How to Write a Business Plan
Preliminary Tasks		Done
1.	Complete market research and analyses
2.	Clarify key matters relating to products/services and technology
3.	Form the basis of the management team
4.	Prepare a strategic plan as framework for detailed plan
5.	Decide the central purpose of the plan and its target audience
6.	Locate professional advisers to assist with the planning
7.	Acquire any software tools needed to help prepare the plan
8.	Research and compile a list of possible recipients of the plan
9.	Ascertain any specific needs of likely key recipients

Writing the Plan		Done
1.	Create a framework for the plan e.g. table of contents
2.	Identify possible appendices, attachments etc.
3.	Estimate page lengths for each key section
4.	List main issues and topics to be covered within key sections
5.	Assign work programs based on the framework and lists
6.	Draft preliminary sections (excluding summary) within the front of the plan
7.	Draft all key sections in the plan's body in a logical sequence
8.	Compile financial projections, funding proposals and related appendices
9.	Check the preliminary draft for completeness and plug gaps
10.	Stand back and take a detached overview of the draft
11.	Let an outsider or adviser critique the latest draft
12.	Redraft, fine tune and spell check
13.	Write the executive summary and plan's conclusion
14.	Get an independent assessment of the final draft

Reviewing the Plan		OK
1.	Is the plan nicely presented - bound, page numbered etc.?
2.	Has the plan been spell checked in its final form?
3.	Is the plan's length appropriate to its purpose ?
4.	Have the business's (funding) needs been clearly stated ?
5.	Does the plan's summary stimulate interest ?
6.	Have all key questions been anticipated ?
7.	What likely objections remain unresolved ?
8.	Will the plan provoke the desired responses?

Further help:

Explore the Business Plan Guide.
Download Free-Plan, a free Business Plan Template for Word (48 pages) and a complementary Guide (supplied as a 90+ topic Help file and as a 100+ page PDF file for printing).

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Business Planner
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See also:
How NOT to Write a Business Plan

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