A business plan outline is the second most important starting point once you've pre-determined your audience. The business plan outline should be prepared before the actual research and writing of the business plan. Once your outline has been set; organize your research files around the layout of your plan.
Every business plan follows a generic outline but not every business plan is the same. Business plan outlines differ on 2 factors:
1. Type of Business: Details of critical success factors for businesses in your industry must be included in the plan. Technology companies will discuss R & D, intellectual property, and time to market. A retailer will feature pricing methods, inventory control, merchandising and location. Ensure that your plan is complete by addressing factors important to your industry.
2. Type of Audience: A banker business plan will be different from an investor plan. Bankers like to see risk assessment and planning, loan amounts, repayment terms and collateral. Investors want a return on investment, an exit strategy, and planned growth with the funds.
Business Plan Outline General
Executive Summary: overview of most important points of business plan and selling your business.
Company Description: mission statement, company overview, industry briefing, corporate history, legal structure.
Products & Services: description, R & D, pricing, delivery, production.
Marketing & Sales: market definition, customer profile, competitive & SWOT analysis, strategy, sales & promotion.
Operations: Legal & government issues, staffing, suppliers, alliances, policies, risk assessment, facilities, location, insurance, milestones.
Management: key job descriptions, responsibilities, management team, organizational chart, advisors.
Financials: Profit & loss, cash flow, balance sheet, financing, debt schedule, use of funds and assumptions, break-even analysis.
Business Plan Outline Extras
The extras are what takes a plan from 10 pages to 20 pages. More in-depth and detailed for higher levels of funding and a greater complexity of investors. No real need for extras if your plan does not require it. Here's a brief description of some of the extras that can be added to your business plan outline:
What goes into your business plan appendix for a complete outline?
The Appendix
Your business plan will require an appendix following the financials for all supporting documents. This acts as a great reference area to back up your assumptions and provide added credibility to the plan. The appendix is not part of the plan but an addition. Therefore, a 10 page business plan will be 10 pages plus the cover, table of contents, and appendix.
What to Put in Your Business Plan Appendix?
Once you have a good understanding of the business plan outline needed for your company then the research and writing can begin.
A business plan novel does not ensure success. Provide enough information for decision-makers to give you the opportunity to sell your company and yourself.
House of Meetings by Martin Amis
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