Quarterly Business Planning with Jeff Cobb

When reviewing your business plan, one of the challenges many small business owners face is the timing of when revenues are collected and expenses are paid. Building a system around these two major business activities are critical to short and long term success. Check out this article below and let's have a conversation around your process. At First Citizens Bank, this is one of the ways we continue to deliver for our clients. Timely and thoughtful advice, authentic support, and deep knowledge helps small business take action with confidence in an ever changing business environment. #foreverfirst #smallbusiness #cashflow #businessbanking #tampa #tampabay #wesleychapel #riverview #brandon #firstcitizensbank #sba #smallbusinessloans #equipmentfinancing

Annual business planning shouldn’t be a once-a-year exercise—it should be a structured, ongoing discipline. A recent piece from First Citizens Bank reinforces something I see every day in my work as a business development consultant: the most effective organizations don’t just plan annually—they operationalize that plan quarterly. Breaking strategy into quarterly focus areas creates real momentum: • Q1: Get clear on cash flow, debt structure, and financial positioning • Q2: Evaluate employee benefits and retention strategies • Q3: Streamline operations and proactively manage risk • Q4: Optimize tax strategy and identify incentives This approach turns planning into execution—not just intention. Too often, leaders stay in the day-to-day grind and skip the step of stepping back. But understanding where you are, where you’ve been, and where you’re going is what separates reactive businesses from growth-oriented ones. (First Citizens Bank) What stands out most is this: planning isn’t about doing more—it’s about focusing on what actually drives outcomes. As a consultant, my role is helping businesses connect these dots—aligning financial strategy, operations, and growth initiatives into a plan that’s both actionable and adaptable. If your annual plan isn’t translating into quarterly execution, it’s probably time to rethink the framework. How are you structuring your business planning this year?

For many business owners, this time of year brings a mix of planning and reflection. From managing cash flow to thinking about long-term goals, having a clear strategy can help support the bigger picture. https://bit.ly/4ezhBfj

No business owner has a crystal ball, but while it's impossible to predict the future with complete accuracy, budgeting and cash flow forecasting can significantly reduce the guesswork. Here are some tools to help you anticipate potential challenges, but also enable you to make informed decisions to keep your business on track. https://lnkd.in/gy9Hq-MS

Through our partnership with EFM, we’re supporting businesses with both funding and financial strategy as they grow. When we speak to business owners, one question that comes up time and time again: When is the right time to bring in a fractional CFO - and what should you actually expect? It’s not always obvious - and getting it right can make a real difference. So we spoke to Jonathan Wheeler FCA, the Managing Director at EFM, to break it down and share a few key tips for business owners to look out for. Tips from Jonathan Wheeler.👇

Great to be working together to support businesses as they grow, combining funding with a strong financial strategy to drive better outcomes. The question of when to bring in a fractional CFO comes up time and time again, and getting that timing right can make a significant impact. Our Managing Director, Jonathan Wheeler FCA shares some valuable insights for business owners to consider 👇 FundOnion

Happy National Small Business Week! 🎉🪅 Week 19 of the Resource Roundup covers business plans, cash flow projections, and turning ideas into action. 🧨 How to Read Your Financials https://lnkd.in/eeAgdD5D Crafting Authentic Narratives for Business Growth https://lnkd.in/evwiyMuD Business Plans & Cash Flows https://lnkd.in/eWQUZt9T Resources for Veteran-Owned Small Businesses https://lnkd.in/eP6xCQb4 Creating a Quick Business Plan

Growth brings opportunity, but it also brings financial complexity. At some point, many growing businesses realize they need more than basic reporting. They need strategic financial guidance. That’s where a fractional CFO can make a major impact. But not every fractional CFO relationship delivers the same value. In our latest article, we break down what business owners should look for when choosing a fractional CFO partner, including: • Industry experience • Strategic insight vs. basic reporting • Communication and culture fit • Scalability as your business grows • Long-term business value The right partner should do more than review numbers. They should help you make smarter decisions, plan ahead, and support your long-term goals. Read the full article here: https://hubs.la/Q04g9zbB0

Running a business can make it difficult to focus on your broader financial picture. A comprehensive approach that aligns personal and business wealth can support more informed decisions over time. Explore key considerations for business owners: https://bit.ly/4es7zfW #BusinessOwners #BusinessPlanning #Janney

Running a business can make it difficult to focus on your broader financial picture. A comprehensive approach that aligns personal and business wealth can support more informed decisions over time. Explore key considerations for business owners: https://bit.ly/4cNUjRx #BusinessOwners #BusinessPlanning #Janney