Suggested Outline for a Business Plan
Business plans are often used to help determine whether
or not a business venture is likely to e successful. The
most critical judge of any venture should be the
potential owner of the business. That person typically
has the most to gain or lose by the ultimate success or
failure of the concept. By answering the following
questions, you should be more informed and focused on
the business viability and your own appropriateness for
this opportunity. Please note that the study
intentionally does not include a financial analysis
section, which you obviously want to include. You should
exercise great due diligence in this regard and consider
utilizing the services of a professional advisor(s).
I. Company Description / Overview
A. Nature of Business
1. Individuals being served / their needs
2. Why your area?
B. Your Distinctive Competencies (primary factors that
will lead to your success)
1. Superior customer need satisfaction
2. Production/service
delivery efficiencies
3. Personnel
4. Geographic location
II. Market Analysis
A. Target Markets
1.Demographics
2. Geographic location
3. Seasonal/cyclical
trends
B. Competition
1. Identification
2. Strengths (competitive
advantages)
3. Weaknesses
(competitive disadvantages)
III. Products and Services
A. Detailed Product/Service Description (from the user's
perspective)
1. Specific benefits of product/service
2. Ability to meet needs
3. Competitive advantages
IV. Marketing and Sales Activities
A. Overall Market Strategy
1.Market penetration strategy
a. Intended means (including Advertising, promotion,
printed matter, etc.)
2. Growth Strategy
V. Management and Ownership
A. Management Staff Structure
B. Key Managers (including self)
1. Name
2. Position
3. Primary
responsibilities and authority
4. Primary
responsibilities and authority with previous employers
5. Unique skills and
experiences that add to your company's distinctive
competencies.
C. Legal Structure of the Business
VI. Organization and Personnel
A. Recruitment procedures
B. Staffing levels
This Outline Brought to You by
The Business Plan Group:
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