How to write a Business Plan continued... Business Plan Sections

Below is a handy dandy business plan template that should help you get started. Be aware that your specific industry may have additional needs that go above and beyond this template, or there may be sections that you don't need. For example, if you are launching a new product or developing a new technology, you'll have an added section about patents, product drawings, and other intellectual property concerns. Or, if you're a solopreneur (in business by yourself) you won't have to spend too much time on your Organization and Management section, cause it's just you.

Don't let this process overwhelm you! Just remember, you know more than you think you know. If it's still a little too much, I'm here to help. Contact me here.

Business Plan Sections

Executive Summary:
Your executive summary is a snapshot of your business plan as a whole and touches on your company profile and goals. Make it sexy, and less than two pages. Sum up your goals, financial needs, and overall plan to kick ass and take names.

Company Description:
Your company description provides information on what you do, how you do it, why you do it, what differentiates your business from others, and the markets your business serves. Put it all out there in this section so the reader will get a truly complete vision of your business.

Market Analysis:
Before launching your business, it is essential for you to research your business industry, market, and competitors. Make your readers understand why you want to start this business and why this industry makes you super excited. Make sure to include why your business is a welcome addition to the industry and why your business will fill a need that’s present.

Organization & Management:
Every business is structured differently. Highlight your management team and their strengths. Write job descriptions for your managers and narrate how a “typical day” will progress. Banks love to see a strong, well-prepared team at the helm.

Service or Product Line:
What do you sell? What do you really sell? Is it one thing? A bunch of things? Do they work in tandem or are they independent? How does your product or service benefit your customers? What is the product life cycle? How much does your product or service cost to produce?

Marketing & Sales:
How do you plan to market your business? Be creative. What is your sales strategy? To whom are you marketing? Why do they care about your business and your product?

Funding Request:|
If you are seeking funding for your business, find out about the necessary information you should include in your plan. Be transparent. If you need $75,000, say that you need $75,000.

Financial Projections:
If you need funding, providing financial projections to back up your request is critical. Research the crap out of this section and know where all of the numbers came from. Get help if you need it.

An appendix is optional, but a useful place to include information such as resumes, permits and leases. Also, include a works cited page if you have any industry information that you cite.

And there you have it! Business Plan: Dunzo. It's obviously not that easy, but hopefully this template makes it less scary. Go get your write-on and get ready to rule the world.

Need some more motivation? Go tell Deborah to shut the f*ck up.