Sample Business Plans
Perhaps you are ready to work with a professional
consultant and, you want to prepare your own thoughts before a formal meeting. You
can use the notes below to get an understanding of the key components of a business
plan. Give special thought to each area and determine for yourself what they mean to
your business. Once you are done, you are ready to start writing a business plan.
Need more help? In the sections below are links to sample sections of business plans. Keep in mind that they are inluded only to help explain the purpose of the section. Each business plan is a unique document that is specific to your personal vision. Use them to get your thoughts started but don't depend on them for any significant portion of your content.
The Executive Summary is the introduction to the
Business Plan. It plainly states the intention of the plan (secure funding, recruit
employees, etc.) then briefly explains the what the business will do and how it will do
it. When writing the Executive Summary, treat it like a 30 second conversation with
a very important person. For example, if you were in an elevator with Bill Gates,
what would you say to convince him to invest in your business between the 10th floor and
the Lobby?
Click Here
for a sample Executive Summary
The Management and Personnel section
describes the human resources behind the business. These resources could be
employees, business partners or subcontractors. Your Management section
must explain the importance of the human element to your business strategy then tell
the reader how you will locate these people and convince them to work with
you.
Click Here for a
sample Management and Personnel section
The Operation section decribes your process for operating the business. It should explain how you intend to offer your product or service and what makes your system special. If your system depends heavily on specific equipment or if it represents a strategic advantage, state this in the Operation section.
Click Here for a sample Operation section
The Products and Services section will describe
what you will offer your clients and in what format. Will you sell services by the
hour or products by the barrel? Will you charge a flat fee or will there be a
subscription involved? All of these questions need to be answered in order to
explain what your clients will receive in exchange for their money.
Click Here for a
sample Products and Services section
The Marketing section will explain your strategy
for effectively promoting your products and services. You must carefully define your
target market and explain why you chose them. Then, you must discuss how you'll
reach that market and convince them of your products benefits. Finally, this section
should include information on your competitors. Tell the reader what your
clients consider to be alternatives to your product and why will still they choose you.
Click Here for a sample Marketing section
The Finance section of your plan should wrap
up the other section by proving the profitability of your business. This is tricky
to do because there are often no direct comparisons to your business. And if direct
comparisons exist, it means that the market for your product is probably ripe with
competition. When writing this section be careful to balance optimism and
realism. Be honest about the financial risks but also show the financial reward in
store for you in the end.
Click Here for a sample Finance section