I meet so many people who are looking to raise capital for their business or they just want to write a business plan so that they can get their thoughts in place, so I decided to write a brief article about how to write a business plan. If you are not convinced that you need a business plan then you need to read this article “6 Reasons Why You Need A Business Plan.” If you are convinced you need... 

To show to investors. This is a very common reason and most people think about writing a business plan only when they need outside financing. To get clarity about the direction in which your business is heading. Your business plan acts as a blueprint for your future actions and inactions. To evaluate every aspect of your business in an organized manner. The various aspects... 

Most people start looking for a business plan the night before they need funding. You don’t prepare a business plan the night before you need funding, you prepare a business plan before you even start a business or at least within the first six months of starting a business. Lot of successful entrepreneurs may have started without a business plan, but they did not stay that way. They eventually... 

Excerpt from On Target: The Book on Marketing Plans by Tim Berry and Doug Wilson Every marketing plan has to fit the needs and situation. Even so, there are standard components you just can’t do without. A marketing plan should always have a situation analysis, marketing strategy, sales forecast, and expense budget. Situation Analysis: Normally this will include a market analysis, a SWOT analysis... 

By Palo Alto Software, Inc. Not everyone who starts and runs a business begins with a business plan, but it certainly helps to have one. If you are seeking funding from a venture capitalist, you will certainly need a comprehensive business plan that is well thought out and demonstrates sound business reasoning. If you are approaching a banker for a loan for a start-up business, your loan officer may... 

By Palo Alto Software, Inc. Business planning is about results. For every business plan, you need to make the contents of your plan match your purpose. Don’t accept a standard outline just because it’s there. In the United States business market there is a standardization about business plans. You can find dozens of books on the subject, about as many Web sites, two or three serious software... 

By Palo Alto Software, Inc. Often you may hear about what a business plan consists of. While including the necessary items is very important, you also want to make sure you don’t commit any of the following common business plan mistakes: 1. Putting it off. Don’t wait to write a plan until you absolutely have to. Too many businesses make business plans only when they have no choice in... 

By Palo Alto Software, Inc. A business plan is not a one-time document, at least it shouldn’t be. Most businesses put together a business plan during their start-up phase to organize, attract partners and employees, and to try and get a loan or financial investment. This is a great use of a business plan, however far too often once the company has started up the plan isn’t touched again. Ultimately,... 

By Palo Alto Software, Inc. A common problem people encounter when writing their business plan is finding information about their business industry and competitive companies. Fortunately, in recent years the Internet has made information gathering simple and easy, but sometimes the best information is found much closer to home, with real people, in real time. Always take a look at other businesses... 

Courtesy of Palo Alto Software, Inc. The best way to show bankers, venture capitalists, and angel investors that you are worthy of financial support is to show them a great business plan. Make sure that your plan is clear, focused and realistic. Then show them that you have the tools, talent and team to make it happen. Your business plan is like your calling card, it will get you in the door where...