Of course, use the method of writing that
"works" for you -- the one that captures your voice in your business
proposal. I present here the one that I often use. It begins with
Step 1: Outlining the material on
hand (See below).
Once I know what I have, then I can begin to
mold it into a business proposal. I often skip Step 2, but if you
haven't written many business plans, it's a good idea to pause and examine a
bit more closely the kinds of information that goes into different types of
business plans:
Step 2 -- First
Draft of Your Business Plan . Then turn your information into
something really great:
Step 3 -- Creating
the Stunning Presentation that Your Business Needs. This is
where you make your company -- and you -- shine. Using the materials
from your Marketing Plan, your Financials, and your draft, here is where the
"stunning and successful" part begins.
For your business plan, include those
sections that seem appropriate, and ignore the other sections. Each
business plan is unique and distinguishes a single business from all the
others.
OUTLINE OF A BASIC BUSINESS PLAN
SUMMARY. A 1 - 3 page outline of
the business concept, highlighting the strengths of the particular business.
MARKET ANALYSIS. Present both
the overall market, and the market for your specific company. (Note:
Take a look at Marketing Plans for information on how to find the statistics
you need.) Where possible, include:
- Current changes in the market;
- Market segments
- Target market, with quantification of
client base;
- Customer characteristics;
- Customer needs;
- Customer buying decisions;
- Industry overview;
- Basic outline of competition;
- Emerging opportunities in the marketplace;
- Potential risks;
- Marketing strategy; and
- Sales strategies
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION on all key
players, including officers, directors and other key people.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION to include the
following. (Note: BizMiner
has excellent financial summaries, including ratios, on over 12,000
industries. Check it out to see if your industry is represented -- it
will save you a lot of time and money if it is.)
- Historical financial statements
- Pro forma financial statements
ADDED INFORMATION, as needed
- Patents and copyrights
- Articles in major publications
- Research material
- Drill downs of financial summaries
Having listed this information, let me
emphasize that having all of this information in a written package does NOT
constitute having an effective business plan for your small business.
Your business plan needs to be crafted to
showcase your company. Many ideas for accomplishing just that are
presented in this web site, and many more are provided in the publications and
recommended sites.
This free business plan template is the first
step in your creation process. Please use the free template -- and refer
back to it often -- to create the most effective business plan possible.
Because you want your
business plan to be unique, take a look at
some of these sample business plans. Each one is over 90 pages, just
stuffed full of everything that you need to know: sample plans,
sample language, sample financials, considerations for your particular
type of business, and more. It may well be the best few dollars you
spend in developing your business.
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Your 7-Step Business Plan.
Each is under $50. Each is complete. |
| Click
on the book cover for more information |
Next, gather all of the information you have
to date and take at look at free
business plan templates, including 101
free sample business plans and begin drafting your own business plan.
See also:
A
business plan combined with strong industry research can make a dynamic
end product.
Business plan may or may not conform to the needs of SBA programs.
Be sure to read the program qualifications carefully.
Different investors
look for different things in a business plan. Review the types of
lenders and pick the one that is best suited for your type of business.
Business plans can be used as a basis for demonstrating the skill of minority
and women entrepreneurs. When used as a springboard to unique
presentations, these templates can be quite effective.
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