Business Plan Blueprint

Your business future

A winning business plan is all about success and getting results, and every single company needs one. It is the guide to your business that will help you get what you want. Refer to it constantly, and update it when market conditions dictate. If your plan is written well it should have investors diving into their wallets, ready to help you make your business dreams come true. A little planning goes a long way, so if you’ve got a great idea—start writing now! –P.A. 

The Dual Purpose of a Business Plan

• To provide you with a detailed roadmap to help your idea grow

• To persuade the people with the money that you are worth the investment, and that they can feel safe in sending some of their cash in your direction

Business Planning Versus a Business Plan

Business planning is a process you embark on to develop, plan, and review your business on an ongoing basis. A business plan is a document that is drawn up
at a specific moment in time for specific purposes,
such as to raise capital.

Why is a Business Plan Vital?

Whether you are a start-up operation or an established company, a business plan is vital for any firm’s success. It charts where you are today, where you plan to go, and how you plan to get there.

Three Phrases That Will STOP the Deal in Its Tracks

Many business plans fail because they are sprinkled with “red flag” words or phrases that make investors shudder.

“Huge”—as in “the market for this product is going to be huge.” Investors can see right through this kind of puffery. It’s a flippant phrase that suggests that the writer hasn’t done any research. Reliable data is required.

“We believe”—as in “we believe we offer more than our competitors.” Do you believe or do you know? The writer clearly hasn’t a shred of evidence to support this vague phrase. If you don’t have any supporting data to back your claims, stop writing. There is no point in continuing.

“No competition”—as in “we have no competition.” Excuse me? Of course there’s competition, they just don’t know who you are yet. If there’s one single phrase that sends your plan into the recycle bin, this is it.