dibya’s blogosphere

It is hard to take a business seriously when there is little or nothing in writing about its structure, future direction, or position in the marketplace. That is why a business plan may be the most important document you will ever write for your business.

Simply stated, a business plan is a written document detailing the operational and financial aspects of your company. Like a road map, it helps you determine where you are, where you want to be, and how you are going to get there. If it is well written, your business plan will keep you in touch with your goals, potential risks and probable rewards. Moreover, it may be the crucial factor in convincing investors or company management to give you the financing you will need to realize your dream.

Whether you are seeking a loan, looking for an investor, soliciting management or simply using the business plan to manage your business growth, the ideas, exercises and discussions contained in this course will provide the structure to write a business plan designed to steer your company into long lasting success.

This course is deliberately designed as overkill for most businesses. That is good because you have plenty to work with. It compels you to think through many different possibilities for building your business beyond your imagination. There is nothing “cutesy” or “full-of-fluff” about this course. There is, however, a series of practical exercises to assist you to quickly produce a plan of action – from a brief 10-15 page proposal to a comprehensive 40-50 page operating plan.

Remember, your marketing and sales strategies are what substantiate your financial projections. The Market Analysis and Marketing Plan sections make the difference between a “blue-sky” proposition and a viable business worthy of a solid investment.

Be sure to read the introduction before starting in on your plan. It is a brief reality check on writing business plans. It is years of wisdom crammed into a few pages and it makes a lot of sense. You will become a smarter, more effective business person because you will successfully complete this important project, and enjoy more time for other priorities.