INDUSTRY INSIGHTS YOUR PEERS ARE READING
As a full-time editor and academic mentor at an academic writing service, I have read hundreds of business plans over the years. To help students and startups, I have compiled a list of reasons business plans are rejected or given a low grade. Bad business ideas. MORE
The basic idea of a sample business plan makes perfect sense. If you haven’t done a business plan before, a sample plan gives you an instant idea of what you should include, how to structure it, and even what to write. What is a sample business plan? MORE
Why add a SWOT analysis into your business plan and the strategic planning process? I believe in it because the SWOT phase was vital to my planning process as I grew Palo Alto Software from zero to over $5 million in annual sales. Gain real, actionable business insights. MORE
Most technical entrepreneurs I know demand the discipline of a product specification or plan, and then assume that their great product will drive a great business. In reality, you need both, to clarify for yourself and team that you have a viable business solution. MORE
If you are one of the new age of entrepreneurs who hates the thought of doing a business plan as a first step in starting your new venture you will love this message. In that context, it could be a social enterprise, or even a hobby, and a business plan may not be beneficial. MORE
Many VC firms and investment banks receive as many as ten plans per day, so it’s hard to get them salivating. You can bet that if he ever sees a real business plan from you, it will go to the bottom of the pile. Send the plan without a summary. The base plan is a book. MORE
This article is part of our “ Business Planning Guide “ —a curated list of our articles that will help you with the planning process! What is a business plan? How to choose the right kind of business plan. What is a business plan? MORE
This article is part of our “Business Planning Guide” —a curated list of our articles that will help you with the planning process! Start from the very beginning understanding that your business plan ought to be specific to your business needs and objectives. MORE
You know you need a business plan if you want funding. And you know you should have and follow a plan to grow your business. But oftentimes creating a business plan takes too long. Below are some tips to help you complete a great business plan faster: 1. MORE
If you want people to invest in your idea, then my best advice is first write a business plan, and keep it simple. Don't confuse your business plan with a doctoral thesis or the back of a napkin. Keep the wording and formatting straightforward, and keep the plan short. MORE
You might be thinking that a business plan doesn’t make any sense for your small new enterprise. After all you are not planning on trying to get even a bank loan, let alone venture capital. Isn’t that what business plans are really for anyway: raising money? MORE
Why is it that most of the business plans I see are really product plans? I define a product plan as a detailed description of your product or service, with a bit of business thrown in at the end. It’s definitely positive to have a product plan. MORE
People ask me if they really need ANY business plan, unless they are looking for an outside investor. In fact, a business plan is needed more by you than investors, as the blueprint for your company, team communication, and progress metrics. Explain the business model. MORE
In reality, you need to set these projections as goals for your own use, to convince employees as well as investors that you have a business which is challenging, but achievable. Plan to re-forecast every quarter. financial forecast entrepreneur startup pricing business MORE
Every investor I know is frustrated with the poor quality of the business plans they get. This is sad, since “how to write a business plan” is a frequent topic found in every business journal, and a common title in the business section of every book store. MORE
A business plan as a lengthy 40 page document which lays out a five year plan is still used in many companies, in many industries, in many countries around the world. Entrepreneurship Strategy business model business plansYes and no. MORE
Every investor I know is frustrated with the poor quality of the business plans they get. This is sad, since “how to write a business plan” is a frequent topic found in every business journal, and a common title in the business section of every book store. MORE
If you want people to invest in your idea, then my best advice is first write a business plan, and keep it simple. Don''t confuse your business plan with a doctoral thesis or the back of a napkin. Keep the wording and formatting straightforward, and keep the plan short. MORE
If you want people to invest in your idea, then my best advice is first write a business plan, and keep it simple. Don't confuse your business plan with a doctoral thesis or the back of a napkin. Keep the wording and formatting straightforward, and keep the plan short. MORE
If you can’t see the video click here Filed under: Business Model versus Business Plan , Customer Development. Business Model versus Business Plan Customer Development MORE
This article ( Business Plans Are An Historical Artifact ) first appeared last week in the Wall Street Journal The Accelerators Column , which I’m contributing to on a regular basis. . In 1987 when I started my first company (Feld Technologies), I wrote a business plan for a course at MIT that I was in called 15.375: New Enterprises. I went on to create a company, with my partner Dave Jilk, that bore very little resemblance to that business plan. MORE
One of our Bplans writers described going into business in cannabis as a “ once-in-a-generation opportunity ,” with the product rapidly becoming legal for recreational as well as medical use in many states. You can choose from a few different types of business plans depending on your needs. MORE
If you sold your last startup for $800 million, you probably already know how to build a business, and even conservative investors won’t worry about the quality of your next business plan. Most investors tend to think of startups without a plan as expensive hobbies. MORE
A lean business plan does what every business owner and aspiring startup needs to manage strategy, tactics, execution, and essential business numbers. It’s a set of ideas that started about 70 years ago, revolving around PDCA: plan-do-check-adjust. MORE
As a startup mentor and investor, I am approached regularly by aspiring entrepreneurs who assert that business plans are a waste of time. They cite sources like the BusinessWeek story, “ Real Entrepreneurs Don’t Write Business Plans ” and this Forbes article. MORE
Startups with a solid business plan and great pitch deck have a far greater chance of gaining investment. In this essay by one of Mercia’s Fund Principals, Ian Wilson, Ian talks about the sorts of things he and the team are looking for when plans come to them for review. MORE
If you are one of the new age of entrepreneurs who hates the thought of doing a business plan as a first step in starting your new venture you will love this message. In that context, it could be a social enterprise, or even a hobby, and a business plan may not be beneficial. MORE
By Mahesh Raj Mohan Writing a business plan can be a difficult process. you still have to write the plan for a particular audience. A loan officer, angel investor, and venture capitalist are all looking for different things in a business plan. MORE
At some point in your life as an entrepreneur, you’ll need a business plan. In fact, any time you need to raise outside funding, you’ll need to present a plan for investors or lenders.??. MORE
Should you spend some time developing a plan for your business, or just dive in and start, figuring things out as you go? There has been plenty of debate on this topic, but no one has pulled together the scientific evidence to determine if planning is worthwhile—until now. MORE
When you start a new business one of the first things you need to do is write a business plan. Although it may seem unnecessary, a good business plan can really help you get where you want to go in your business a lot more quickly than if you didn’t have one. MORE
On a regular basis, I am approached by entrepreneurs who assert that business plans are a waste of time. They cite sources like a recent BusinessWeek story, “ Real Entrepreneurs Don’t Write Business Plans ” and this NY Times article. MORE
Writing a business plan is hard work, so I get lots of pushback from prospective new venture founders that it’s just a waste of their valuable time in this rapidly changing environment. They all claim to have the plan in their head, and writing it down will only slow down their success. MORE
If you’ve been putting off writing your business plan, you’re not alone. Writing a business plan can seem like a daunting task, and lots of entrepreneurs avoid it for this reason. Some people like to call this your “business model canvas,” but it’s really the same thing. MORE
Your business plan should accomplish certain goals: raise money, guide your team, and set strategies for growth. The format of your business plan will help you achieve these goals, so it’s important to think about the plan’s structure as you build it. MORE
Business Plans That Work –One You Can Take to the Jungle. I’ve got nothing against business plans except when they become an excuse for not doing business. The purposes of a business plan is to PLAN and EXECUTE, not impress, and not waste a lot of time. MORE
Business plans go by many names: Strategic plans, operational plans, internal plans, and many others. Lately, I’ve been focusing on lean business plans. There are also one-page business plans, although those are really more summaries. MORE
A business plan is a very important business tool to have as an entrepreneur. When you write your business plan, avoid making these 7 common mistakes. This article 7 Mistakes To Avoid When Writing A Business Plan appeared first in YFS Magazine. MORE
This article is part of our Business Planning Guide —a curated list of our articles that will help you with the planning process! What are the most common mistakes when writing a business plan ? Unless the bank or the investors want a plan, there is no plan. MORE
If you are one of the new age of entrepreneurs who hates the thought of doing a business plan as a first step in starting your new venture you will love this message. In that context, it could be a social enterprise, or even a hobby, and a business plan may not be beneficial. MORE
People ask me if they really need ANY business plan, unless they are looking for an outside investor. In fact, a business plan is needed more by you than investors, as the blueprint for your company, team communication, and progress metrics. Explain the business model. MORE
If you want people to invest in your idea, then my best advice is first write a business plan, and keep it simple. Don't confuse your business plan with a doctoral thesis or the back of a napkin. Keep the wording and formatting straightforward, and keep the plan short. MORE
If you’re planning on starting a business, you need a business plan. A good business plan will help to keep your company on track and guide it in the right direction, and it will also help you to secure funding from banks, venture capitalists and other investors. MORE
If you’re serious about opening a restaurant, you’ll have to draft up a formal and accurate business plan to pitch to banks, investors, and even potential employees. I won’t lie—writing a formal business plan isn’t exactly a breeze. See Also: Business Planning Guide. MORE
Business Plan Related Topics 
Startup Professionals Musings
MARCH 13, 2019
If you want people to invest in your idea, then my best advice is first write a business plan, and keep it simple. Don't confuse your business plan with a doctoral thesis or the back of a napkin. Keep the wording and formatting straightforward, and keep the plan short.
Up and Running
OCTOBER 17, 2018
Should you spend some time developing a plan for your business, or just dive in and start, figuring things out as you go? There has been plenty of debate on this topic, but no one has pulled together the scientific evidence to determine if planning is worthwhile—until now.
Startup Professionals Musings
AUGUST 4, 2018
If you are one of the new age of entrepreneurs who hates the thought of doing a business plan as a first step in starting your new venture you will love this message. In that context, it could be a social enterprise, or even a hobby, and a business plan may not be beneficial.
Startup Professionals Musings
JANUARY 31, 2015
If you sold your last startup for $800 million, you probably already know how to build a business, and even conservative investors won’t worry about the quality of your next business plan. Most investors tend to think of startups without a plan as expensive hobbies.
Up and Running
APRIL 9, 2019
Why add a SWOT analysis into your business plan and the strategic planning process? I believe in it because the SWOT phase was vital to my planning process as I grew Palo Alto Software from zero to over $5 million in annual sales. Gain real, actionable business insights.
Up and Running
AUGUST 20, 2018
This article is part of our “ Business Planning Guide “ —a curated list of our articles that will help you with the planning process! What is a business plan? How to choose the right kind of business plan. What is a business plan?
Feld Thoughts
DECEMBER 4, 2012
This article ( Business Plans Are An Historical Artifact ) first appeared last week in the Wall Street Journal The Accelerators Column , which I’m contributing to on a regular basis. . In 1987 when I started my first company (Feld Technologies), I wrote a business plan for a course at MIT that I was in called 15.375: New Enterprises. I went on to create a company, with my partner Dave Jilk, that bore very little resemblance to that business plan.
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YoungUpstarts
FEBRUARY 7, 2019
If you’re planning on starting a business, you need a business plan. A good business plan will help to keep your company on track and guide it in the right direction, and it will also help you to secure funding from banks, venture capitalists and other investors.
Startup Professionals Musings
NOVEMBER 7, 2014
As a startup mentor and investor, I am approached regularly by aspiring entrepreneurs who assert that business plans are a waste of time. They cite sources like the BusinessWeek story, “ Real Entrepreneurs Don’t Write Business Plans ” and this Forbes article.
YFS Magazine
FEBRUARY 21, 2017
A business plan is a very important business tool to have as an entrepreneur. When you write your business plan, avoid making these 7 common mistakes. This article 7 Mistakes To Avoid When Writing A Business Plan appeared first in YFS Magazine.
The Startup Magazine
FEBRUARY 19, 2019
Startups with a solid business plan and great pitch deck have a far greater chance of gaining investment. In this essay by one of Mercia’s Fund Principals, Ian Wilson, Ian talks about the sorts of things he and the team are looking for when plans come to them for review.
Startup Professionals Musings
JULY 24, 2016
If you are one of the new age of entrepreneurs who hates the thought of doing a business plan as a first step in starting your new venture you will love this message. In that context, it could be a social enterprise, or even a hobby, and a business plan may not be beneficial.
Startup Professionals Musings
NOVEMBER 26, 2013
If you want people to invest in your idea, then my best advice is first write a business plan, and keep it simple. Don''t confuse your business plan with a doctoral thesis or the back of a napkin. Keep the wording and formatting straightforward, and keep the plan short.
Up and Running
SEPTEMBER 6, 2018
This article is part of our Business Planning Guide —a curated list of our articles that will help you with the planning process! What are the most common mistakes when writing a business plan ? Unless the bank or the investors want a plan, there is no plan.
Up and Running
OCTOBER 3, 2017
This article is part of our “Business Planning Guide” —a curated list of our articles that will help you with the planning process! Start from the very beginning understanding that your business plan ought to be specific to your business needs and objectives.
Up and Running
SEPTEMBER 19, 2018
One of our Bplans writers described going into business in cannabis as a “ once-in-a-generation opportunity ,” with the product rapidly becoming legal for recreational as well as medical use in many states. You can choose from a few different types of business plans depending on your needs.
Up and Running
JANUARY 8, 2019
The basic idea of a sample business plan makes perfect sense. If you haven’t done a business plan before, a sample plan gives you an instant idea of what you should include, how to structure it, and even what to write. What is a sample business plan?
YoungUpstarts
AUGUST 10, 2018
When you start a new business one of the first things you need to do is write a business plan. Although it may seem unnecessary, a good business plan can really help you get where you want to go in your business a lot more quickly than if you didn’t have one.
Startup Professionals Musings
NOVEMBER 15, 2013
If you are one of the new age of entrepreneurs who hates the thought of doing a business plan as a first step in starting your new venture you will love this message. In that context, it could be a social enterprise, or even a hobby, and a business plan may not be beneficial.
Startup Professionals Musings
MAY 8, 2016
Most technical entrepreneurs I know demand the discipline of a product specification or plan, and then assume that their great product will drive a great business. In reality, you need both, to clarify for yourself and team that you have a viable business solution.
Startup Professionals Musings
JUNE 14, 2013
On a regular basis, I am approached by entrepreneurs who assert that business plans are a waste of time. They cite sources like a recent BusinessWeek story, “ Real Entrepreneurs Don’t Write Business Plans ” and this NY Times article.
Startup Professionals Musings
AUGUST 13, 2012
People ask me if they really need ANY business plan, unless they are looking for an outside investor. In fact, a business plan is needed more by you than investors, as the blueprint for your company, team communication, and progress metrics. Explain the business model.
Steve Blank
OCTOBER 14, 2014
If you can’t see the video click here Filed under: Business Model versus Business Plan , Customer Development. Business Model versus Business Plan Customer Development
YFS Magazine
JANUARY 10, 2018
At some point in your life as an entrepreneur, you’ll need a business plan. In fact, any time you need to raise outside funding, you’ll need to present a plan for investors or lenders.??.
Startup Professionals Musings
FEBRUARY 5, 2011
Many VC firms and investment banks receive as many as ten plans per day, so it’s hard to get them salivating. You can bet that if he ever sees a real business plan from you, it will go to the bottom of the pile. Send the plan without a summary. The base plan is a book.
Startup Professionals Musings
OCTOBER 18, 2012
If you want people to invest in your idea, then my best advice is first write a business plan, and keep it simple. Don't confuse your business plan with a doctoral thesis or the back of a napkin. Keep the wording and formatting straightforward, and keep the plan short.
Up and Running
FEBRUARY 14, 2017
If you’re serious about opening a restaurant, you’ll have to draft up a formal and accurate business plan to pitch to banks, investors, and even potential employees. I won’t lie—writing a formal business plan isn’t exactly a breeze. See Also: Business Planning Guide.
Up and Running
JULY 16, 2018
If you’ve been putting off writing your business plan, you’re not alone. Writing a business plan can seem like a daunting task, and lots of entrepreneurs avoid it for this reason. Some people like to call this your “business model canvas,” but it’s really the same thing.
Up and Running
MAY 14, 2015
Business plans go by many names: Strategic plans, operational plans, internal plans, and many others. Lately, I’ve been focusing on lean business plans. There are also one-page business plans, although those are really more summaries.
Startup Professionals Musings
MAY 29, 2011
Why is it that most of the business plans I see are really product plans? I define a product plan as a detailed description of your product or service, with a bit of business thrown in at the end. It’s definitely positive to have a product plan.
Up and Running
MAY 8, 2015
A lean business plan does what every business owner and aspiring startup needs to manage strategy, tactics, execution, and essential business numbers. It’s a set of ideas that started about 70 years ago, revolving around PDCA: plan-do-check-adjust.
Startup Professionals Musings
SEPTEMBER 18, 2010
By Mahesh Raj Mohan Writing a business plan can be a difficult process. you still have to write the plan for a particular audience. A loan officer, angel investor, and venture capitalist are all looking for different things in a business plan.
YoungUpstarts
SEPTEMBER 19, 2017
You might be thinking that a business plan doesn’t make any sense for your small new enterprise. After all you are not planning on trying to get even a bank loan, let alone venture capital. Isn’t that what business plans are really for anyway: raising money?
Up and Running
MAY 3, 2016
Your business plan should accomplish certain goals: raise money, guide your team, and set strategies for growth. The format of your business plan will help you achieve these goals, so it’s important to think about the plan’s structure as you build it.
Startup Professionals Musings
JULY 21, 2012
Every investor I know is frustrated with the poor quality of the business plans they get. This is sad, since “how to write a business plan” is a frequent topic found in every business journal, and a common title in the business section of every book store.
Startup Professionals Musings
AUGUST 19, 2013
Every investor I know is frustrated with the poor quality of the business plans they get. This is sad, since “how to write a business plan” is a frequent topic found in every business journal, and a common title in the business section of every book store.
YoungUpstarts
OCTOBER 3, 2017
You know you need a business plan if you want funding. And you know you should have and follow a plan to grow your business. But oftentimes creating a business plan takes too long. Below are some tips to help you complete a great business plan faster: 1.
Grasshopper Herder
FEBRUARY 15, 2011
A business plan as a lengthy 40 page document which lays out a five year plan is still used in many companies, in many industries, in many countries around the world. Entrepreneurship Strategy business model business plansYes and no.
Startup Professionals Musings
MAY 13, 2011
People ask me if they really need ANY business plan, unless they are looking for an outside investor. In fact, a business plan is needed more by you than investors, as the blueprint for your company, team communication, and progress metrics. Explain the business model.
Startup Professionals Musings
AUGUST 27, 2011
If you want people to invest in your idea, then my best advice is first write a business plan, and keep it simple. Don't confuse your business plan with a doctoral thesis or the back of a napkin. Keep the wording and formatting straightforward, and keep the plan short.
Startup Professionals Musings
JULY 15, 2013
In reality, you need to set these projections as goals for your own use, to convince employees as well as investors that you have a business which is challenging, but achievable. Plan to re-forecast every quarter. financial forecast entrepreneur startup pricing business
Gregg Fraley, Author of Jack's Notebook
JULY 18, 2012
Business Plans That Work –One You Can Take to the Jungle. I’ve got nothing against business plans except when they become an excuse for not doing business. The purposes of a business plan is to PLAN and EXECUTE, not impress, and not waste a lot of time.
Up and Running
AUGUST 16, 2017
As a full-time editor and academic mentor at an academic writing service, I have read hundreds of business plans over the years. To help students and startups, I have compiled a list of reasons business plans are rejected or given a low grade. Bad business ideas.
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