Business Plans For Dummies, 3rd Edition

Chapter 1

Preparing to Do a Business Plan

IN THIS CHAPTER

Getting your planning resources together

Figuring out who needs to work on the plan

Laying down some planning ground rules

Checking out what the written plan looks like

Planning is serious business. For many companies, a solid business plan is the difference between success and failure. Many people going into business for the first time want to rush right in, create a website or hang up a sign, and start making money — a natural response for anyone excited about a new business idea. But taking time up front to prepare can pay off in many ways down the line, especially when it comes to writing a business plan. And face it: After your company is up and running, you may not have all the time you need to devote to the major pieces of your plan. So, first lesson learned: A business plan is not an expense of either time or money; it’s a necessary investment for a profitable future!

But all that being said, we also want to make something else abundantly clear to you: We live in volatile times! In fact, it’s hard to find anything ...