Strategic Planning Kit For Dummies®, 2nd Edition

Take Control of Your Finances

Do you feel like you're on a treadmill, working more to pay for ever-increasing bills? Instead, trim the fat and spend a little less here and there. You'll soon free up budget dollars that you can utilize on securing needed resources that will help you manage a successful strategic plan. Or, if you have enough savings, start an employee incentive program if you don't have one already.

Start by running a Profit and Loss report to see exactly how you're spending your money. Then adjust your budget, making sure that what you purchase is in line with your business. Obviously, a business with a big focus on sales incurs more expenses for client lunches than one without. Consider decreasing every category (except maybe your rent and payroll) by 10 percent. Use the money saved to fuel your dreams instead of feeding the treadmill.