Business Plans Are Necessary For Long-term Success

by Jose DeJesus MD, MBA

It is good for you that you are planning to start a new business. Many people fool around with the idea of opening up a new business but never make their mind to really do it. Many don't even get to this vital stage of decision. Now there is some serious work to do once you have made your choice. Several steps may constitute the process of initiating any business, and the first of all is to create a concrete business plan.

A business plan is not as simple as just saying you wish to become a business owner. Business plans are formal documents that describe in detail everything about the future business, including how the business will operate, how it will be managed, and the goals for the business. Business plans are useful to owners and managers, as well as employees and customers.

Creativity is key when it comes to constructing business plans. It is best to tailor your business plan to the type of operation your are endeavoring to run, whether it's a large business franchise or small scale operation. Business plans allow not only you to determine what your company's strategy will be, but also the tactics you will employ to make your strategy work!

What does a business plan consist of? The typical business plan is divided into several sections, each for a different purpose. In most cases you'll start off with an executive summary, which briefly summarizes your business's purpose and main goals. The second section describes your research into your business field; it's called the market analysis. The third section describes your business in more detail, explaining its organizational structure, marketing, and product line.

In the end, you have the funding and financial sections, which elaborate the strategy to fund and expand your business. After all, it is the money that matters the most and no business is less dependent on it. Depending upon whether you are using startup business loans or similar investments, and what amount of startup funding will be provided by initial shareholders from equity invested, you can even add more information to the above sections.

It is acceptable to place and appendix at the end when writing business plans. The appendix is a valuable tool for outsiders, such as creditors and suppliers, who need to see official documents related to your plan. Such documents include credit report and history, legal forms, licenses, permits, and contracts.

Above all, keep in mind that business plans, by nature, are not set in stone. Businesses change, grow, and evolve, and their plans should too. The plan you devise for your fledgling mom-and-pop store will not be suitable if it becomes a massive franchise. Therefore, you should continually update the plan as your business and its goals change. By doing this, you will be much better equipped to handle the many business-related challenges you will encounter.

If you dream of starting your own business, the very first thing you need to do is write a well thought out business plan. Business plans are an official strategy written not only for your personal use, but for employees, customers, creditors and suppliers. Business plan sets forth guidelines establishing the purpose, operations, management and goals of business franchise. It is composed of different sections namely an executive summary, market analysis, narration on management, marketing and product line. Also, the funding, startup business loans and financial sections are then followed by the appendix at the end. Businesses evolve and their plans should too.

Published September 13th, 2007

Filed in Business, Management