Getting Started
Whether you have tried to write a plan before and failed, or have never tried before, the best way to prepare for this process is by starting a-fresh.
Do not try and build on anything you might have done or half done in the past, or on any pre-conceived ideas of what you think might be fact. Simply start with a blank piece of paper (or computer screen), and follow the steps in this website. It is the best way to maximize your results.
You will need to be ready to capture the thoughts and ideas that will come to you, so be prepared to do some writing.
In writing a business plan, it is very important to identify what you know and don’t know about your business, your industry and other factors that will impact on your success or failure.
There are two primary points you need to know before you embark on anything – your starting point, and your destination.
When writing a business or marketing plan, you begin with finding out where the business is at and what you know. This is called a ‘Fact-Find’. It is important to note that if you do not have a business, writing a business plan is just as important, if not more, than if you did.
If you are unsure of any of the answers during this process, ask yourself:
- “What would I …”, or
- “How many would it take …”
Try to imagine what it would be like when your business is up and running. Don’t let your present situation hold you back from what you want your business to achieve. Let’s get started.