Having sufficient resources can obviously be one of the most important aspects to the longevity of any business concept. However, in order to gain interest from potential investors it is first necessary to have a business plan to propose to anyone interested in making a financial contribution. It stands to reason that an idea may seem like a grand opportunity to the creator, but to an outside party, the concept must be explained in a coherent and consistent manner.
Executive Summary
This section of your business plan is designed to summarize the key concepts, ideas and considerations for your intended audience. This will always be the first section in any sort of business proposal or arrangement. In order to create an impactful summary you will want to make sure you emphasize the salient points of each section in a creative and provocative way that holds the attention of potential investors. It is important not to be too wordy or verbose.
Business Strategy
This section needs to describe to your audience what your plan entails. This is an opportunity to provide some background context to your plan as well. You should also take this space to provide a clear mission statement and vision for your business and describe how the products or services that you are offering will meet these objectives. Finally, this section allows you to indicate the structure of your business concerning proprietorship.
Marketing Strategy
Marketing strategy is another important section of the business plan. In this section you should indicate considerations such as how the product or service is intended to function, the cost to the consumer for your product or service, and how you will communicate with customers and deliver your product or service to them.
Operational Plan
This space allows you to detail procedural elements for potential investors. For example, you can explain how you envision daily operations to take place within your business from the top to the ground floor. Additionally, it is important to consider the requirements of necessary buildings and structures as well as technological aspects and financial accounting practices.
Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats Analysis
Performing this type of analysis indicates to potential investors that you are serious about your business proposal and have, in fact, considered a wide variety of aspects that could impinge on the success of your business model.
Human Resources Plan
This section allows you to explain to potential investors the roles, responsibilities and expectations of everyone involved in the business from the top right down to the ground floor. Training programs, compensation and benefits for employees can all be considered in this section as well.
Social Responsibility Strategy
It is always advantageous for a business to have a positive image concerning social and environmental responsibility. Thus, this section will allow you to address potential ways in which the business model will benefit social society and maintain a vigilant position on the environment.
E-Business Strategy
In order to provide significant depth to your business proposal and demonstrate a commitment to innovation and evolving with the product or service as demanded by consumers it is crucial to develop an e-business strategy. This will allow you to show potential investors that your product or service is accessible through the internet as well.
Financial Forecasts & Other Information
Financial forecasting is crucial to the overall business plan and for demonstrating to potential investors that you have considered all of the possibilities and what is required to maintain solvency. You should demonstrate the financial requirements of your venture, what type of assurance you can offer potential investors and how you plan to obtain income.
Business Exit Strategy
This section accurately rounds-off the business proposal and provides a sense of continuity for investors beyond your intended commitment. This section allows you the opportunity to demonstrate a competent time-line and provide benchmarks for the on-going venture.
