There’s a reason that “Failing to plan is planning to fail” is an adage that’s lasted the test of time.
It’s because it’s true, especially in business.
With a solid financial plan, you can ensure all of the key components of success: profitability, business stability.
Without one, it’s just, well, guessing.
But how do you create a financial plan to see you through the next year?
1. Reflect. You can’t know where you’re going until you understand where you’ve been. Review the past year and pay particular attention to what worked and what didn’t. These are your guideposts for the next 365 days.
2. Define a clear objective. Where do you want to go? Make sure each goal you set is SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-Based). Want to dig deeper into SMART goals? Check out this article from Indeed.
3. Budget for success. A well-crafted budget is the backbone of every successful financial plan. Take all elements into consideration to ensure every contingency is covered.
4. Create a revenue forecast. This step can help you create an educated guess of your business’s revenue and, with the other elements, give you an overview of your business’s financial health.
In short, a solid financial plan is key for business success…and with Q1 2024 right around the corner, now is the time to set the stage for a prosperous year.
If you want to go deeper, book a free 15-minute call with us to learn how we can help!
Stay VITAL,
Matt & the team
