Learning how to create a business plan is similar to learning how create a
sculpture.
It's putting it all together that
becomes the real challenge.
The Inspiration for a
Business Plan
Easily 90% of all business plans are so
dull and so poorly written that they give "business" a bad
name.
Creating a business plan with strength
and influence doesn't take a genius. It does take some planning, and
a bit of inspiration.
Where do you get that inspiration?
Look first at your own business
materials, especially if you've been in business for a while. You
should have begun to establish a "look" that is yours.
That will probably form the foundation of your business plan very
effectively.
If your business is new, take an
inspiration from others in your industry. Don't copy anyone else --
that won't do either of you any good. But get a feeling for the
kinds of styles used. Is a fancy Baroque style appropriate, or a
formal modern style? How about a swingy bright red?
If you are comfortable in your
"style", the writing seems to flow much easier.
How to
Create
a Business Plan in the Internet Era
It often feels like there are two
distinct styles to strong business plans: those created
pre-internet, and those created post-internet.
In the pre-internet world, those who knew
how to create a business plan created a 20-30 page tightly written
document.
The world has changed. Now, in the
post-internet era, creating a business plan requires a much stronger
presentation element. To stand out, we now create a business plan
with internet linking in mind, whether or not it is placed on the
internet.
To really make a strong impression now,
create the hard copy business plan, with a strong sense of style, of
course. Then put a copy of the hyperlinked text on a disk in the
front pocket of the business plan.
How to Create a Business Plan with Real Punch
C.J. Ralph,
