business plan development
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Jeff Goldblatt
Business Plan Development
Business plans for small business are an essential element of the start-up process. Not only does a business plan assist you with funding, it compels you to analyze, plan & come to terms with the reality of running a business. Your business plan demands that you examine your preconceived ideas about the value of your product or service and investigate ways to better market and increase demand.
Most business plans follow a similar structure. Business plans are formal documents that are seen by a variety of people. Bank and loan officers, attorneys, and other professionals expect information in a business plan to be presented in a consistent manner.
Business Plan DevelopmentBusiness plans for small business contain the following sections:
• Cover Page: consists of the business name, owner’s name, and contact information.
• Table of Contents: section is required to quickly find each section.
• Executive Summary: is the first and most widely read section of the plan. The Executive Summary includes a business description, highlights the main points of the business plan, and gives a concise explanation of planned strategies. It should be at least one page and no more than three.
Business Plan Development
• Business Description: outlines current and future industry prospects. A description of the proposed business and how it fits into the current market follows. Also included is the business type, whether it is a wholesale, retail, or service-oriented business, and the legal structure. All business principals are identified, as are descriptions of individual skills and qualifications. Business strategies are outlined that indicate how the business will successfully compete.
Business Plan Development
• Marketing Analysis: analyzes the demand for the business product or service and explains how the business principals will take advantage of these opportunities. Markets are defined, competitors analyzed, marketing research is cited, and the marketing plan for capturing a share of the market is outlined.
• Operation Management: include an outline of the day-to-day operations, defining the number of required staff, and systems used for conducting business. Benefits of the systems and set-up requirements are explained.
Business Plan Development
• Personnel: this section defines the projected number of employees, the required skills for each position, and the number of work hours projected for each, both initially and as the business grows.
• Competitor Analysis: is a thoroughly researched record of current competitors in the marketplace. It includes an outline of competitor strengths and weaknesses, as well as a plan to compete effectively. Location in relation to competitors, pricing comparisons, product desirability, unique services, and market advantages of the proposed business are outlined.
Business Plan Development
• Financial Data: this section outlines loan terms, funding, list of assets, balance sheets, income projections, profit and loss statements, breakeven analysis, detailed first year financial analysis divided into months, a three-year financial summary, and a five-year financial summary.
The Cash Flow Statement is included in the Financial Data section. The Cash Flow Statement describes how the business owner plans to pay expenses from month to month and defines the money source from which the expenses will be paid. All expenditures must be accounted for.
Business Plan Development
• Appendix: data reports and other technical information is placed in this section. Market analysis numbers, charts, spreadsheets, loan documents, financial statements, trademarks, patents, and owner resumes are included.
Approaches To Developing A Business Plan
Writing business plans for small business is a way for you to map your road for planned success. The research you conduct while preparing your plan is invaluable when it comes to making business decisions. A well-researched business plan is an essential tool for starting a business and keeping it on track. Business plans for small business are not only for start ups, but also are valuable tools to use when considering expanding your business.
Approaches To Developing A Business Plan
As you approach writing a business plan, you have several options from which to choose. Business plan consultants are available for hire. These professionals have experience in writing business plans for small business and are generally knowledgeable about what it takes to write a compelling document. Software options are available as well. Most business planning software includes templates and the necessary sections. The last option is to develop a business plan by yourself. The ideal choice is the one that works for you.
Approaches To Developing A Business Plan Most business owners choose to write their own business plan. A low cost option, writing your own plan gives you an opportunity to learn about your industry and business. As you conduct your marketing and competitor analysis, gather data, analyze, plan strategies, and assess your business and its potential. Think critically about your future business operations and develop a plan to continually improve its revenue & profits.
Writing your own business plan is an ideal way to learn and cultivate a business mindset. You will also learn a great deal about yourself. Analyzing, visualizing, and defining strategies prepares you, not only for starting your business, but also for turning it into a success and helping it grow over time.
Contact Information
Jeff Goldblatt
VR Business Brokers
321 N. Central Expressway
Suite 350
McKinney, TX 75070
Tel: 214-733-8282, ext. 23
E-Mail: [email protected]
www.vrmckinney.com