BUSINESS PLANNING INFORMATION AND RESOURCES
for operating businesses wanting to go to the next level,
or with a specific challenge, need business planning tools and techniques, including:
- Cash flow plans and control
- Systems and structure
- A "measure and manage" approach
- Strategy and action
- Planning for success
- Planning for moving on: Succession and exit
Our approach to business planning is that improvements should be specific, practical, measurable and
sustainable.
And of course continuous.
Financial control and planning for business growth require a systematic and practical approach to
problem-solving.
Growth must be manageable, and managed. Solutions must be affordable and add measurable value.
Where to start?
Here's a framework:
A Logical Sequence for Planning and Execution of Business Improvements:
- Clearly understand where you are, and the associated problems and symptoms
- Clearly describe measurable outcomes. These are your goals, or the required objectives.
- Determine urgency. If the urgency is extremely high, such as in a cash flow crisis threatening the
viability of your business, then an emergency response takes priority.
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After any emergency response, and your business is stabilised, return to your strategic action
plan.
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Crucially, analyse actions which will have the highest impact. This analysis starts at the
enterprise level, and progressively drills down into detail to test the sensitivities of results.
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Using the acquired knowledge, a specific and detailed Action Plan is prepared, including who does what,
and when. This includes short-term measures for immediate action and quick results, as well as ongoing
actions for the longer-term objectives.
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Implement the Action plan, according to the required timetable.
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Ongoing: Report, review and modify the Action Plan as needed on a regular basis, typically monthly or
quarterly.
Practical tools which enable business plans for improvement include the setup of proper accounting systems,
meaningful reporting, smart cash flow management, intelligent use of budgets and forecasts, and clarification of
goals and strategy - all starting with the end in mind.
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