Budgets
Below is a sample budget spreadsheet for a new product rollout. However, it is getting dated and is only available in Lotus 123 format (but I’ve left it here, just
in case you find value). Please see the finance section (or click on the banner ad above to find out about comprehensive industry ratios) to view the normal ratios of a typical software company and to download a fairly comprehensive budget spreadsheet.
Budget Spreadsheet
Click here for self-extracting zipped file in Lotus 123 for Windows format (size is 190k)) (If it doesn’t come across then E-mail the WebMaster and the reply will include the attached file).
(Please, do NOT ask me if I have an Excel version of this spreadsheet--I do not have one, and do not expect to take the 80 plus hours to re-construct it using Excel macros. If
you can use it then great, if not, then I don’t have another option. Thanks.)
Over the years I have often been distraught at the inaccuracy of the budgeting process. Partially because it is usually haphazard, especially the cuts, with little thought as to how the reduction or increase
will actually affect which programs.
For this reason I have created a spreadsheet that lists dozens of programs with their associated average cost. When it comes time to budget, I pick the actual programs and items that I have proposed within the marketing plan until the amount meets the pre-approved ratio (i.e., if I have 15% of total revenue I add programs until the ratio equals 15%). Or, I determine the type of programs from the list to build into the plan and then try to get the budget to execute those programs, regardless of the percentage (high growth mode).
Either way, the attached spreadsheet should help you to come up with a scratch budget in about two hours (versus days).
It is not completely documented nor is it commercial grade, but it should still prove very effective by spending a few minutes up front understanding how it works. It contains hundreds of macros for calculations, navigation and printing and is optimized for a 640x480 screen size.
If you plan to use this spreadsheet then make sure you do a search for the name Acme and replace it with your own company name.
The spreadsheet has some data examples. You will need to zero these figures out to create your own.
Please Contribute
If you have a budget system that works for you, please either explain it or upload your template for review and posting. If you use a commercial product then please list the vendor, price, availability, etc.
|
