Trying to write a powerful business plan? The main ingredients are a concise executive summary, a strong market analysis that shows the opportunity in a positive yet believable light, and a brief financial pro forma illustrating either three years or five years of anticipated performance. For business plans being read by investors, a five-year model is required, along with (typically) an investor proposition so that the share of the business at play is disclosed, even if the plan itself does not constitute a specific offering. For bank-level plans or any document that you will present to the Small Business Administration or its delegates, a three-year model will suffice, though you need to show the first year in a month-by-month appendix. Other keys to a powerful business plan:
• A careful look at your closest competitive comparables
• Some insights into your core customer base (commonalities, spending patterns, etc.)
• Assumptions underpinning the projections
• A good break-even point supported by market data
• A sensitivity analysis so that readers can gauge the impact of higher or lower sales
Powerful business plans are also professionally presented. While Microsoft Word will suffice, and Business Plan Pro exports are common in the industry, consider taking your plan to the next level with a professional design and layout at the end. You should have a defined brand, a memorable slogan, and an eye-catching logo, all woven into a business plan laid out professionally in InDesign, Illustrator, or another design program. MasterPlans can do all of this for you. Whether you are stuck on the market analysis, puzzled about the financials, or simply looking for a consultant to carry your draft to completion, we have the experts on staff to deliver exceptional results. Call today to speak with our consultants – 877-453-2011.
