There are millions of pages written about how to write a Business Plan. Bookstores and e-books are full of expert techniques.
For me, I always like to start with a standard outline. Then, start filling it in and expanding the ideas. Almost like fill in the blanks with the basics and then refine for perfection.
This is also the time when you have to THINK BIG! How do you want your business to run? What is the purpose, the heart and soul of the company? What are the long term goals?
Let’s get started with these 10 basic components:
1. Cover Page
2. Table of Contents
3. Executive Summary
4. Company Summary
5. Market Analysis
6. Product or Service Description
7. Marketing and Sales Plans
8. Operations and Management Plans
9. Financial Plans
10. Appendix
That’s it. Ten sections, easy to put together and yet CRITICAL FOR A PROFITABLE BUSINESS!!!
It may seem like a difficult task to gather all the information. Depending on the business size, there could be several people involved. Maybe the financial projections or customer demographics don’t exist. Believe me, I know it can be a challenge to produce all the materials.
My point is IT’S GOT TO BE DONE ANYWAY!!
The ability to use your Business Plan as a day-to-day management tool is why this is so important. It is a blueprint that you use to operate your company.
With it, you are able to:
That’s my Quick Business Plan Template. I’ve made it easy to copy the text and start your new business plan document. It starts out with a few pages and then you add more details.
Think about your current situation. Do you have an old version to update? Get everything together into a binder with tabs, maybe that’s a good way to start.
Trust me, just do it and you’ll find the money! Kay Peck