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Writing A Business Plan
by: Stephen Kreutzer
Preparing a business plan is the most important part of starting a business.
So much rests on the business plan, from financing to suppliers. A business
plan shows that you are prepared, educated, and dedicated to your business.
A good business plan will define what your business is about, where you
expect it to go in the future and how you will get there. The following
outline the essentials of a good business plan.
1. Executive Summary - This explains about everything that is the rest of
the business plan. It should be written to completely cover every aspect of
the rest of the business plan. A good way to think about it is this may be
the only part of the whole plan that gets read, so it should sell your
business.
2. Table of Contents - Do not elaborate. Keep it short and to the point. You
get to explain later.
3. Company Description - This should cover the basics of your business. What
industry and what products/services your business provides. It should also
cover what makes your business stand out from the competition and how you
will be successful.
4. Market Analysis - This is where you prove that you have done your
marketing research. You should explain about the industry, including target
markets. Explain your competition and compare your business to them. Explain
your marketing strategies and plans.
5. Technology - Explain the technology you will use and how new developments
may affect your business.
6. Business Operations or Manufacturing - Explain how you will conduct
business. What makes you better than the competition as far as operations.
7. Management and Ownership - Here you will need to name all the key
personnel. Explain their skills, education and what they bring to the
company.
8. Organization and Personnel - This is where you explain your personnel
needs. State how many employees are needed, how you will pay them and what
you will pay them. Also explain the personnel organizational structure.
9. Capital and Usage - This should be very detailed and explained. Starting
with how much is needed to start and then projection of needs.
10. Financial - Here is where you get to project future gains and losses.
You should list them quarterly until the business breaks even then annual
reports are fine.
12. Appendices - Any resumes, references, copies of studies done or anything
else to back up information in the business plan should be included here.
These 12 steps should help you put together a solid business plan. Just keep
in mind that you should stick to the facts and back everything up with
evidence.
About The Author
Stephen Kreutzer is a freelance publisher based in
Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines
and provides information on business plans at
http://www.yourbusinessplan.info
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