Simple Business Plan
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Simple business plans are a good place to start if you have never undertaken the planning process before. For many small businesses, a simple business plan is all that is needed. It is a step further than the feasibility study. Ideal as part of the process of planning a small business, a simple business plan may any of the following forms:
* One Page Strategic Plan: Summary of business vision, mission, goals and this years actions (combined simplified version of a strategic plan and operational plan)
* Simple Marketing Plan: Summary of your target market, their wants/needs, and how your business will satisfy them (simplified version of a marketing plan)
* A Business Miniplan of business concept, marketing plan, financing needs and financial statements (cash flow, income projection and balance sheet).
Most important to remember - a simple business plan does not necessarily imply less effort during the planning process - rather it just omits mundane internal details such as operating address and quality of facilities, as the focus is more an internal one. A simple business plan is to keep those IN the business focussed on a common goal and moving in a common direction, to help the owner of a small business put words to incoherent thoughts, to communicate the business concept, and to communicate with staff or small private investors. It is often called a “roadmap” - a document to help you plan your journey, and to periodically check your progress.
A simple business plan is not intended to substitute for a full-length presentation plan; they have different purposes. If you send a miniplan to an investor who’s looking for a comprehensive business plan, they will wonder if you truly understand what is required for running an entrepreneurial venture.
Writing a simple business plan is a good way to test your ability to communicate a business concept, converting information from the feasibility analysis tools into a conversational style presentation. The exercise is GREAT for helping the small business owner really get their head around their own business, and to see the opportunities that wait for them.
The plan can also serve as a valuable introduction to a full-length presentation plan later on.
One Page Strategic Plan
If you are mostly interested in a plan that helps you stay focussed on the overall direction of your business, a one page strategic plan that summarises vision, mission, objectives, strategies, and tasks to achieve them, may be right for you.
Simple Marketing Plan
Simple marketing plans are suitable for businesses that have only one target audience that is easy to identify and simple to reach. Alternatively, if a business has just a couple of products/services, or just a couple of major target markets, a one page summary of each combination may be beneficial to leave in a prominant place to help keep focussed in day to day operations.
The Business Miniplan
A miniplan generally is between one to 10 pages and should include at least some attention to areas such as business concept, financing needs, marketing plan and financial statements, especially cash flow, income projection and balance sheet.
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