How strong is your 2026 game plan?

Happy Saturday to you all! I like to run segments on those engaging and you are one of my high engagement readers, so thank you!

Let’s jump into this planning info!

🧭 Planning for Profit: 5 Areas to Focus on Before the New Year

As we close out the year, it’s time to look ahead…not just at goals, but at the numbers that make those goals possible. Growth doesn’t happen by chance. It happens when you plan how cash moves, where profit is made, and how your business can sustain momentum.

Here are 5 key areas every business leader should focus on as you prepare for next year that I stress to others I work with.

1. Cash Flow Forecasting
Cash flow tells the real story of your business health. Build a 13-week rolling cash forecast to spot gaps early and manage liquidity. Know exactly when cash is coming in, when it’s going out, and how to protect your runway. It’s one of the most important tools for confident decision-making.

2. Pricing and Margin Review
Costs have changed, but have your prices? Review your pricing structure and profit margins to make sure you’re not leaving money on the table. Even a small increase in price or a slight reduction in cost can make a major difference to your bottom line. Don’t shy away from adjusting when the data tells you it’s time.

3. Receivables and Payables Optimization
Strong cash flow management means tightening up both sides.

• Speed up collections and reduce overdue invoices. PROACTIVENESS.

• Review payment terms with suppliers to find balance and flexibility.

• Keep an eye on your DSO (Days Sales Outstanding) and DPO (Days Payable Outstanding) to improve your cash conversion cycle.
  The faster cash moves through your system, the stronger your financial position.

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4. Budgeting and Scenario Planning
This isn’t the year for a single budget. Build three scenarios to analyze as you move into late 2025… base, optimistic, and conservative. Planning for multiple outcomes helps your team stay agile when things change. Use data from this year’s results to build realistic projections and avoid guesswork.

5. Growth and Capital Planning
If you want to grow next year, plan how you’ll fund it. Reinvest profits wisely, explore financing options, and prioritize capital spending that drives ROI like new technology, automation, or process improvements. A clear capital plan turns good intentions into measurable results.

The businesses that win in 2026 won’t just hustle harder, they’ll plan smarter. Take the time now to get ahead of your numbers, tighten your strategy, and start the year with financial confidence.

💡 If you found this helpful, share this issue of the Cash Flow Chronicles with another business leader who’s planning their next move.

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NEW FOR 2025!

I have a high focus helping other vets out there and want you all to succeed, so I created this Skool group below called the Profit Platoon. Would love to have you there!