Naked reality


Hold on a minute, how did we get to this time in the year? I know time appears to hasten as you grow older but this year started already. A few months back we were eagerly awaiting the last year closing and now we heading directly into the central hemisphere summer and towards a lot of heat.

The  FMCG/OTC/Pharma companies with financial years closing in March will be presented with the stark reality that there are just a few hours to get your numbers in line for Q1 before HQ invites you to a “review discussion”. Hence act now to ensure you don’t get a one-way ticket as a present this season.

This time of the year is also around the time many companies put their following Q2 Plans in place. Monstrous data collection spread-sheets will be dropping into inboxes all seeking improved performance. The recession is still with us but HQ wants top and bottom line improvement – so unfair!

What surprises me though is that many executives will be putting a plan together for growth and probably lower cost while at the same time turning sales and logistic somersaults to reach current year targets. Promotions and bulk-buy special offers will push stock into the trade but be honest; when everyone is doing the same you know a proportion will remain unsold. The numbers you have so carefully crafted for an impressive Q1 will be impossible to achieve.

You may be one of those guys where you are looking to slow sales down as the numbers are already in the bag or soon will be. If you are in that fortunate position then you can still prepare now for a bumper Q2. Relaxing your company and particularly the Supply Chain too much will cause a loss of momentum and sharpness. Once you have achieved success and see your competitors drowning you really want to aim a hose at their throats rather than let them get a sniff of recovery.

Whether you are struggling to make the numbers or cruising along now is the time to put plans and budgets in place in REALISTIC TERMS to ensure your new year resolutions come to fruition.
 

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