Help making a business plan

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griff

posts: 3

Aug 20, 2008 12:22 PM ET Quote

Points: 0 Vote

Well here I am all motivated to start a business, there is just one problem, I have never done a business plan before. Can anyone help? What is the absolute first thing that I should do? I already know what business I want to open, so what next???

robertj

posts: 1181

Aug 20, 2008 12:41 PM ET Quote

Points: 0 Vote

griff,

What is your intended purpose for the plan?

Will you be using it as an internal guide/ road map?

Do you intend to seek some type of external capital as part of the startup phase?

Robert

-------------------------

Business Growth Masters, LLC -
Capital Catalysts for Entrepreneurs
Home of the Scalable Business Plan and QuikStart Capital Programs
http://www.bizgrowthmasters.com
info@bizgrowthmasters.com

StartUpSmart

posts: 51

Aug 20, 2008 12:44 PM ET Quote

Points: 0 Vote

Hi,

First of all I would suggest getting some help. However, that is a bit of a self serving reply since that is what my firm does. So, outside of that advice, I suggest clarifying what your personal goal for the business is and what you hope to accomplish first. Also, do you need funding for your business as this may shape the structure of your plan?

Please feel free to connect with me directly if you have questions. Good luck!!

-------------------------

Need Capital For Your Business...Start Here!
http://www.startupsmart.net
Joe F. Clark
Senior Principal
Start-Up Smart, LLC. - the clever way to accelerate your business
jclark@startupsmart.net

CraigL

posts: 9051

Aug 20, 2008 3:58 PM ET Quote

Points: 1 Vote

Here`s a link:
The basics of a Business Plan.

-------------------------

Craig Landes
---
Defining the undefinable. "There are 10 kinds of people in the world---those who understand binary numbers and those who don`t." - Unknown

International Society of Curmudgeons

bellapria

posts: 22

Aug 20, 2008 4:18 PM ET Quote

Points: 0 Vote

Definitely use the internet. There are tons of sites to help you write one. Also determine what you are writing it for like Robert said. That will make a difference.

griff

posts: 3

Aug 20, 2008 4:34 PM ET Quote

Points: 0 Vote

I hope that having a plan will help me understand the do`s and don`ts along the way, all to many times I have seen businesses fail due to poor planning. I `d rather not be in that bunch! So, with that said, the most important thing (for me) is funding. That initial start-up cost. Do you need a business plan to get funding, i.e loans, grants? Obviously I go to a bank for a loan, but where do I go if I am seeking a government grant? The bottom line is that my plan will serve as a road map for where I want to go. I you have any suggestions please let me know.

Thanks.

peter41

posts: 1

Aug 20, 2008 5:34 PM ET Quote

Points: 0 Vote

What is your intended purpose for the plan?

Will you be using it as an internal guide/ road map?

Do you intend to seek some type of external capital as part of the startup phase?

==========================================================

peterheins

<a href="http://asciitech.com">asciisol</a>

robertj

posts: 1181

Aug 20, 2008 5:54 PM ET Quote

Points: 0 Vote

To acquire capital, you will almost assuredly need some type of plan. First of all, because it will "tell" how much capital you will need and approximately when. We guide people in the development of their business plan - which we recommend they do in stages. Send me a PM with your direct email and I`ll share the initial steps we suggest to our clients.

As for capital, a bank is but one source for a loan and typically not the most receptive to startup situations. There are over 50 ways to bring outside capital into a business. Their applicability and probability of success depend upon the specific situation.

griff

posts: 3

Aug 21, 2008 9:49 AM ET Quote

Points: 0 Vote

hey robert, my direct e-mail address is mgriff11@hotmail.com

onlineaddict

posts: 12

Aug 26, 2008 3:53 AM ET Quote

Points: 0 Vote

Here`s a link that has a collection of plan templates. It would be useful while you are creating one.

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Geexoo - All Geek Feeds @ One Page
Wellness Feed - All Health Feeds @ One Page

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