You elected to maintain your revenue with your marketing efforts. Often called run-rate marketing, smaller businesses may allocate 2 to 3 percent. However, for businesses serious about a solid, predictable foundation for business development, we recommendation a budget of 4 to 6 percent of annual gross revenue.

• To maintain revenue, allocate 4 to 6 percent of annual gross revenue
• To achieve some growth, allocate 9 to 11 percent
• To pursue serious growth, allocate 15 to 20 percent

Sources: Garnter's CMO Spend Survey 2015-2016 and SBA's Budget Setting Guidelines

You elected growth - in the 10 to 15% range - for your business over the next year. Traditionally, moderate growth has required an investment of 8 to 11 percent of annual revenue, depending on the type of business. Gartner's 2015 study shows that number trending upward toward 11 percent.

• To maintain revenue, allocate 4 to 6 percent of annual gross revenue
• To achieve some growth, allocate 9 to 11 percent
• To pursue serious growth, allocate 15 to 20 percent

Sources: Garnter's CMO Spend Survey 2015-2016 and SBA's Budget Setting Guidelines

You elected to pursue aggressive growth for your business in the next year. Setting an aggressive target requires agressive spending - in the range of 15 to 20 percent of gross annual revenue.

• To maintain revenue, allocate 4 to 6 percent of annual gross revenue
• To achieve some growth, allocate 9 to 11 percent
• To pursue serious growth, allocate 15 to 20 percent

Sources: Garnter's CMO Spend Survey 2015-2016 and SBA's Budget Setting Guidelines