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Business plan template

You can find a variety of business plan templates on the Internet.  If you’re planning to start a business, or if you’re just learning how to write a business plan, a template can be a useful—but not complete—checklist. If it’s in the template but not in your plan, you should know why.

But it’s generally not a good idea to rely on a template. First, your business is, or will be, unique—a “one size fits all” cookie-cutter template won’t display the strength of your ideas to best advantage. Second, a template encourages a “fill in the blanks” mentality. There are many things, including concrete numbers and conservative projections, that should be part of small business plans, but no template will include them all.

Third, and most important, a template treats the business plan as a “do-it-yourself” project—and no business plan should ever be DIY! Before you run your business plan past a banker, make sure that it’s been looked at by someone who’ll give you an objective, no-holds-barred opinion—preferably someone who knows their way around a business plan! An experienced consultant like Ron Sturgeon, Mr. Mission Possible, can quickly show you what works and what doesn’t before you walk into the bank! Ron covers this subject in his peer benchmarking groups, in consulting assignments, and as a frequent speaking topic.



9 Responses to “Business plan template”

  1. [...] can help you with a variety of business plan suggestions.  If you are new to the process, a business plan template can make the process less cumbersome and Ron Sturgeon can show you how to use one.  The business [...]

  2. [...] your own venture can be time-consuming and expensive.  One way to cut down on costs is by using a business plan template.  Like any other outline, this template can keep you on topic and focused.  A business plan how [...]

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  4. [...] plan samples on the Internet and in books.  Some companies offer them, as well.  You can use a business plan template to get started with the process, but when you need to flesh it out, you need a business expert like [...]

  5. [...] process can seem tedious, the results make running a small business much easier.  If you need a business plan template, there are many available online and in business books.  But a template or book can’t help [...]

  6. [...] you need to write a business plan but haven’t the faintest idea where to start?  A business plan template will help, but when it comes to filling it in, you need an expert with years of experience to help [...]

  7. [...] you looking for help making a business plan?  You might want to look for a business plan template, which can be found on many websites or in many books.  But even with a business plan outline, [...]

  8. [...] a successful company, and finding the right help for you is critical to success.  You can use a business plan template as an outline, but creating a business plan that most effectively suits your company takes great [...]

  9. [...] in your plan and what it’s all right to leave out can be confusing.  Many owners turn to a business plan template to help them frame their dream.  Such templates steer new owners in tried-and-true paths and help [...]

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