Planning is one of the keys to establishing and running a successful business. Its ongoing use as a management tool is important for continuing business success.
If your business is already up and running, but you have not done any planning, now is the time to look at what needs to be done. Find out
how to write a business plan.
On this page:
The role of business planningMonitoring and evaluatingReview your business planThe role of business planning
You can't just assume that your business will continue successfully forever. In addition, if your business is not doing as well as you would like, you can't assume that things will just improve by themselves.
You need to have objectives for your business and strategies to help you achieve those objectives. Business planning helps you to identify your objectives and strategies. It helps you to prepare for unforeseen events and to take advantage of known future events.
[top of page]
Monitoring and evaluating
Once your business is operating, by comparing results against the business plan, you can:
- monitor your success against the targets you set in the plan
- determine when and where corrective action is required
- assess new products or services
- plan for and control business growth
- evaluate and compare options
- avoid sales crises
- avoid liquidity crises
- avoid succession crises.
[top of page]
Review your business plan
Most importantly, to get the most benefit from your business plan, you need to review it regularly. Keep it up-to-date in terms of changing circumstances and any factors affecting the success of your business.
[top of page]
More information
On this site
Control cash, debtors and inventory
Cash-flow and budgeting
Giving credit and how to control it
Workshops