Forecasting your sales is never an easy task and it’s one that becomes even more difficult in an unstable global economy. With the new year approaching quickly, and the economy growing again , most businesses are looking for some new ideas to help with the preparation of their forecasting. Here are some tips to keep in mind as you get ready to set your sales forecast:

Frequent Adjustments

Adjust your numbers monthly with your account managers. Be sure to compare invoices to your forecast and look for trends in your numbers.

Plan for the Best and the Worst

Be prepared for the worst case scenario; doing so will help you find ways to be profitable during difficult times. You should also plan for the best case scenarios so you can build up your inventory if necessary and support your staff with the resources they need to succeed.

Manage your Variables

Every business deals with uncontrollable variables that make it difficult to accurately forecast sales. Make sure you know which variables tend to create problems, and monitor them carefully each month so you can make changes accordingly.