Writing an Effective and Successful Business Plan

Discover the purpose of a business plan as a clear, aligned roadmap for your company that defines goals, guides managers, and attracts potential investors.

Start writing to brainstorm ideas and map concepts; define a mission statement as the long term vision, then plan and document marketing, finance, and operations as a living, updateable guide.

Organize your business plan with a clear table of contents that directs readers to sections like the executive summary on page two and the description of business on page three.

Describe your business origin, evolution, key principles and people, identify customer needs, articulate mission and vision, explain funding and legal structure, and highlight successes for investors.

Define your goals and objectives, outlining actions to achieve them, and five- and ten-year projections with conservative revenue estimates. Outline sales strategy, manufacturing plans if any, marketing, and quality assurance.

Explore financial projections by constructing three-year balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow analyses, plus break-even points, expenses, and funding requests for investors.

Write a succinct executive summary that serves as an elevator pitch, highlighting the most important aspects of your business plan to motivate readers to read more.

Explore the appendices as the final section of your business plan, including leadership charts, resumes, contracts, permits, patents, marketing materials, and tax returns.