How to Write a Business Plan

Using our simplified templates, this book is ideal for anyone with a business idea who wants to write their own business plan.
A step-by-step guide that includes three fully written business plan examples. The first is product-based selling through multi-channels, the second is in the service industry. A third is an example of how to start selling on community marketplaces such as Esty, Shopify or Not on the High Street.

Why do you need a business plan?

A business plan acts as a blueprint, a document to guide you through the start-up phase and be referenced as the business expands.
You will be able to create a single document that describes your vision, what you want your business to do and how you want to deliver it. Everyone involved, investors and staff will work to the same plan and goals.
In this book you’ll find everything you need to write a business plan and become an entrepreneur. Here are ten things you will learn:

• How to layout and structure a business plan, including essential chapters and paragraph headings.
• How to launch your own marketplace on Esty, Shopify or Not on the High Street.
• How to conduct market research to understand your target market and how to reach them. Develop a marketing strategy in tailored programmes of work.
• How to make a business plan interesting and include only important details that are relevant.
• Simple and different techniques to develop a realistic sales forecast. Develop an optimum selling price for a product or service.
• Managing direct costs and overheads.
• Different and effective supply-chain models and how to work in partnership with suppliers.
• How to manage risk, including tools to help with the difficult decision to start a business.
• How to sell yourself as a business leader. Investors are just as interested in good leadership, as they are in a good idea.
• How to use the three business plan examples and tailor them to your own business plan.

About me
I have been writing business plans for over 20 years for large corporations, small company start-ups and the National Health Service (NHS). I have seen first-hand the positive effect of business planning and the negative side of failing to plan properly.