Zpryme: Intelligent Research for an Intelligent Market

Austin, TX (Funded101News) – 12/23/08 – Your business plan is critical for your organization. Whether your business is a start-up or already recognized leader, it's the blueprint for future growth and must constantly be updated and adapted to your industry.

Conversely, what's most vital, it's the critical deliverable when you are looking for funding - whether applying for a small business loan or looking for millions from a venture capital firm. It should facilitate investors to recognize your revelation, outlook and goals, clarify how you're going to spend the injection in financing and set out how this will be advantageous both for them and your organization.

The following below is the standard for writing a business plan and frequent mistakes encountered when business plans fail:

Standard Business Plan Outline (Make sure your business plan or those writing your business plan follow this outline as it's becoming the standard - consult your local small business development center if you have questions.)

Business Plan Outline
1. Table of Contents
2. Executive Summary
3. Market Opportunity
4. Company Overview
5. Leadership and Mission Statement
6. Management Plan
7. S.W.O.T. Analysis
8. Summary of Services/Products and Customers
9. Goals and Objectives
10. Green Initiatives (Becoming a Requested Feature in Business Plans)
11. Key Customers
12. Core Services (L.O.B's - Lines of Business)
a. Forecasted Revenues by Business Line Source
13. Performance Measures
14. Evaluation and Control Tactics
15. Appendices

Strategic Marketing Plan
1. Measurable Goals, Objectives and the Desired Impact on your Organization.
2. Sales Process and Strategy
3. Target Audiences
4. Value Proposition
5. Channels, Tools and Tactics
6. Evaluation and Control

Financial Analysis | 3 - 5 years (Depending on the Industry)
1. Capital Needs
2. Break Even Analysis
3. Income Statement
4. Balance Sheet
5. Statement of Cash Flow
6. Sales and Revenue Projections
7. Profit and Loss Goals
8. Key Assumptions

Widespread mistakes; why business plans do not succeed comprise:
• Number 1 - FLUFF CONTENT!
• inadequate market research
• poor management team
• an inconsistent marketing plan
• impracticable forecasts (most transparent section in a business plan to investors)
• deficient financial history
• less than stellar presentation

Look for more articles from me regarding business plans, market research or funding your venture, current company or start-up. Also be sure to first talk to your small business development center in your community, if you are new to the business plan process. This is funded101 signing out.

Free business plan outline example provided by Funded101 and Zpryme staff

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