Definitive Business Plan, Second Edition, The

A strategy and an operating plan

If you have been writing your business plan while working through this book, you have so far described the current status of the business and its external environment. Along the way you have documented your:

• central objective;

• vision and mission;

• core competencies;

• competitive advantages;

• strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.

You now have everything that you need to develop a strategy, turn it into a plan, execute it, and bask in your success. Start by reviewing the items on the above list. Have a good hard think about how they fit together and make your business unique. Ponder also on how to cover your weaknesses, exploit the opportunities and head off threats. If you look carefully, you might find ways ...