Trying to find a good example of some slick business plans? Or just wondering what would make a plan, well, slick? It might be tough to put your finger on, but the bottom line is, the more accessible a plan is for the reader, the better. That might mean including pictures and graphics (the old “show don't tellâ€) or keeping sections brief, but it might also mean giving enough of a financial forecast that a reviewer can check out your assumptions and quickly come to their own conclusion about whether the business is viable. All told, a slick business plan is one that makes a compelling case for a new business (or the expansion of an existing one) without getting bogged down in irrelevancies or fanciful, pie-in-the-sky projections. How do you accomplish this? Make sure your plan addresses these:
• Who are the major competitors in the space, and how well do they do?
• What are the industry averages and how do they compare to your projections?
• What percentage of sales do staffing, overhead, and other OpEx categories run at?
• What amount of capital are you seeking and how will you use it?
• What is the likely break-even point and when can investors realize a profit?
A great business plan, whether or not someone would call it slick, is one that is readable without shorting any important details. An investor needs to understand quickly why your company is important, what market need it answers, and how it intends to become a profitable operation within a reasonable window of time. But that doesn't mean you can ignore the need for research. You need smart assumptions, data from industry sources and competitors (the more current, the better), and a thoughtful pro forma with revenues and expenses spelled out for 3-5 years. Need assistance with this project? No one makes a slick business plan like the experts at MasterPlans. Since 2002 we have been writing business plans for start-ups and existing clients with great success. Call a project consultant right away at (877) 453-2011 (toll free).
