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Showing posts with the label business planning

Setting sales targets

 Setting realistic sales targets is a key factor in improving performance and maximising profits. Realistic sales targets can help improve cash flow, increase motivation of sales staff and meet your overall business goals. Sales targets can be used for products and services, regions or even for particular types of customers. For a business to continually grow, business owners must set sales targets in areas that will boost growth and development. When setting sales targets, here are three things to keep in mind: Tailor for your business Every business is different and sales goals will vary depending on the stage of the business cycle it is in, i.e start-up or an established business. Sales targets will vary according to seasonal factors, marketing, production and supply costs.   A good way to work out a sales target for your business is to calculate the minimum sales requirement. This is the point at which both your fixed costs and your profit goal are covered by your gross profit (the

Why business planning is so important

  Having no plan can leave entrepreneurs feeling overwhelmed all the time. They have a number of decisions to make and the lack of a clear strategic plan for the coming year can make a noticeable difference. Experimenting with new projects, having a real need to hire additional help and launching new marketing initiatives can leave entrepreneurs wondering where to spend their time or money first. That’s why a plan is so important. Meaningful business planning is addictive and developing an annual business plan can help companies grow more than any other single business activity. Successful business plan sessions require a number of steps: Set a date: At least a few weeks before your planning session, set aside a specific day or more. If it’s your first planning session ever, you may need at least a few days, especially if you have employees. If you work by yourself, perhaps you can do this in just a half day. Set a place: Get out of the office! If you work at home, get out of your hom