Friday, February 6, 2009

Finish Your Business Plan in 3 Months!!!

Ahh, a business plan!!! Is the idea of tackling this task overwhelming in the midst of everything else on your 'To Do' list? Many entrepreneurs put it off, but the business plan is the foundation for your company. It is not just a document you need if you are approaching investors or banks for loans. Even if you are funding your business yourself you need a business plan!

You discover things about your methods, ideas, and industry when you have to put all your research and hard work down on paper. You can save yourself a lot of time and money when you have a written plan!!!

A Few Quick Tips!

1. Spend two weeks on each section: there are 10 - 12 sections in a business plan - two weeks on each section = 3 months.

2. Finish the sections that are the easiest for you first. If you already have an idea of your operations or company description -complete those and then tackle the areas you have to research.

3. Write the Executive Summary last as it 'summarizes' the detail of your plan.

The portions that may need a little more time is the research you will need to do for your Market Research, Industry and Competitive Analysis. But don't drag it out - set specific days and times to work on it and stick to your deadline!


Check It Out -

www.Score.org: Business planning and financial templates for startups and existing businesses

Score offers some one of the best templates I've found complete with explanations of each section - and they're free! No two-ton book to buy or carry around!!

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