Searching for a decent business plan textbook? There are literally thousands of different business-oriented textbooks in modern classrooms today, targeted toward aspiring entrepreneurs and managers in industries from finance to telecom. But in most of these tomes, the business plan itself is little more than a chapter. Ask any MBA student how much time was spent in class developing business plans or researching the criteria for the document itself, and you'll be surprised to hear that it's closer to a footnote than a main focus. The few textbooks that are out there on business plan development leave something to be desired. So where can you turn? Making your own business plan is an exercise in trial and error, but there are resources that can help guide you:
• The Small Business Administration website
• Data aggregators like Hoovers
• The US Census Bureau
• SCORE offices and small business development centers
• Business clubs and non-profits
Templates, guide books, and other resources can be found in droves on the web, but these materials might not be of much use to you depending on your specific vision, capital requirements, and enterprise. Remember that you need a current market analysis in order to create a strong working pro forma, and having a strong grasp on the industry locally and nationally is important for any investor to see. You should know a thing or two about your chief competitors and be able to explain how there is something different about the service suite or products your business can deliver. Competitive edge, market need, and implementation plan details are all essential. If you're unhappy with the business plan textbooks available to you at your local book store or online, consider turning to MasterPlans instead. We have a team of experts on staff ready to assist you: (877) 453-2011.
