Business owners are exciting, creative people who have taken the huge step of being masters of their own financial future. It is therefore strange that most business owners do not manage their business financials. At the very best, some glance at their monthly financial statements. At the very worst, others totally ignore the numbers in the hope some magical being, perhaps their accountant, will watch over them. Until the money runs out!
So business owners of the world let us take the bull by the horns; let us step up to the plate; let us start taking responsibility for the financial success of our business. It is after all … all we’ve got. It is after all, our responsibility to build a business that:
- Pays us a decent income
- Increases in value so one day we can sell it
And how can we expect it to do that if we don’t manage the financials!
The most powerful tool you can create to manage your financials is the much maligned budget.
This tool requires you to think about the future. It is your platform to determine your company’s expenses and revenue each month for the next 12 months. It will enable you to monitor your results against the budget and then take corrective actions in a timely manner. Budgeting is an empowering exercise. It allows you to make educated decisions. It allows you to be in control.
To learn how to create your budget click here.
If you want Your Planning Partners Budget Template in an Excel Spreadsheet format, please email nick@yourplanningpartners.com
Great article and I really liked the video that you posted on youtube to help small businesses. I have met many business coaches that have lots of worldly experience but don’t leverage modern technology like blogging and videos, and it’s nice to see that you and Nick stay on top of our changing world.
I know this is sometimes the downfall of small business owners but I believe that there are two more reasons why your business exists;
1. To give you fulfillment
2. To provide value to society (your customers)
Without these two things you run the risk of 1. happiness issues because we spend so much time working, and 2. Potential fraud or immoral actions because if business was all about the money cheating your customers becomes easier.
That’s just my two cents but I will agree with your point that if you don’t focus on the two things you listed you can run a job that underpays you for many years. We have worked with many customers that are currently or have done that in the past.