Creating a Business Plan: What You Need to Know

The Importance of Creating a Business Plan

There are many benefits of having a business plan in place before the company opens its doors to the public. Companies that don’t have a plan may struggle when it comes to identifying key features about their business. When owners are able to put their vision on paper, it can help the company materialize into exactly what the owner had planned. As the plans are created, owners are able to change and modify the plan’s contents in order to fit the company as it grows and adapts to the marketplace.

Identifying the Parts of a Business Plan

While every business plan is unique and specific to the owner’s needs and desires, there are some common features that every company foundation should have. Companies should create a vision statement, or a snippet that describes the purpose of the company as well as where the owner wants to see it in the future. The business owner should then analyze the market to see whether there is a potential for profit. There should be a clear understanding of what the competition is and whether or not there is an actual interest in the business. Topics regarding location, employees, training and advertising should also be addressed.

Financial Concerns

Once the owner determines that starting a business is actually a worthwhile venture, he or she should work on financing the company. One of the most important parts of the business plan is the company’s financial foundation. Is the owner able to fund the entire startup? Is the owner seeking assistance from investors? People who are starting a business may encounter certain financial concerns and should explore all of their options when it comes to acquiring capital. They may wish to sell stocks, obtain money from investors or finance a loan through a financial institution. By considering how much money will be acquired, as well as how long it will take to pay back the borrowed funds, owners can make the decisions that best meet their needs.

The business plan should also include reports that give people a comprehensive view of the company’s financials. Cash flow projections, startup cost breakdown, profit and loss reports, estimated taxes and insurance costs should also be shown in the financial documents.

Marketing Options

In order to create a competitive business that can hold its own in the industry, owners must focus on building a strong marketing plan. This may involve creating a website, keeping up social media profiles, perfecting customer service skills and investing in various advertising methods. Growing a company can be difficult in certain industries. An aggressive marketing approach just may mean the difference between a company’s success or failure.

Operation Methods

A business’s method of operation explains how the company wants its employees to act toward its customers. It also describes the role of each employee and how they fit into the company as a whole. Operation guidelines should explain the hiring process and training procedures, as well as how to handle certain situations that may arise. For example, the owner may indicate how an employee should handle theft, emergency medical situations and workplace injuries. All of these topics are crucial to the everyday operations of the business.

Research the Competition

Before a company opens its doors, it must evaluate the competition. Businesses that are selling the same product or service can limit the new business’s ability to gain customers. What is the competition doing that makes them successful? How can the business entice customers to use its product or service? Will the business be able to overcome the competition? Business owners can use the competition’s successes and failures in order to make their company stronger.

It is crucial that business owners fully understand what is entailed in developing a business plan and the advantages in creating one. By charting out the best route for their financial future, owners can help their company grow into a successful business.