How to Write A Simple Business Plan
How to Write a Simple Business Plan
HOW TO WRITE A ONE PAGE BUSINESS PLAN
In this article I will explain how to write a Simple One Page Business plan, the purpose behind a Business Plan, what’s involved in one, the benefits of a business plan and provide you with some sample business plans.
What is the Purpose of a One Page Business Plan..
A one page business plan is like a money blueprint.
Without one, you may not be able to visualise your business or understand your business. A one page business plan helps you articulate exactly what it is you wish to accomplish with your business. Getting it back to only one page, helps you clarify what you wish to accomplish, when and how, as well as defining your greater impact on society.
What is covered in this post:
- Visualise to Articulate
- Little effort – Big Success
- Value of a Business Plan
- Things to consider putting in a Business Plan
- Sample Business Plans
CLARIFYING THE CONTENTS OF A ONE PAGE BUSINESS PLAN
VISUALISE to ARTICULATE
The process to get a successful business happening and a successful one page business plan done – is to get your thoughts on paper.
I recommend spending some time getting your thoughts in order, or happening even. I never used to appreciate the purpose of this or the benefits, however I have discovered it is essential to helping you create the lifestyle and business you desire.
Make the picture of your business very clear and defined, then articulate it so that others will want to be part of it. If you can write it or say it, so that a 10 year old gets the picture – then you are able to articulate and clearly define what it is you wish to accomplish. Focus on what you wish to achieve now. Don’t get bogged down in all you “could” accomplish. For now, lets get clear on the one, yes, 1 thing your business will do well. Really well.
GET RESULTS WITH A ONE PAGE BUSINESS PLAN.
I have failed at a few network marketing and direct selling businesses. My results were less than motivational. So upon beginning my online marketing career – it occurred to me to assess what I did or didn’t do in my past business ventures. This was so I did not achieve similar results, aka – failure!
I should have been successful. There were systems to follow and training galore. I had the desire for success and some drive but lacked some marketing knowledge. More importantly and notably, I lacked direction for my business outcomes. There is a concern that you can easily get bogged down with doing and “surviving”. You tend to lose track of the end result you are seeking to achieve, get caught up in learning and forget to do.
I knew about Business Plans – but never took the time to write one. That is, until I read Marc Allen’s “Millionaire Course”. He made having a plan for your business and your life, make so much sense.
If you can visualise your business on paper – then you can make it work in reality.
With Clarity Comes Focus
LITTLE EFFORT creates BIG SUCCESS
So I’m what they call a “global” personality – the kind of person who isn’t much into detail. When I have a party, I just tell you to arrive, and when you get here hope like crazy I have enough food, chairs and drinks.. or even before that, hope like crazy that you remember to come..
I have a friend who is the exact opposite. She is a “specific” personality. In other words, when she has a party – she is sickenly organised. She drives herself crazy beforehand. Invites are sent, and everything is arranged to a “T’. She is so detailed orientated. It’s disturbing. (Well for me anyways). She has the cutlery and crockery polished and set up before anyone arrives, I, on the other hand, am madly running around trying to scrounge up enough plates and cutlery.
Both of us enjoy our parties, however she enjoys hers, right from the get go. I only relax after all the work is completed when practically everyone is leaving. She meets you at the door and is the perfect hostess. Im more than likely still getting dressed, because 5 minutes before you arrive, I noticed the floors needed mopping.
The moral of the story is – a little effort at the start ensure success at the end.
BUSINESS PLANS
If you are like me and not into details, you can imagine the pain and agony felt upon discovering this thing called a Business Plan. My immediate thoughts were they were for large companies and would be lots of work. –
The above story is an example of the time and effort you need to set aside to create a business plan. It also shows you the benefits of being specific and detailed. This One Page Business Plan is a method of compiling your thoughts and information into a simple action plan. It provides direction, and clarity and keeps you focused. It is a starting place for bigger things. Business plans can be daunting. There is research, information, and analysis – all necessary, however right from the start, they can deter you.
With this simple plan, you will move forward. Use it as the basis for the creation of an in-depth Business Plan. Then use it when you seek finance, partners and new products. It’s a roadmap showing all the alternative routes you can take. Or I prefer Treasure Map because at the end – you discover gold!!
THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAILS
Even if you are not at the stage of seeking more finance, it is good to be able to articulate what you are providing with your business. It is said that successful businesses set realistic goals. Thankfully Marc Allen must know the kind of person I am, and he has this one page business plan all worked out.
As well as ensuring you are organised, the purpose of a one page business plan is to allow you to present your idea to investors, friends, family, customers and financiers in a detailed coherent way.
In the video below, Ive gone into more of what is involved and why you need a one page business plan. In Feel free to post any comments or contact me should you have any questions.
THE VALUE OF A BUSINESS PLAN
One thing I have discovered from researching business plans and actually completing one for myself this time round, is that they do give you a lot of clarity and focus. It also helps you to ascertain the level of commitment required to fulfil this venture.
The plan is to not get hung up on perfection. This is a guide to help you act and create the business. An outline to follow, to gauge your progress. This process can lead to continuous improvement and possibly course corrections. – so there will always be new versions with more detail and depth. This is just to get you started.
A business plan contains your Vision, Mission, Objectives and Strategies to achieve the outcomes you desire.
The benefits of a Plan are – to help you ensure you have considered everything, justify your plans and actions, test your ideas on paper and indicate your stability and commitment.
First off, a Business plan contains a mission statement. That’s a statement about what your business does, or wishes to achieve. It can be long and detailed, short and explicit… whatever works for you and your vision!
Here are some examples of Mission Statements:
Toyota – Toyota seeks to create a more prosperous society through automobile manufacturing”
Google ´To make the world’s information universally accessible and useful”
Starbucks Our mission is to inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person one cup and one neighbourhood at a time”
Send Out Cards “Changing Lives, One Card at a time“
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN WRITING A ONE PAGE BUSINESS PLAN
When you begin to form a clear picture of the business, industry and niche market you want to service a Simple One Page Business Plan is best to help you get sorted. Once you have grown and achieved some of your original goals, it would be useful to revamp your business plan and grow it with your business.
Some things to consider prior to writing your business plan..
What your industry looks like – your niche, your target market
What your company (or you) believes in – what are your values, what do you wish to teach others.
What markets you want to compete in
What competition you will be up against
What products and services you want to provide
What value you can offer customers
Why does it promise to be successful?
What long term advantages are there for your customers
How will you connect and build relationships with your customers
How will you market to your customers.
What features does your product have?
What is your future plans re hiring staff and growing the business.
How will finances be managed.
What regulations affect your business.
The ideas above are a starting point as I am sure you will find many more things to think about as you begin the process of planning your business.
WATCH MY 7 min POWERPOINT DEMONSTRATION ON HOW TO COMPLETE A SIMPLE BUSINESS PLAN
[VIDEO]
HERES A COUPLE TEMPLATES FOR YOU TO START WITH.
Business Plan Template Sample Business Plan Sample Business Plan 1
My FAVOURITE….
