Putting
Your Plan Together
When you are finished your
plan should look professional. The format should be easy to follow.
Here is a suggested outline for your plan. Your plan may vary according
to your needs or the needs of investors or lenders.
I. Cover sheet
Name of the
company
Company address
Company phone number
Logo (if you have one)
Names, titles and addresses
of owners
Month and year the
plan was completed
II. Executive Summary
Mission statement
Summary of purpose
III. Table of contents
IV. Management and operations
V. Marketing and sales
VI. Financial information
VII. Supporting documents
Packaging
and presentation
Have copies of your plan
bound at a print shop. The plan should be in black and white. A colored
cover is recommended.
Make several copies of
your plan. Keep track of copies you give out. If potential investors
or bankers refuse investment, be sure to retrieve your business plan.
Making Use
of the Plan
There are many uses for
your business plan, including:
Marketing -
What you will learn about your marketplace, customers and sales
strategies while developing your plan, will be invaluable to you and
the business. You can continue to use the plan once it is completed
to develop marketing objectives, manage the marketing and sales process
and measure progress.
Management - The
operation and management of the business is guided by the strategies
outlined in the plan. Employee and management objectives can be
developed with the plan as a foundation. Measurement of progress
and needs for change will surface when the plan is used as a backdrop
for operational action plans.
Communicating with
investors or lenders - Input from potential investors or lenders
can help you to develop a plan which meets their needs. A plan is
essential when seeking financing. It helps financiers make decisions
quicker.
Your Map For
Success
Your plan will be a mark
of achievement in itself. It is your map for success. Keep in mind
that action is what will make the plan a reality. If a plan is not
acted upon, it will only be a unfulfilled dream. Put your plan into
action. Action gets results. Results make dreams come true.
Next
chapter...
