Chapter 3
Getting Real: Creating a Usable Business Plan
IN THIS CHAPTER
Understanding the purpose of a business plan
Organizing the pieces of your dreams into tangible goals
Determining when you need help and what to expect
Getting long-term value from the plan you make today
One big complaint from entrepreneurs, especially those running small companies, is “Why do I have to write a business plan?” Quite honestly, you don’t. Some entrepreneurs who choose to forgo a business plan do just fine, but others struggle. In this chapter, we tell you why having a business plan is a good idea and show you the benefits you can reap from not only having one but also reviewing and updating it regularly.
Understanding the Value of a Plan
Starting and managing a business without a business plan is, like it or not, the same as searching for a buried treasure without a map: Although you know that the gold is in the ground somewhere, you’re wasting an awful lot of time by randomly digging holes in the hope of eventually hitting the jackpot. Without a plan, the odds of success aren’t in your favor. ...
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