Creating a Business Plan

Looking to build a business or expand one you're already running? You need to write a business plan. Learn how to define your business, market, product, sales strategy, and more.

Introduction

• What is a business plan?

1. Defining Your Business

• Why you need a business plan?
• Define the problem you solve
• Size the market
• Define your product and solution
• Determine your revenue model
• Describe why you can win in the market

2. Understanding Your Market

• Understand customers and trends
• How you rank vs. competitors
• Know the threat of substitutes
• Build a go-to-market strategy

3. Defining Your Product

• Articulate your value proposition
• Define points of differentiation
• Protect your market
• Develop your product
• Deliver your product

4. Selling Your Product

• Branding and marketing your product
• Pricing your product
• Selling your product
• Supporting your product

5. Running Your Operations

• Determine how many people you need
• Manage production
• Manage suppliers

6. Managing Your Business

• Leading the organization
• Getting advisors
• Compensating leadership
• Administration

7. Projecting Your Financials

• Financial assumptions
• Financial forecasts
• Capital requirements
• Financial risks
• Exiting your business

Conclusion

• Business plan pitfalls
• Launching the business