Writing A Simple Business Plan Outline
 There are elements in a business plan outline that can be easily outlined. When writing a business plan outline, you are defining are the qualities that make your business what it is such as:
1. Your business plan outline describes products or services that fill a need and has a good concept that coincides with your understanding of its market.
2. Your business plan outline isn't built on wishful thinking. You want to show, in the business plan, why your small business is viable and how stable its industry is.
3. Your business plan format identifies who is in charge of what tasks. Your business plan includes sound goals that can be met realistically and uses a method to track and communicate status and results.
4. Your business plan outline includes a backup plan in case one element doesn't work as expected or costs exceed the projected outlay. Your plan needs to include how your cash flow is monitored and what type of method is being used to track financial records.
5.Your business plan format should not only outline your immediate goals with the business, but also include plans for further growth.
A simple outline for a business plan consists of addressing the above in a format that is easy to read and understand. Microsoft® Word® provides business plan outline formats and templates you can download to use as a guide.
A good business plan outline can take several weeks or months to develop. Take the time to research your ideas before submitting them to a business lender or buyer. Do not make assumptions that a plan of action will work. You will most likely do several re-writes of your business plan outline before you have the confidence in presenting it.
Business Plan Outline
Writing a solid business plan outline can be lengthy but having one contains everything about your business that can be referred to in order to keep focus. Drafting a table of contents is the best way to start. In your table of contents, you will want to include page on:
1. Your business name, owner(s), address, and telephone number.
2. An Executive Summary that is a short overview of what your business plan outline contains (you can write this last).
3. A General Company Description that explains what your business is about and what you do, along with a mission statement, goals and objectives, business philosophy, and industry description.
4. Products and Services. Describe your company's products and/or services and why your business can compete in its market.
5. A Marketing Plan. How do you plan on effectively getting the word out about your business? How do you plan to advertise and to whom?
6. An Operational Plan. How is business conducted on a daily basis? How many people and types of equipment are used or needed for a smooth-flowing work environment?
7. Management and Organization. Does your business have employees with defined responsibilities and titles? You will want to specify who each person is and what he or she does. You may also include third-party designations as well, such as your accountant or business consultant.
8. Personal Financial Statement. What are your personal liabilities and how much and how often do you use your personal funds to invest into the business? Do you personally have credit worthiness?
9. Startup Expenses and Capitalization. Expect the unexpected here if you are trying to get a business loan. Include your startup expenses and how much capital you and any partners or stockholders have contributed to the business.
10. A Financial Plan that shows the profit and loss over a one and four-year period along with expected cash flow.
Remember These Important Business Plan Outline Elements:
1. While a simple business plan outline can be simple, take the time to address each section with knowledge and foresight.
2. Know how best to present your business plan after completing your final business plan outline. A casual conversation with a friend who may become a partner is different from giving a presentation to a lender.
3. Make provisions to answer questions regarding how you will address unexpected downturns in cash flow or a factor of your business that may not work.
4. Share your business plan outline with others involved. This helps to establish and maintain focus.
5. Use established templates such as those provided by Microsoft® or business plan outline software.
Resources to Help You Create a Professional Small Business Plan Outline:
Business Plan Help and Free Templates:
http://www.bplans.com/
How to Write a Business Plan in a Few Hours
Business Plan: Three 3 Reasons you Need One
More Small Business Articles:
Accounting Tips
Advertising Tips
Business Opportunities
Business Website Tips
Customer Management Tips
Direct Response Marketing
eMail Marketing Tips
Employee Management Tips
Entrepreneurial Tips
Marketing Tips
Money Management Tips
Sales Tips
Small Business Management
Tips on Starting A Business
Business Management Articles - Table of Contents
|
