A business plan is a written document that describes the objectives of a business. It lays out a roadmap for the company from operational, financial, and marketing standpoints. The plan is used for both the external audience and internal audience of the company.
Ideally, the document is reviewed and updated periodically to see if the goals have been achieved or have changed. It’s most commonly used by startup companies to attract outside investors. Here’s why you need it.
Financial Support for Business
Potential investors and lenders require a written business plan before they invest in a business because a written description of your business concept is not always enough. You must ensure that you have a thorough business and financial plan that predicts success and how much you will need for the success of your business in the long term.
Marketing Strategy
The marketing strategy of a company included in the business plan describes how it will attract customers, maintain the customer base and reach them. So it’s crucial to outline a distribution channel that will promote advertising and marketing campaign plans. The plan will also help business owners determine the types of media those campaigns are existing on.
Critical Decision-Making
Though business plans may have several purposes, their primary purpose is to assist business owners to make informed decisions. Decision-making in business is closely associated with crisis management. Not all entrepreneurs can afford to consider and analyze the complications of any decision. That’s where the need for establishing a robust business plan comes in as it allows you to think about the important factors of a business before getting started.
Avoiding Mistakes
According to the Small Business Administration, less than 50% businesses survive the first five years. Though there may be multiple explanations for a failing business, most of them are persistently covered in business plans. Establishing a business plan can help you prevent major mistakes that business owners make. The plan can identify the potentially critical mistakes to help businesses deal with product-market fit analysis or cash flow forecasts.
The services offered by a business consultant can help you create a vigorous business plan for your company. Eyal Dulin is a renowned business consultant who has been advising businesses in the United States and South Africa. He helps businesses ensure that their sales team is compliant with Federal and State Regulations.