By Gloria J. Little
When you have the following all taken care of, your business plan will be much easier to write. People struggle unnecessarily with a business plan because they don't have all of these components covered or has not even considered they.
1 . Mission Statement (What is it you want to accomplish?) Yes. all businesses need one.
2 . What is your experience in the business you are starting? (Write it down)
3 . What is the location of your business? (Is it on the web? (Then say so)
4 . What is your product or service? (Don't overwhelm yourself with too many products)
5 . How much will you charge for your products or services? (Check the competition)
6 .What is your market? (Who will be purchasing this product or service? Do your homework)
7 . How will you advertise or market your product or service? (Do you know the
difference between advertising and marketing?)
8 . What supplies will you need and where will you get these supplies from?
9 . What have you calculated to be your startup costs?
10 . What have you accomplished to date?
11 . What is your merchandise policy? (Is there a money back guarantee?)
12 . What will space cost? (On the web or in reality)
13 . Who are your competitors? (Have you studied them? If not, how can you compete?)
14 . Who is your management? (Who is responsible for everything being organized?)
15 . Will there be security? (Even on the web it's necessary)
16 . What is your merchandise return policy?
17 . What is your plan of action? (What will you do next?)
18 . What equipment and office supplies will you need?
19 . What are you cash budget forecast?
20 . Will you need a loan?
21 . Exact use of the monies borrowed.
22 . Repayment schedule of monies borrowed. (Make it realistic)
23 . Taxes/Licenses if necessary.
24 . Investors. (Do you have any?)
25 . Statement of financial need. (For the benefit of the investors)
26 . What are your references? (List them)
27 . Prepaid expenses, what are they?
28 . Cash reserve (Emergency money for emergencies only, not a shopping spree)
29 . Application for funds. (Where will you get the money from?)
30 . Sources of funds.
31 . Deposits
32 . Funds statement.
33 . Administrative expenses. (Always pay yourself last.)
34 . It's always good to have insurance.
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