Budget Smudget

I can almost just hear the collective GROAN at the mention of the word "budget." 

Most of the world does not have piles of money just laying around.  Most of the world has to plan to make a big purchase.  Most of the world cannot just spend on a whim. 

We see the commercials every day that scream, "I'm the newest and the best, buy ME!!"  We see the pictures posted on Facebook of trips taken by everyone BUT YOU.  We read articles in the newspaper and magazine about fundraisers and meet/greets that would open all sorts of doors, if you could just afford to GET IN their door.

THUS, we have budgets.  Personally and professionally we plan, we track and we live within our means.  (Don't fall off your chair laughing at that last statement.)  The truth is, we all gamble with our money.  We may not go to a casino or play the lottery, but we still gamble.  I would venture to bet that almost everyone has at least one credit card.  We get it, with the full intention, of using it only for emergencies!  Then...... LIFE HAPPENS.  The car breaks down, an appliance stops working, the check you were expecting does not arrive.  All of a sudden, the "emergency" credit card is close to being maxed out.

One thing I have learned in my working world life is that although we make a budget, usually once a year, changes occur and budgets need to be modified.  A lot of companies have embraced a ROLLING budget, but in most cases, I think that's a cop out.  To me a rolling budget is a giant rationalization for spending.  I understand that costs/expenses change due to economy stressors, but I do not agree that you get to allow for more spending dollars based on higher costs.  It is my belief/opinion that when costs increase, your SALES methods and MARKETING efforts and your REVENUE goals need to change.  The focus should be on the driving force of your business - sales and service!

In our personal lives, if our expenses are higher, we need to get creative on how to make more of the almighty dollar.  Volunteer once a week.  Attend as many networking events as you possibly can attend.  Make calls to friends and coworkers to check in with their lives.  We are all connected in one way, shape or form.  Doors open when you least expect them to open.

Don't grimace at the thought of a budget!  Reward yourself with setting a new budget for your life and your business.  Budget more time for your family.  Budget more time for your friends.  Budget more time for YOURSELF. 

Doors open every day.  You just have to be brave enough to walk through the opening!