Get the Most Out of Your Small Business Card

So you've shattered the 9 - 5 chain and claimed your own slice of the business world. Excellent! But beware: The road to success is often marred with the potholes of poor money management.

As the owner of a small business, your company credit card can be great asset—if employed judiciously. Here are four tips that can go a long way to aiding that goal.

As a new small business owner, you're going to be making many, many purchases. Instead of ransacking the petty cash, consider buying your supplies with a credit card that offers ample cash back.

The amount you save by doing this can add up nicely over time. Just beware of carrying a large balance with equally large finance charges. This leads us to our next tip...

Nothing can destroy your credit faster than skipped or missed payments. If your cash flow dips, this can snowball into disaster as charges mount and your credit score drops. Don't allow this to happen.

Budget how much you need monthly and stick to it. Be realistic, leaving room for the occasional technological revolt or Friday the 13th run of luck. Unexpected things happen. Hard drives can cough up their last binary code without warning. A roof can spring leaks overnight.

Planning ahead for these occurrences by making all of your payments on time can leave room (and a healthy credit line) for the cloudy days when they come.

This can often be a double-edged sword. Some employers trust no one, managing the one and only card. And if your business simply doesn't require it, why indeed pass out credit cards like party invitations?

But consider this scenario: You're away from the office. You'll be out for a week, at minimum, when the laser printer runs dry and that large C.O.D. shipment arrives way ahead of schedule. What happens next? (And expecting your employees to cover you is the wrong answer.)

If extra cards are available, you're covered. Again, just choose wisely and set limits. Only you can fully assess your own situation, but consider all the angles before making your final decision.

Many credit cards can tempt you with offers of fantastic rates, only to raise them six months later. And constantly applying for and switching cards while chasing these deals can wreak havoc on your credit score.

Find the company with which you're comfortable - a place that's willing to listen to you. Treat this relationship as if you were approaching a potential silent partner. If the credit card company isn't willing to discuss your business needs attentively, your business should probably go elsewhere.

A small business credit card can be a powerful ally when you need it. Just make sure you've done your due diligence before signing the back of your chosen card, and keep on top of your payments. The road to success starts with one foot forward.

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