Topel Forman News

]

Today’s Business Brief – January 6, 2020

5 ways to strengthen your business for the new year


The end of one year and the beginning of the next is a great opportunity for reflection and planning. You have 12 months to look back on and another 12 ahead to look forward to. Here are five ways to strengthen your business for the new year by doing a little of both:

1. Compare 2019 financial performance to budget. Did you meet the financial goals you set at the beginning of the year? If not, why? Analyze variances between budget and actual results. Then, evaluate what changes you could make to get closer to achieving your objectives in 2020. And if you did meet your goals, identify precisely what you did right and build on those strategies.

2. Create a multiyear capital budget. Look around your offices or facilities at your equipment, software and people. What investments will you need to make to grow your business? Such investments can be both tangible (new equipment and technology) and intangible (employees’ technical and soft skills).

Equipment, software, furniture, vehicles and other types of assets inevitably wear out or become obsolete. You’ll need to regularly maintain, update and replace them. Lay out a long-term plan for doing so; this way, you won’t be caught off guard by a big expense.

3. Assess the competition. Identify your biggest rivals over the past year. Discuss with your partners, managers and advisors what those competitors did to make your life so “interesting.” Also, honestly appraise the quality of what your business sells versus what competitors offer. Are you doing everything you can to meet — or, better yet, exceed — customer expectations? Devise some responsive competitive strategies for the next 12 months.

4. Review insurance coverage. It’s important to stay on top of your property, casualty and liability coverage. Property values or risks may change — or you may add new assets or retire old ones — requiring you to increase or decrease your level of coverage. A fire, natural disaster, accident or out-of-the-blue lawsuit that you’re not fully protected against could devastate your business. Look at the policies you have in place and determine whether you’re adequately protected.

5. Analyze market trends. Recognize the major events and trends in your industry over the past year. Consider areas such as economic drivers or detractors, technology, the regulatory environment and customer demographics. In what direction is your industry heading over the next five or ten years? Anticipating and quickly reacting to trends are the keys to a company’s long-term success.

These are just a few ideas for looking back and ahead to set a successful course forward. We can help you review the past year’s tax, accounting and financial strategies, and implement savvy moves toward a secure and profitable 2020 for your business.

© 2019

About Topel Forman

What makes our firm special

Contact Us

Reach out to Topel Forman

Services

Learn what we have to offer

Related News Posts

Topel Forman Welcomes Four New Partners

Topel Forman Welcomes Four New Partners

Topel Forman is thrilled to announce the promotion of four accomplished professionals to its partner group, bringing the total to 16 partners as of January 1, 2025. This significant milestone underscores the firm’s commitment to excellence, leadership, and the growth of its team.

read more
Tax Alert: President Biden Signs Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2023

Tax Alert: President Biden Signs Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2023

On December 12, 2024, President Biden signed into law the Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2023 (H.R. 5863), providing tax relief for victims of various federally declared disasters. This legislation offers benefits to individuals and businesses affected by natural disasters, wildfires, and the East Palestine, Ohio train derailment.

read more