Welcome back to Business Unfiltered with Mercer and Jeff Sauer today's topic is Forecasting Techniques 0:00: Forecasting techniques for businesses. Jeff and Mercer discuss various forecasting techniques for businesses, including using numbers in a spreadsheet to predict future revenue. They discuss the evolution of forecasting and creating actionable plans in organizations. 3:00: Forecasting and planning for business success. Mercer emphasizes the importance of adjusting forecasts based on feedback and measurable results. He suggests that companies should focus on the end result and be open to adjusting their plans to achieve better results. 8:00: Sales forecasting and pipeline management. Jeff emphasizes the importance of weekly sales meetings for accountability and forecasting accuracy. He believes that having a clear pipeline and grading system (A-D) helps to prioritize opportunities and make informed hiring decisions. 12:21: Weekly forecasting and probability in business. Mercer emphasizes the importance of weekly forecasting to stay on track and make adjustments as needed. He emphasizes the importance of using probability in forecasting, as it allows for flexibility and adaptability in the face of uncertainty. 17:27: Forecasting and financial literacy for business success. Jeff discusses the importance of forecasting in business, highlighting the need to anticipate and prepare for seasonal fluctuations in revenue. Mercer finds maintaining weekly forecasts for multiple income streams surprisingly quick, taking only 30 minutes per week. 20:58: Forecasting and decision-making in a business setting. Mercer relies on different departments for information but pulls information manually to better understand the numbers. He doesn't automate the forecasting process because he wants to get his hands dirty with the numbers and think about each one as he types. 24:17: Financial forecasting and planning for businesses. Jeff emphasizes the importance of financial literacy in setting up a financial planning system, citing the need for granularity and regular number-checking to avoid blindly relying on summaries. Mercer offers courses in forecasting through their academy but acknowledges the challenge of getting started and achieving the level of institutional knowledge required for effective financial planning. 28:35: Forecasting for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Jeff discusses the importance of forecasting in business, sharing personal experience and tips for creating a five-year forecast. Mercer emphasizes the importance of having a plan in place for the month, quarter, and year, and encourages listeners to start simple and build muscle by focusing on the plan.