Profile your potential customers

Sources of statistical and anecdotal information can give you a good picture of who will buy your product or services. Such sources can also be used to predict the economic and population growth of your trading area.

I recommend: U.S. Census Bureau examines the makeup of communities now and in the future. Claritas will segment your customers and target growth opportunities.

You can do it yourself

You don't need to be a math genius to create a sales forecast — just a record-keeper who makes well-informed guesses.

I recommend: Pull your information into forecasts and reports with QuickBooks Premier Editions.

Or you can let software lead the way

Give Web-based programs your information, and they'll return forecasts and reports to you.

I recommend: OutlookSoft Corp. provides a scalable platform. NetSuite Inc. specializes in solutions for small and midsize businesses.

Follow up every day

Web-based software that tracks your business daily can give you real-time forecasts and highlight sales tasks needing special attention.

I recommend: Ross Systems Inc.'s iRenaissance was designed especially for process manufacturers. Salesforce.com offers real-time sales force automation.