What type of mindset should we use when creating a budget? Do we put together a list of what it would take to operate a business and try to be as optimal as possible? This would mean that the budget is very tight and should not fluctuate from this.

Do we use it as a guide? Working toward hitting the goal of our budget so that we know we are getting the most from our work. This would give us a good target to reach for, but set aside money for deviations, etc.

Or do we do both, where we don't allow for deviations but only during an emergency. What do you think is the best way to train a manager and use past data for performance? How do we anticipate technology changes and cost that could improve our future performance, etc.