T16:57:02+01:00\">9 April, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">9 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tThree-way matching in accounts payable: What it is and why it is important\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Want to start a side hustle but got unanswered questions holding you back? We&#8217;ve got answers to a few things that may be on your mind.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":346,"featured_media":7455,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_sage_video":false,"post_featured_image_hide":false,"sage_hide_published_date":false,"sage_hide_read_time":false,"sage_hide_share_buttons":false,"_pwl_sage_podcast_buzzsprout_src":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[162],"tags":[105,110,281,132],"business_type":[5],"lilypad":[],"context":[],"industry":[],"persona":[232],"imagine_tag":[178,230,234],"coauthors":[394],"class_list":["post-7806","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-growth-customers","tag-bookkeeping","tag-cash-flow","tag-getting-funding","tag-start-business","business_type-small-business"],"sage_meta":{"region":"en-ie","author_name":"Stacey McIntosh","featured_image":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2021\/04\/GettyImages-666023330.jpg","imagine_tags":{"178":"Accounting software","230":"Small business","234":"Start-up business"}},"distributor_meta":false,"distributor_terms":false,"distributor_media":false,"distributor_original_site_name":"Sage Advice Ireland","distributor_original_site_url":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog","push-errors":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7806","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/346"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7806"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7806\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media\/7455"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7806"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7806"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7806"},{"taxonomy":"business_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/business_type?post=7806"},{"taxonomy":"lilypad","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/lilypad?post=7806"},{"taxonomy":"context","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/context?post=7806"},{"taxonomy":"industry","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/industry?post=7806"},{"taxonomy":"persona","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/persona?post=7806"},{"taxonomy":"imagine_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/imagine_tag?post=7806"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=7806"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}