A Business Owner’s Guide on How to Develop a Financial Planning Strategy That Works

Are you a business owner worried that you’re not financially prepared to scale to the next level? Unfortunately, three out of four businesses never make it to fifteen years. And two of the top reasons are expanding too fast and lack of financing.

But with the right financial planning strategy, you can be the one in four that survives and thrives. Don’t worry if you’re not sure how to create a strategy for financial planning, we’ve got you covered. So keep reading to learn everything you need to know about how to create the best financial planning strategy for your business.

What Is Financial Planning?

Growth isn’t accidental. It takes hard work, and it takes planning. Many businesses don’t fail because they’re afraid of hard work, it’s because they don’t take the time to plan.

How will you manage your finances to ensure business success? How will you finance any expansions or contingencies? These questions will guide you in creating your financial plan so your business can succeed.

Just as with any strategy, or roadmap, your financial planning strategy is the document in which you plan out where you want to go and how you’ll get there.

How to Create a Financial Planning Strategy for Your Business

Building a financial planning strategy can be intimidating. But you have a business to run and you know that you need a strategy to ensure financial success.

Know Your Goals

In order for your financial strategy to succeed it needs to align with your overall business strategy. What are your current goals? Are you ready to expand and scale?

If so, then you need to be ready financially when your business is ready to grow. Your financial strategy then will revolve around your overall business goals.

Determine Where You Currently Stand

Before you can draw a roadmap, you need to know your starting point. This will show you how far you need to go before you cross the finish line.

Do you have adequate staffing to reach your goals previously outlined in the first step? Do you have the right equipment, or does your current equipment need an upgrade?

Will you be adding a new product line and need new suppliers? Or, will you be moving online from your brick-and-mortar location? Will you need to establish a website and build your digital footprint?

Establish Financing

Now that you know where you stand and where you want to go, how will you pay for it? How much capital do you need to reach your goals? Have you already earned it or will you need to finance it somehow?

If you need financing, start this process now so you aren’t stressed about timing. If you’re unsure where you stand, financially or don’t know if you need financing, it’s time to bring in a financial expert.

The reason so many businesses fail is that they fail to plan for success as well as contingencies. You need to know this information so you can include it in your financial strategy. So, don’t wing it, your financial planning is too important to not hire an expert.

Monitor Regularly

Once you have your financial plan in place, you can’t set it and forget it. Schedule time regularly to sit down and look at each of these steps. Are you on track to reach your goals? If not, what can you do to get back on track?

Do you need more financing? Or can you pay off the previous financing early? if so, take care of it before it becomes a problem. Regular monitoring of your financial situation will ensure your business isn’t strapped for cash right when you need it to expand and scale.

Prepare Your Business for Your Financial Success

So, if you’re ready to create your financial planning strategy, consider hiring Sterling Tax and Accounting. We’ve helped other Sarasota businesses just like yours to ensure they’re financial prepared for whatever the future holds.

And we’re here to help you too. So schedule your zoom call today and let us show you how we can help you prepare financially for your future business success.