Business Planning and Budgeting

Business Planning and Budgeting

Business planning and budgeting are intertwined. When both are done right, financial goals are met, and the business has a reliable future ahead. Here are a few tips to consider before starting your business.

Determine the operational cost

Planning for a budget starts even before any business operations begin, no matter how small it is. You may start with the basics: the goods and the services that you are going to sell them, the utilities that you need and the number of employees required to run the business.

These items are called fixed expenses. But you should also prepare for the variable expenses, such the cost of dining out with clients or an unexpected doctor’s appointment. Some situations will cost your business money in unexpected ways. It is wise to set aside an extra amount for emergencies in your budget.

Create budget categories

Fixed and variable expenses are broad categories, so it is best to save the receipts and keep a record of all your spending and create specific categories for each of them. For example, there should be a category for transportation expenses. It is essential to consider all sectors of where your business could spend money.

Know the market and competition

One way to determine the potential profitability of your business by looking at others similar to yours. This can also be a guide for your budget. Ask yourself questions such as, how much does it cost to market your product to make its presence known among the target clientele? How much should you spend on advertising?

For example, there is a massive number of online stores today. How can a new one grab enough attention and sales? Are you prepared to sell your products or services at a cost lower than your competitors on a trial basis as a marketing move? If so, you might be initially operating at a loss. Are you prepared for it?

Foresee your income

We have mentioned expenses and capitalization, but you spend to profit, not to lose money. Therefore, you must have a target figure for sales and profit. That includes projecting the return of investments on a marked future date. Think of what you should earn each month after taxes.

Foresee the taxes

Unfortunately, taxes are inevitable because income from the business is taxable. Taxation can confound some people and even resort to outsourcing just to get tax preparation and filing done the correct way. Though it is another business expense, the time saved, and efficiency might do the business well.

Consider an accounting method early.

You might start considering adopting an accounting method early in your business plans even if you have to pay for it. Hiring competent people like MKS&H will do wonders for your accounting method. Remember, a professional accountant keeps you on track with all of your payments and financial development.

These are concerns that you might find overwhelming since you have many other business obstacles to face as well but having a reliable source to handle your finances decreases the potential for your business to fail because it eliminates the possibility of errors occurring.

About Author

MKS&H

McLean, Koehler, Sparks & Hammond (MKS&H) is a professional service firm with offices in Hunt Valley and Frederick. MKS&H helps owners and organizational leaders become more successful by putting complex financial data into truly meaningful context. But deeper than dollars and data, our focus is on developing an understanding of you, your culture and your business goals. This approach enables our clients to achieve their greatest potential.

Related posts