11 Sales Forecasting Techniques You Need To Know

Let’s get real for a second—sales forecasting can feel like trying to predict the weather in the middle of a hurricane. I remember my first go at it; it was a mess.

Picture this: me, staring at a mountain of spreadsheets with more columns than an ancient Greek temple, trying to make sense of figures that seemed to change every time I blinked. It was like playing chess with a pigeon—no matter how strategic you think you are, it leaves a mess and flies off.

But then, after a lot of trial and error, something clicked. I realized that sales forecasting isn’t about getting it perfect. It’s about getting it useful. And that’s when everything changed.

So, why is sales forecasting crucial for any business? Well, imagine driving a car blindfolded. Sure, you might coast for a while based on muscle memory, but eventually, you’re going to hit something.

Sales forecasting removes that blindfold. It gives you a clear view of the road ahead, allowing you to plan your resources, manage budgets, and steer your team toward actual goals rather than vague hopes. Without it, you’re just winging it—and let’s face it, winging it isn’t exactly a business strategy.