Ready Set Plan

A Business Plan Guide for 2008

In many cases, operators in our industry struggle to put their business plans and company vision on paper. It is statistically proven that you are more likely to realize goals when you write them down. Get organized and focused on 2008 using the following business plan outline as a guide.

This is an outline of a complete business plan:

Summary
Business concept
Current situation
Key success factors
Financial situation/needs

Vision
Vision statement
Milestones

Market analysis
The overall market
Changes in the market
Market segments
Target market and customers
Customer characteristics
Customer needs
Customer buying decisions

Competitive analysis
Industry overview
Nature of competition
Changes in the industry
Primary competitors
Competitive products/services
Opportunities
Threats and risks

Strategy
Key competitive capabilities
Key competitive weaknesses
Strategy
Implementing strategy

Products/services
Product/service description
Positioning of products/services
Competitive evaluation of products/services
Future products/services

Marketing and sales
Marketing strategy
Sales tactics
Advertising
Promotions/incentives
Publicity
Trade shows

Operations
Key personnel
Organizational structure
Human resources plan
Product/service delivery
Customer service/support
Facilities

Creating the financials of the business plan
Assumptions and comments
Starting balance sheet
Profit-and-loss projection
Cash flow projection
Balance sheet projection
Ratios and analyses

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