Business Planning

Business Plan
A business plan is a written description of your business's future, a document that tells what you plan to do and how you plan to do it. If you jot down a paragraph on the back of an envelope describing your business strategy, you've written a plan, or at least the germ of a plan.
http://www.entrepreneur.com/businessplan/index.html

Before Writing Your Plan

How Long Should Your Plan Be?
Keep it simple (Keep the wording and formatting straightforward, and keep the plan short) Short sentences are easier to read Avoid buzzwords, jargons and acronyms. Use simple, straightforward language (use instead of utilize) Avoid naked bullet points (give brief explanations)
http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/78610

Before Writing Your Plan

Keep it short (ideally it should be 20-30 pages plus 10 more for appendices) Graphics add real value ( product shots, location shots, menus, blueprints, floor plans, logos) Use business charts Polish the overall look and feel (stick to two fonts, avoid small fonts, use page breaks to separate sections and charts, use space liberally, use spell checker)
http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/78610

Before Writing Your Plan

Who Needs A Business Plan?
Startups (the classic writer is an entrepreneur seeking funds to help start a new venture. Many companies started out in a form of a plan that was used to convince investors to put the necessary capital to get them started.
Established Firms Seeking Help (Many are written by and for companies that are long past the startup stage. They may draft plans to help in finding funding for growth.
http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/38290-2

Before Writing Your Plan

Determine Your Goals and Objectives
Where do you want to be? Will you be running a business that hasn't increased significantly in size? Will you command a rapidly growing empire? Will you have already cashed out and be relaxing on a beach somewhere enjoying your hard-won gains?

http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/38292

Before Writing Your Plan

Goals and Objectives Checklist
How determined am I to see this succeed? Am I willing to invest my own money and work long hours for no pay, sacrificing personal time and lifestyle, maybe for years? Whats going to happen to me if this venture doesnt work out? If it does succeed, how many employees will this company eventually have? What will be its annual revenues in a year? In 5 years?
http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/38292

Before Writing Your Plan

What will be its market share in that time frame? Will it be a niche marketer, or will it sell a broad spectrum of goods and services? What are my plans for geographic expansion? Local? National? Global? Am I going to be a hands-on manager, or will I delegate a large proportion of tasks to others? If I delegate, what sorts of tasks will I share? Sales? Technical? Others?
http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/38292

Before Writing Your Plan

How comfortable am I taking directions from others? Could I work with partners or investors who demand input into the companys management? Is it going to remain independent and privately owned, or will it eventually be acquired or go public?

http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/38292

How To Write A Business Plan

Executive Summary (it will follow the title page. It should tell a reader what you want) Business Description (It usually begins with a short description of the industry. Discuss the present outlook and future possibilities of the industry. Information on various markets within the industry including new products or developments that will benefit or adversely affect your business must be provided)
http://www.entrepreneur.com/how-to-write-a-business-plan

How To Write A Business Plan

Market Strategies (Result of a market analysis. A market analysis forces the entrepreneur to become familiar will all aspects of the market so that target market can be defined and the company can be positioned in order to garner its share of sales) Competitive Analysis (It determines strength and weaknesses of competitors within your market, strategies that will provide you advantage, barriers that can be developed to prevent competition from entering your market and weaknesses that can be exploited within the product development cycle)
http://www.entrepreneur.com/how-to-write-a-business-plan

How To Write A Business Plan

Design & Development Plan (It provides investors with a description of the products design, chart its development budget that will enable the company to reach its goals)

Operations & Management Plan (It is designed to describe how the business functions on a continuing basis. It highlights logistics of the organization and various responsibilities of the management team, tasks assigned to each division, and capital and expense requirements related to the operations of the business)
http://www.entrepreneur.com/how-to-write-a-business-plan

How To Write A Business Plan

Financial Factors (Financial data is always at the back of the plan, but it doesnt mean that it is less important than the up-front material like business concepts and the management team)

http://www.entrepreneur.com/how-to-write-a-business-plan

Chapter 1: The Company

A. Company Summary B. The Logo C. Vision Statement D. Mission Statement E. Management F. Organizational Chart G. Job Description and Function Definition H. Critical Success Factors

A. Company Summary
Company Information Include a short statement that covers when your business was formed, the names of the founders and their roles, your number of employees, and your business location(s). Your Products/Services -- Briefly describe the products or services you provide. Summarize future plans Explain where you would like to take your business.
http://www.sba.gov/content/executive-summary

A. Company Summary
If you are just starting a business, you won't have as much information as an established company. Instead, focus on your experience and background as well as the decisions that led you to start this particular enterprise.

http://www.sba.gov/content/executive-summary

B. The Logo
There are basically three kinds of logos:
Font-based logos consist primarily of a type treatment (Microsoft, IBM, Google). Then there are logos that literally illustrate what a company does, such as when a house-painting company uses an illustration of a brush in its logo. And finally, there are abstract graphic symbolssuch as Nike's swoosh-that become linked to a company's brand.
http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/71902

B. The Logo
Look at the logos of other businesses in your industry. (Think about how you want to differentiate your logo from those of your competition) Focus on your message. (Decide what you want to communicate about your company) Make it clean and functional. Your logo should work as well on a business card as on the side of a truck. A good logo should be scalable, easy to reproduce, memorable and distinctive. And be sure to create a logo that can be reproduced in black and white)
http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/71902

B. The Logo
Your business name will affect your logo design. Use your logo to illustrate your business's key benefit. (The best logos make an immediate statement with a picture or illustration, not words) Don't use clip art. (Not only will original art make a more impressive statement about your company, but it'll set your business apart from others)
http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/71902

B. The Logo
Avoid trendy looks. (Don't plan to make multiple logo changes. Instead, choose a logo that will stay current for 10 to 20 years, perhaps longer. That's the mark of a good design) Watch your colors. (Try not to exceed three colors unless you decide it's absolutely necessary)
http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/71902

B. The Logo
Hire a Designer. (Find a designer who's familiar with your field and with your competition. They know whether or not a logo design will transfer easily into print or onto a sign, while you might come up with a beautiful design that can't be transferred or would cost too much money to be printed.

http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/71902

B. The Logo
Using and Protecting Your Logo (Make sure to trademark it to protect it from other companies. Once protected, use it everywhere to help build your image)

http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/71902

Principles of Effective Logo Design

SIMPLE

http://justcreative.com/2009/07/27/what-makes-a-good-logo/

Principles of Effective Logo Design

MEMORABLE

http://justcreative.com/2009/07/27/what-makes-a-good-logo/

Principles of Effective Logo Design

TIMELESS

http://justcreative.com/2009/07/27/what-makes-a-good-logo/

Principles of Effective Logo Design

VERSATILE

http://justcreative.com/2009/07/27/what-makes-a-good-logo/

Principles of Effective Logo Design

APPROPRIATE

http://justcreative.com/2009/07/27/what-makes-a-good-logo/

Vision-Mission Statement
A Vision Statement outlines the goals and aspirations for the future. It creates a mental picture of a specific medium-term target and should be as a source of inspiration

http://www.linkedin.com/today/post/article/20130626044531-64875646-what-the-hell-is-wrong-with-mission-and-vision-statements

Vision-Mission Statement
Your vision is your dream. Whatever your organization's dream is, it may be well articulated by one or more vision statements. Vision statements are short phrases or sentences that convey your community's hopes for the future.

http://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/structure/strategic-planning/vision-mission-statements/main

Vision Statements
Microsoft: "A computer on every desk and in every home" Wal-Mart: "To become a $125 billion company by 2000" Save the Children: "Our vision is a world in which every child attains the right to survival, protection, development and participation." "The Motor Neurone Disease Association has a vision of a World free of MND."
http://www.linkedin.com/today/post/article/20130626044531-64875646-what-the-hell-is-wrong-with-mission-and-vision-statements

Vision-Mission Statement
A Mission Statement articulates the purpose of the company, basically why it exists, what it does and for whom. It should serve as an ongoing guide that spells out what the company is all about. The mission should focus on the here and now.

http://www.linkedin.com/today/post/article/20130626044531-64875646-what-the-hell-is-wrong-with-mission-and-vision-statements

Vision-Mission Statement
Mission statements are similar to vision statements, in that they, too, look at the big picture. However, they're more concrete, and they are definitely more "action-oriented" than vision statements. Your vision statement should inspire people to dream; your mission statement should inspire them to action.
http://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/structure/strategic-planning/vision-mission-statements/main

Vision-Mission Statement
Some general guiding principles about mission statements are that they are: Concise. While not as short as vision statements, mission statements generally still get their point across in one sentence. Outcome-oriented. Mission statements explain the fundamental outcomes your organization is working to achieve. Inclusive. While mission statements do make statements about your group's key goals, it's very important that they do so very broadly. Good mission statements are not limiting in the strategies or sectors of the community that may become involved in the project.
http://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/structure/strategic-planning/vision-mission-statements/main

Mission Statements
eBay: At eBay, our mission is to provide a global online marketplace where practically anyone can trade practically anything, enabling economic opportunity around the world. Google: "Organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful."
http://www.linkedin.com/today/post/article/20130626044531-64875646-what-the-hell-is-wrong-with-mission-and-vision-statements

Mission Statements
Amazon: "To build a place where people can come to find and discover anything they might want to buy online Walt Disney: "We create happiness by providing the finest in entertainmentfor people of all ages, everywhere."

http://www.linkedin.com/today/post/article/20130626044531-64875646-what-the-hell-is-wrong-with-mission-and-vision-statements

Vision-Mission Statement
For Mission (or Purpose): What is the core purpose of the organisation? What do we do and for who? For Vision (or Ambition): Where do we want to be in 5 or 10 years time? What are our aspirations?

http://www.linkedin.com/today/post/article/20130626044531-64875646-what-the-hell-is-wrong-with-mission-and-vision-statements

Management
The management plan is an assessment of your key management employees with emphasis on their strength and weaknesses.

The business plan should describe your management team and staff and how your business ownership is structured.
People will not only focus on whos on your team but how your team can contribute to the business.

Management
The team analyzes and identifies the business goals and objectives and implements and enforces strategies the employees need to achieve success. It includes the business owners, board of directors and managers.

http://smallbusiness.chron.com/write-management-team-section-business-plan-10792.html

Management
Step 1: Introduce the key management team members when creating a management proposal. Present each members qualifications and experience. Include the board members, investors and key employees. Write their characteristics and how they can contribute to the success of the business.

http://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Management-Plan

Management
Mention your own management skills as an owner. List past positions and duties upheld that applies to the current management obligations of each manager. Highlight all relevant educational background of each member. Explain how their training will benefit the company.
http://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Management-Plan

Management
Present strengths of each member of the team. Include attributes like motivational skills, financial talents and business proficiency. Be honest about any possible weakness your managers may possess. Establish a plan on how they could be supported.

http://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Management-Plan

Management
List the contact information for each owner. Identify the departments of the company and include the management position that will be in charge of the departments. Provide descriptions of each managers responsibilities and functions. Define the number of employees who will report to each manager.
http://smallbusiness.chron.com/write-management-team-section-business-plan-10792.html

Management
Outline the process your business will follow to replace the manager during any absences. Address concerns on whos next in line to replace the functions. Include resumes, credentials and other supporting documents of the management team in the appendix of the business plan.
http://smallbusiness.chron.com/write-management-team-section-business-plan-10792.html

Management
Step 2: Establish the organization of the management team. Determine the style of administration and how the company will be run. Layout the policies of decision making and the chain of command.

http://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Management-Plan

Management
Step 3: Describe the hiring process. Explain the basis on how new employees will be hired. Include the training process and any incentive or reward programs you implemented.

http://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Management-Plan

Management
Step 4: List various guides that you will be relying on for business advice. These are people you can contract for marketing, personnel and financial knowledge. Having advisors can strengthens your expertise and knowledge base and increase your credibility as a serious business.
http://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Management-Plan

Management
OBRA E-Z Management

Management Summary Our management team is comprised of people with many years of experience in the long-term care provider and software development industries. Our philosophy is laser-like focus on the customers needs. We have a Chief Financial Officer and four directors reporting to the President and CEO. Part-time positions staffing the customer support desk will be filled as needed and reporting to the Director of Operations. Seven regional sales managers will be contracted as commissioned resellers and reporting to the Director of Business Development. Four have already been identified.

http://www.thebusinessplanstore.com/sample_business_plan_management.htm

Management
Management Team
The OBRA e-z management team consists of the President and CEO, the CFO, and four directors:

http://www.thebusinessplanstore.com/sample_business_plan_management.htm

Management

http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/how-to-describe-the-management-team-in-your-busine.html

Organizational Chart
Include an organization chart showing the hierarchical structure of your business. Describe how your business will be structured, what legal form of ownership it will use (sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation) and the chain of command.

http://www.investopedia.com/university/business-plan/business-plan6.asp

Organizational Chart
In defining your organizational structure you are defining the relationship of your employees to one another who reports to whom. You are also defining each employees access to important company resources.

http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/how-to-define-organizational-structure-in-your-bus.html

Organizational Chart
Use charts or diagrams to help make a complicated organization clearer. A chart can illustrate who reports to whom or how the companys division relate to one another.

http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/how-to-define-organizational-structure-in-your-bus.html