Writing a business plan should be thought of as creating a blueprint for success for your business. An effective business plan shouldn't just tells a great story, weaving an exciting plot that captivates the reader, it should also be measurable and be used as a daily tool to track your progress towards greatness. You want about 50 pages of brilliant strategies and dazzling statistics.
This gives a guide for your management team to follow and effectively communicates the company direction to your staff. The business plan provides a considered and logical framework within which a company can develop and pursue its strategies over the next 3-5 years. It is quite different to a Strategic Management plan as it deals with the day to day operation rather than strategy development.
If you are trying to obtain financing for a business startup or growing your existing business, it is even more important to have a professionally written plan. This is a very important document that often serves as the company's first introduction to investors and financial institutions. We can act as your business startup consultant and help you through the process.
The document should be 50 pages or less. It needs to be written in a concise and focused manner. Appropriate color graphics and an attractive cover always set a positive tone. Usually, less is more. Utilize charts, graphs, tables, and pictures to convey information.
Click here for a free template on writing a business plan (PDF)
Your business plan should also include a well thought out marketing plan is needed in today's world. Do you have an effective marketing strategy? The marketing plan is made up of 3 parts.
- List products/services and briefly describe each in order of highest sales or significance.
- Market analysis: size, segments, growth, competitors, customers, and buying behaviors.
- Marketing strategies and tactics to reach targeted market, segments, channels and customers.