Plan Your Business Articles

Writing The Plan - Click To Read Article
What goes in a business plan? The body can be divided into four distinct sections:

Using the Business Plan - Click To Read Article
A business plan is a tool with three basic purposes: communication, management, and planning. As a communication tool, it is used to attract investment capital, secure loans, convince workers to hire on, and assist in attracting strategic business partners. The development of a comprehensive business plan shows whether or not a business has the potential to make a profit. It requires a realistic look at almost every phase of business and allows you to show that you have worked out all the problems and decided on potential alternatives before actually launching your business.

Part 1: The Executive Summary - Click To Read Article
The executive summary is the most important section of your business plan. It provides a concise overview of the entire plan along with a history of your company. This section tells your reader where your company is and where you want to take it. It\'s the first thing your readers see; therefore it is the thing that will either grab their interest and make them want to keep reading or make them want to put it down and forget about it. More than anything else, this section is important because it tells the reader why you think your business idea will be successful.

Part 2: Market Analysis - Click To Read Article
The market analysis section should illustrate your knowledge about the particular industry your business is in. It should also present general highlights and conclusions of any marketing research data you have collected; however, the specific details of your marketing research studies should be moved to the appendix section of your business plan.

Part 3: Company Description - Click To Read Article
Without going into detail, this section should include a high level look at how all of the different elements of your business fit together. The company description section should include information about the nature of your business as well as list the primary factors that you believe will make your business a success.

Part 4: Organization & Management - Click To Read Article
This section should include: your company\'s organizational structure, details about the ownership of your company, profiles of your management team, and the qualifications of your board of directors.

Part 5: Marketing and Sales Strategies - Click To Read Article
Marketing is the process of creating customers, and customers are the lifeblood of your business. In this section, the first thing you want to do is define your marketing strategy. There is no single way to approach a marketing strategy; your strategy should be part of an ongoing self-evaluation process and unique to your company. However, there are steps you can follow which will help you think through the strategy you would like to use.

Part 6: Service or Product Line - Click To Read Article
What are you selling? In this section, describe your service or product, emphasizing the benefits to potential and current customers. For example, don\'t tell your readers which 89 foods you carry in your \"Gourmet to Go\" shop. Tell them why busy, two-career couples will prefer shopping in a service-oriented store that records clients\' food preferences and caters even the smallest parties on short notice.

Part 7: Funding Request - Click To Read Article
In this section, you will request the amount of funding you will need to start or expand your business. If necessary, you can include different funding scenarios, such as a best and worst case scenarios, but remember that later, in the financial section, you must be able to back up these requests and scenarios with corresponding financial statements.

Part 8: Financials - Click To Read Article
The financials should be developed after you\'ve analyzed the market and set clear objectives. That\'s when you can allocate resources efficiently. The following is a list of the critical financial statements to include in your business plan packet.

Part 9: The Appendix - Click To Read Article
The appendix section should be provided to readers on an as-needed basis. In other words, it should not be included with the main body of your business plan. Your plan is your communication tool; as such, it will be seen by a lot of people. Some of the information in the business section you will not want everyone to see, but, specific individuals (such as creditors) may want access to this information in order to make lending decisions. Therefore, it is important to have the appendix within easy reach.

Is Entrepreneurship For You? - Click To Read Article
In business, there are no guarantees. There is simply no way to eliminate all the risks associated with starting a small business - but you can improve your chances of success with good planning, preparation, and insight. Start by evaluating your strengths and weaknesses as a potential owner and manager of a small business. Carefully consider each of the following questions:

How do I get a small business loan? - Click To Read Article
You should prepare a business plan, including your loan proposal, and submit it to a local lender. If the lender is unable to approve your loan, you may request that your application be submitted, by the lender, to the SBA. The SBA can guarantee up to 80% of a small business loan; however, the lender must agree to loaning the money with the SBA guarantee. The lender will then forward your loan application and a credit analysis to the nearest SBA District Office. If the lender needs SBA applications and/or guidance it may contact the nearest SBA District Office by going to SBA. Upon SBA approval, the lending institution closes the loan and disburses the funds.

Glossary of Terms - Click To Read Article
Glossary of Terms

Finding a Niche - Click To Read Article
A market in its entirety is too broad in scope for any but the largest companies to tackle successfully. The best strategy for a smaller business is to divide demand into manageable market niches. Small operations can then offer specialized goods and services attractive to a specific group of prospective buyers.

Essential Elements of a Good Business Plan for Growing Companies - Click To Read Article
A business plan should be a work-in-progress. Even successful, growing businesses should maintain a current business plan.

Do You Have What It Takes? - Click To Read Article
Learn the characteristics and habits of creative, successful entrepreneurs.

Business Plan Basics - Click To Read Article
A business plan precisely defines your business, identifies your goals, and serves as your firm\'s resume. The basic components include a current and pro forma balance sheet, an income statement, and a cash flow analysis. It helps you allocate resources properly, handle unforeseen complications, and make good business decisions. As it provides specific and organized information about your company and how you will repay borrowed money, a good business plan is a crucial part of any loan application. Additionally, it informs sales personnel, suppliers, and others about your operations and goals.


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