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Chapter 4 - Failing to Plan Is Planning To Fail
Three Main Reasons For Having a Business Plan

Why You Must Have A Business Plan

Three Main Reasons For Having a Business Plan:
Investors , Goals , and Reality Checks

It may seem that a business plan is a lot of work. You may even be wondering why one is necessary.

It is because a business plan is essential to your business a success.

A business plan will help you get funds for your business. Beyond that it can help you think about every area of your business.

So, You Need Money

A business plan is a strong communication tool to others about your business and its chance of success, including those that may wish to help you financially.

Most bankers will require you to have a business plan when seeking a loan. This is also true if you are seeking investment capital through other sources.

Your business plan will help others see what your business is and what it can become. It will show both short-term and long-term goals, and give the lender a sense of its likely success.

Investors and bankers feel more comfortable backing a company with a well thought out plan than one hastily thrown together.

When you use your business plan to make effective presentations to investors or bankers, you will need to pay particular attention to your writing style.

You will be judged by the quality and appearance of your work as well as by your ideas

Goals Equal Success

Business owners that take the time to write a business plan are more likely to succeed than those that do not because it helps focus ideas.

This is because a business plan outlines what you have to offer, what you'll need to start, and what your goals are. A carefully created plan is like a road map and when it is followed, it leads to success.

Having written goals can help you and your employees stay on track. It can also help you clarify and revise goals as your business changes and grows.

Avoiding Pitfalls

Having a business plan can also help you avoid pitfalls by making you look at your business in an objective and critical manner.

For instance, with a business plan, you are more likely to anticipate the actual funds needed in the first year of business.

It can also help you see what areas of expertise you are lacking and allow you to find team players to assist you in these areas.

Writing a business plan for your business shouldn't be something to be afraid of.

If anything, a business plan will help you focus, get all your goals and ideas on paper, and help guide you in making your business a success.

Keep in mind, however, that your business plan will only be useful if you use it.

Next Page:
Making Business Goals Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely
Starting A Business Book Cover

You're on Chapter 4:

Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Starting a Business But Were Afraid To Ask

Simple, No Nonsense Steps For Getting Your Small Business Off The Ground

Chapter 1:

Steps to Starting a Small Business

Chapter 2:

Finding the Business and Products That Suit You AND Your Customer

Chapter 3:

Four Ways To Form Your Company

Chapter 4:

Failing to Plan Is Planning To Fail

Why Your Business Needs A Business Plan

Three Main Reasons For Having a Business Plan

Making Business Goals Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely

Chapter 5:

Financing Your Business

Chapter 6:

Making Your Business Legitimate

Chapter 7:

Business Insurance

Chapter 8:

Marketing Strategies For Small Businesses

Chapter 9:

Business Location

Chapter 10:

Technology And your Small Business

Chapter 11:

Your Business And Employees

Summary:

Business Success Checklist