Plan and forecast sales

Introduction

Guide

A sales forecast is an essential tool for managing a business of any size. It is a month-by-month prediction of the level of sales you expect to achieve. Most businesses draw up a sales forecast once a year.

Armed with this information you can rapidly identify problems and opportunities. You can then take action. 

For example, accurately forecasting your sales and building a sales plan can help you:

  • manage your production
  • manage staff and financing needs
  • avoid unforeseen cashflow problems

A sales plan and sales forecasting can allow you to spend more time developing your business rather than responding to day-to-day developments in sales and marketing.

This guide will help you to start a sales forecast. It advises you on developing your sales forecast and provides insights on how to create a sales plan from a sales forecast