Terms

Zero-Based Budgeting (ZBB)

Zero-based budgeting (ZBB) is a method where all expenses must be justified for each new period, starting from a "zero base" rather than relying on previous budgets. This approach requires every function within an organization to be analyzed for its needs and costs, forcing managers to justify each expenditure from scratch without influence from historical spending.

Benefits of Zero-Based Budgeting

Zero-based budgeting offers a transformative approach to financial planning by forcing a critical review of all expenditures. This method moves beyond incremental adjustments, ensuring that every dollar spent is justified and aligned with current strategic objectives.

  • Cost Reduction: Eliminates redundant spending by requiring justification for every expense.
  • Strategic Alignment: Ensures all allocated funds directly support the company's top-level goals.
  • Efficiency: Improves resource allocation by focusing on high-value, revenue-generating activities.
  • Flexibility: Creates adaptable budgets based on current needs rather than historical spending patterns.
  • Accountability: Fosters a culture of ownership by involving managers in justifying their department's budget.

Steps to Implement Zero-Based Budgeting

This is how you implement zero-based budgeting.

  1. Identify all necessary business activities and objectives for the upcoming period, starting completely from scratch.
  2. Require managers to justify every single expense, both old and new, explaining its necessity and benefit.
  3. Evaluate all funding requests and prioritize them based on how well they align with strategic company goals.
  4. Finalize the budget by allocating resources only to the approved, high-priority items.

Zero-Based Budgeting (ZBB) vs. Activity-Based Budgeting (ABB)

While both methods aim for better financial planning, ZBB and ABB approach budgeting from different perspectives.

  • Justification: Zero-Based Budgeting requires justifying every expense from scratch, making it ideal for deep cost-cutting and strategic realignment. While effective, it is resource-intensive and can shortchange long-term initiatives. It suits companies needing a complete financial reset or to enforce strict spending discipline.
  • Activities: Activity-Based Budgeting allocates funds based on the business activities that drive costs, linking the budget to operational output. This offers a clearer view of cost drivers but can be complex to set up. It is preferred by companies looking to optimize processes and accurately price products or services.

Challenges and Considerations

While effective, zero-based budgeting is significantly more time-consuming and resource-intensive than traditional methods. It requires managers to justify every line item from scratch, a demanding process that can divert focus from other critical duties. This exhaustive annual review can be a major undertaking for any organization.

The method can also inadvertently encourage a short-term focus. Managers may prioritize easily justifiable expenses over long-term strategic investments like research and development. This can potentially stifle innovation and create a risk-averse culture if not managed carefully.

Real-World Applications of Zero-Based Budgeting

Zero-based budgeting is a versatile method applied far beyond corporate boardrooms, helping organizations of all types justify every expense. It forces a detailed analysis of costs against strategic goals, ensuring resources are allocated effectively for the upcoming period.

  • Corporate Finance: Used to control spending, eliminate wasteful costs, and reallocate funds to high-growth initiatives.
  • Manufacturing: Helps analyze production costs, such as deciding whether to make components in-house or buy from suppliers.
  • Public Sector: Implemented by government agencies to justify program funding and enhance fiscal transparency.
  • Personal Finance: Adopted by individuals and families to manage household expenses and align spending with financial goals.

Frequently Asked Questions about Zero-Based Budgeting (ZBB)

How often should a company implement ZBB?

It doesn't need to be an annual, all-encompassing process. Many companies apply it cyclically to different business units or during major strategic shifts, making the intensive workload more manageable while still ensuring thorough financial scrutiny over time.

Is ZBB only for large corporations?

No, ZBB can be adapted for businesses of any size. Smaller companies can apply its principles with less complexity, focusing on major cost areas to ensure spending aligns with core objectives without the overhead required in a large enterprise.

Does ZBB discourage long-term investment?

It can, but this risk is manageable. Leadership must clearly define long-term strategic goals, ensuring managers can confidently justify crucial investments in areas like R&D and technology, preventing a purely short-term focus during budget reviews.

Other terms

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Chatbots

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Internal signals

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Salesforce Object Query Language

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Warm Outreach

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Branded Keywords

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Sales Cycle

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SDK

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SDK

Buying Intent

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Buying Intent

Marketing Analytics

Marketing analytics involves measuring and analyzing marketing data to understand campaign performance and improve return on investment (ROI).

Marketing Analytics

OAuth

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OAuth

DMP

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Customer Data Management (CDM)

Customer Data Management (CDM) is the process of collecting, organizing, and analyzing customer data to create a unified view of your audience.

Customer Data Management (CDM)

Content Syndication

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Content Rights Management

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Content Rights Management

GPCTBA/C&I

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Net Revenue Retention (NRR)

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Net Revenue Retention (NRR)

Competitive Analysis

Competitive analysis means identifying your rivals and assessing their strategies to pinpoint your own business's strengths and weaknesses.

Competitive Analysis

Demographic Segmentation in Marketing

Demographic segmentation divides a market into groups based on traits like age, gender, and income, allowing for more targeted marketing efforts.

Demographic Segmentation in Marketing

Sales Script

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Sales Script

Sales and Marketing Alignment

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Sales and Marketing Alignment

Open Rate

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Functional Testing

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Functional Testing

SEO

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SEO

Digital Advertising

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Digital Advertising

Responsive Design

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Sales Calls

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Sales Calls

Average Customer Life

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Average Customer Life

Consumer Buying Behavior

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Consumer Buying Behavior

Sales Sequence

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Sales Sequence

Sales Funnel

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Account-Based Marketing

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Account-Based Marketing

Account Development Representative

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Account Development Representative

Average Selling Price

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Average Selling Price

System of Record

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System of Record

Marketing Operations

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Cloud-based CRM

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B2B Data Solutions

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B2B Data Solutions

Application Programming Interface Security

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Application Programming Interface Security

Email Marketing

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Buyer Journey

The buyer journey maps the path a potential customer takes, from first learning about a product to the final decision to buy.

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Platform as a Service

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Platform as a Service

AppExchange

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AppExchange

Sales Presentation

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Sales Presentation

Value Statement

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Value Statement

Social Selling

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Edge Locations

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Edge Locations

Freemium

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Freemium

Sales Territory

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Sales Operations Analytics

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On Target Earnings

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Order Management

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Weighted Sales Pipeline

A weighted sales pipeline forecasts revenue by assigning a closing probability to each deal, giving a more accurate picture of potential income.

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Channel Partners

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On-premise CRM

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Brand Awareness

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Elevator Pitch

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B2B Marketing KPIs

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Lead Management

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Dynamic Pricing

Dynamic pricing is a strategy where businesses set flexible prices for products or services based on current market demands and other factors.

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Outbound Sales

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Customer Relationship Management Hygiene

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Customer Relationship Management Hygiene

Sales Pipeline Velocity Formula

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Email Deliverability Rate

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Customer Churn Rate

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Customer Churn Rate

Generic Keywords

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Generic Keywords

Custom Metadata Types

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Custom Metadata Types

Smile and Dial

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Smile and Dial

Weighted Pipeline

A weighted pipeline forecasts sales revenue by assigning a closing probability to each deal based on its stage in the sales funnel.

Weighted Pipeline

Unit Economics

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Unit Economics

Trigger Marketing

Trigger marketing uses customer actions or events to automatically send highly relevant, personalized messages at the perfect moment.

Trigger Marketing

Closed Won

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Closed Won

Pay-per-Click (PPC)

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Email Engagement

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Email Engagement

Reverse Logistics

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Reverse Logistics

Event Tracking

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Event Tracking

Tire-Kicker

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Tire-Kicker

Dark Social

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Dark Social

Behavioral Analytics

Learn about behavioral analytics, including implementing behavioral analytics successfully, & key metrics in behavioral analytics.

Behavioral Analytics

Solution Selling

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Solution Selling

Predictive Lead Scoring

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Predictive Lead Scoring

Network Monitoring

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Network Monitoring

Sales Forecast Accuracy

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Sales Forecast Accuracy

Data Management Platform

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Data Management Platform

Enrichment

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Enrichment

Serviceable Obtainable Market

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Serviceable Obtainable Market

Total Addressable Market (TAM)

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Total Addressable Market (TAM)

Content Curation

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Content Curation

Request for Quotation

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Request for Quotation

SQL

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Territory Management

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Marketing Mix

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Marketing Mix

Sales Partnerships

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Sales Partnerships

Revenue Forecasting

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Revenue Forecasting

Virtual Selling

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Virtual Selling

Sales Manager

A Sales Manager leads a sales team, setting goals, analyzing performance, and developing strategies to drive revenue and meet targets.

Sales Manager

Letter of Intent

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Letter of Intent

Email Personalization

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Email Personalization

Fault Tolerance

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Fault Tolerance