1. What is your product?
2. Who is going to purchase it?
3. Why would they purchase it?
4. How are you going to reach them?
I researched different approaches to creating a viable business plan. Having an overachiever personality, I wanted to make sure I hit the mark just right; therefore, I took a B2B Communications course at the local college highlighting the development of a Business Plan (received an A+). That experience was a great benefit. The class expanded my vision of what would be seen from the “receiver’s” viewpoint. I extrapolated key points and created three versions:
• a simple 6 page presentation (that I took to meetings as a vehicle to discuss the start-up);
• a 20 page PowerPoint presentation (used in presentation feedback re the Mission); and,
• a detailed draft for my full-blown plan (a beginning, again, which still needed specifics).
A lot of work here…Phew!
The AAEDC (Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation) was an integral part in assisting me to set achievable goals in writing—fine tuning my full-blown business plan “draft.” I was mentored by a savvy marketing professional; we began to review the simple what, who, why and how questions. He pushed me to really “understand” and “see” what I wanted from my business—the exact what, who, why and how. It was so frustrating at a few points, I didn’t think I could pull it together as successful business idea—but, I did!!
The process was painful, and in the end, I got to “know” my business. What I wanted it to do, and a path to start down to get there.
My business plan is a growing, living thing. It really sets the stage for positive actions steps.
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Note: This Blog is a chronological diary of a start-up-company—The JNP Project’s Journey—reading it from the start, will broaden your understanding of the path we are on, together, and hopefully, positively influence you in some way!
FYI Tip:
Begin your first round of a draft very simply (article link). This is one simple approach to start with; but,
If your business is a bit broader and complex, details need to be extrapolated.
http://lerablog.org/business/how-to-write-a-business-plan-heres-a-method-that-doesnt-actually-suck/
http://lichtenbooksblog.com/making-a-business-plan-2/
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