Kickstarting a business takes more than just high hopes and an innovative product; effective growth strategies include developing an accurate budget that balances expenses against income.

Effective business growth on a budget starts with learning to market strategically, reduce expenses and cultivate customer relationships. Here are some helpful tips that will get you underway.

2. Make a List of Your Current Expenses

Budgeting your money effectively starts with making an inventory of all your current expenses and categorizing them according to fixed and variable costs. Fixed costs such as rent or mortgage payments and utilities should remain constant from month to month; variable expenses include food and transportation costs that fluctuate – adopting habits like eating at home instead of dining out or using cash-back credit cards can help lower these costs significantly.

Make sure that your spending stays within budget by reviewing bank and credit card statements regularly, noting bills due on time as late fees can quickly undermine budget. Also consider getting an accountability partner to provide encouragement and assistance while you manage your budget.

4. Make a List of Your Revenue

Most business owners only budget for expenses; you should also consider revenue. Analyzing financial documents such as your profit and loss statement and balance sheet will help determine your yearly revenue goal for next year.

Maintaining a budget with SMART goals (Specific Measurable Achievable Realistic and Time-based) will enable you to stay on course and reach your business growth goal. Furthermore, weekly monitoring of numbers will show how close you are coming toward meeting that annual goal.

Now, in subsequent months, make adjustments as necessary to reach your yearly revenue goal and increase profits! Doing this will enable you to invest in your practice, hire staff and expand profits!