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Writing a Business Plan

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It may sound like a daunting assignment, but evidence suggests a well-written business plan contributes to a successful business. 

Why?

Building a business from scratch can be challenging, therefore, creating a business plan compels you to systematically think through every aspect of your business and develop a solid blueprint to follow. 

A business plan will help you map your business strategy for the future and motivate you to reach your goals.  It will help you anticipate obstacles and work out solutions for overcoming them, thereby reducing anxiety and stress. 

Additionally, the process of writing a business plan will likely reveal the level of commitment you need to devote to your business.

What a business plan should include

Your plan should have a professional appearance and be clear and concise.  Some of the essential elements to cover in a business plan are: 

• Executive summary – an overview
• Description of the business
• Product/service design & development
• Industry analysis
• Market analysis
• Marketing plan
• Management team & business structure
• Operations plan
• Legal and risk management plan
• Financial projections

Writing a plan covering all these areas may take substantial time and effort, but when your plan is complete, how much will you have learned in the process?  How thoroughly will you know your business?  How much more confidence will you have when you actually launch your business?

For these reasons, it is best to write the business plan yourself (or at least make an attempt), rather than employ someone to write it for you.  Besides, you’ll feel a sense of excitement and fulfilment when you actually put your ideas and visions down in writing.  Of course, assistance in the form of books, websites and consultants is always available.

For a comprehensive guide to writing your business plan and to access a Business Plan Template, ABN Members can utilise the Pillars of Public Practice: Pillar I - Business Plan Template housed in the ABN Member Centre.

Other benefits

A business plan is usually required by banks and lenders when considering an application for a business loan.  Approaching a lender without a plan, or with one that has been thrown together in haste, will likely make a poor impression.

A business plan also serves as a reference for monitoring the progress of your business against your objectives and performance standards.

Preparing a plan may reveal that your idea is not feasible.  While this may be unfortunate, it is better to fail on paper rather than to start your business and realise the same thing!