It seems that everywhere you look, there are “experts” telling you how to build a business plan or trying to sell you their sure-fire software that can magically do it for you. But, unfortunately, every time I see one of these pitches, I laugh because there isn’t a quick-fix magic-pill solution to developing a business plan.
Many entrepreneurs want to outsource this task because they don’t feel they have the time or expertise to do it themselves. However, the best business plans I have seen are more straightforward, shorter documents that look and feel like the owner wrote them personally.
I firmly believe that the business plan is a foundational document you need to write personally to clarify what you are trying to accomplish. Developing a short and simple business plan will do more for you and your business than for anyone else.
I suggest you follow this business plan outline, as you will find it easier to shape the overall document by working in this sequence. You can reorder them later to be easier to read and understand.
These metrics must be as precise as possible, not just an educated guess. You should hire the research out to a competent freelance researcher. You need to prove that there is a need and future for your business in the market.
Other components of developing a short and straightforward business plan are the fears and frustrations your prospects might have before they buy from you, a list of the delivery methods for your message (direct mail, social media, boosted posts, pay-per-click, signage, etc.), a description of what your competition is doing, and a list of what your business does exceptionally well.
If you devote the time to completing these sections when developing a short and simple business plan, you will have 80% of the final document to refine later. The most successful businesses synchronize their quarterly strategy regularly. Future investors can wait until you get the contents of a business plan right, and with practice, you will.
If you want to learn more about a business owner’s critical responsibilities and develop a short and simple business plan, fill out my contact form to schedule a free call with me to discuss.
Coach Dave
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