Need to create a great business plan, fast? Hey, why reinvent the wheel! Unless your business plan is something never before conceived of, there's probably a free sample business plan for precisely what you need that you can adapt as your very own. You won't have to worry about what components to include in your business plan, or how long to make it. Just fill in the blanks (well, maybe not quite that simple, but you get the idea).
According to Tim Berry, a business plan guru and founder and CEO of Palo Alto Software, every successful launch starts with a good business plan. Using business plan software to help you is a good idea, too. And starting with a good business plan sample will help you write a business plan in record time. Some of Berry's keys to business plan success include these:
1. Is the business plan simple? Is it easy to understand and to act on? Does your small business plan communicate its contents easily and practically?
2. Is the plan specific? Are its objectives concrete and measurable? Does it include specific actions and activities, each with specific dates of completion, specific persons responsible and specific budgets?
3. Is the business plan realistic? Are the sales goals, expense budgets, and milestone dates realistic? Nothing stifles implementation like a business plan with unrealistic goals.
4. Is the plan complete? Does it include all the necessary elements? Have you tapped the right business plan resources, including free sample business plans and business plan software? Requirements of a business plan vary, depending on the context. There is no guarantee, however, that the plan will work if it doesn't cover the main bases.
Business.com's "What Works for Business" blog is a great way to keep up with the latest solutions, trends and strategies for small and medium business -- including business plan competitions and startup resources.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Locate sample business plans specific to your business or industry
Many free sample business plans are available online, along with expert help to write a business plan.
I recommend: Bplans.com is a terrifically useful site that offers free sample business plans for 60 different types of businesses, from artificial flower importing, to wedding consultants. If you purchase their best-selling business plan software Business Plan Pro, it comes with over 500 plans that you can make your own.
See real-life sample plans in a business plan archive
View actual business plans of past and present businesses online.
I recommend: I recommend: Business Plan Archive is an online repository for real business plans. Webmergers.com and the University of Maryland's School of Business built the site to collect business plans for posterity. BusinessPlans.com has samples to view. Or download free business plan templates for a startup or established business from SCORE.
Get a ready-made business plan software template
Not quite a sample business plan, but a track-tested business plan template that has been used by many startup entrepreneurs can also be a big help.
I recommend: Business Plan Success is business plan software that delivers a professionally written business plan template that you can use to quickly write a business plan that succeeds.
Go short for your sample business plan
Get a sample short-form business plan for a quick company overview or presentation
I recommend: AllBusiness has a sample short form plan you can purchase and download for $15.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
* The most standard type of business plan is a startup plan, which lays out the steps for a new business. It describes the company, product or service, market, forecasts, strategy, implementation milestones, management team, projected sales, profit and loss, balance sheet, cash flow, and more.
* The plan always starts with an executive summary and ends with appendices showing monthly projections for the first year.
* Internal plans are not intended for outside investors, banks, or other third parties. They might not include detailed description of company or management team. They may or may not include detailed financial projections that become forecasts and budgets. They may cover main points as bullet points in slides (such as PowerPoint slides) rather than detailed texts.
By Daniel Kehrer, Editor, Business.com & Work.com, Business.com & Work.com
