Wondering what the best interactive business plan looks like? To be sure, there are some interactive elements that you can build into your plan. Links embedded in a PDF can direct readers to online videos that illustrate unique features of your product. Color-coded maps can show where your target market is most dense. Audio clips or other A/V features hosted on the web or at your company's website can be excellent complements to your business plan, though you should be aware that they change the presentation itself. A banker, for example, will more likely be turned off by interactive features than taken by them. You should know your audience before you personally devote too much time to these elements. Some other considerations:
• The financials can't be made interactive without opening up the drivers to the reader – these are sacred tabs and you should be aware that you might complicate the plan by giving too much access early on in your pitch process
• Some of the simplest ways to make your plan more compelling are actually quite easy – consider, for example, developing a PowerPoint to complement the document itself or building out the website for your company
• You can also host your plan online in flash format, which instantly creates a more interactive experience for potential backers or partners
The business plan, in interactive format, can evolve into a different animal than a simple Word document or business planning software file. Just bear in mind that having a flashy plan doesn't take the place of substance. Sound financial modeling, a complete market analysis, and a marketing plan with believable objectives – these are still vital components no matter how showy your end product is. Don't neglect the basics! If you need to consult with an expert on these formats, or want to see how amazing a plan can look, call a MasterPlans consultant today. (877) 453-2011.
