When is the best time to develop the plan and have strategic discussions? Do you right the plan with the budget or do you do the budget and write the plan? Each company that I have worked at in the past does it differently - which is the best way?

In my opinion, one must have plan, then a budget to check if the plan is going to be successful. Next, as a third stage, both the plan and the budget could be adapted each to the other. Each business plan in some level should be covered by its own budget, I think.

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I agree I think the strategic plan should be written without financial constraints. The budget comes in to validate the plan and to help determine the viability of the ideas.

I agree with The Consultant - if you are concerned about the financials at the beginning of the planning process it begins to restrict your thinking. The best ideas and new concepts come from unrestrained brainstorming.

Thanks it looks like we have a concensus that I agree with! Thanks for your comments.

I would say both.

When you create a vision for your business, let's say for one year, your vision should contain your proposed realistic financials. As you continue through your plan, you'll see how realistic your plan is, and adjust so that you have a change of reaching your $$ goals.



Maria Marsala
Business Strategist
Business Plan, Marketing Plan Consultant, One Page Process