Posts Tagged ‘Business Plan’
5 Tips for Writing a Business Plan
Writing a business plan is the first step in starting a business after you decide you are going to do it. It is tedious, not really the fun part, but it is one of the most important steps. It can be so tempting to just jump in and do the business plan later, or to…
Read MorePlease Map Your Goal and USE That Map!
It’s time to speak of some sort of business plan. As a professional investor in early stage companies, I have long discounted long, detailed business plans in favor of a concise “executive summary” followed by a believable spreadsheet-based financial forecast projecting three to five years into the future. Yes, everything does change between drafting that…
Read MoreWhat Do Business Plan Financials Look Like?
People often ask: What do business plan financials look like? You can get away with a sales forecast, spending budget, and cash flow plan. That’s enough for actually running your startup. It’s the essential numbers in a lean business plan. If you want to do it right you take it further and present projected (also called Pro Forma)…
Read MoreHow to Get a Loan Tailored to Your Specific Niche
Every business sector is different and has its own financing needs. Most sectors are cyclical but some less so, and whilst some sectors traditionally experience peaks in the summer and lulls in the winter, others find precisely the opposite. So when you’re seeking business finance, it’s important that your lender understands your industry and its…
Read MoreTop 10 Tips for Business Planning
I was asked once again for my 10 top tips on business planning. I can’t do that without noting the different uses of business plans in different situations. I ended up with more than 10 tips, but they are more specific to context. 5 Major tips for all business planning Form follows function. Like anything…
Read MoreHow to Tell If It’s the Right Time to Start a Small Business
Many people dream of owning their own businesses, but it’s a lot easier said than done. Lots of potential entrepreneurs put off the dream for years and years, waiting until they are ready to take the plunge. But how can you tell if you’re truly ready? What are some things you can do to gauge…
Read MoreDo It Right the First Time: 7 Tips to Take Your Startup to the Next Level
Startups can experience tremendous growth when the owners make the right decisions early on. Here is a checklist for entrepreneurs who wants to take their startup to the next level. 1. Prepare a plan You need to develop a model that the business is going to follow. The program needs to elaborate on some of…
Read MoreThe Restaurant Biz: What You Need to Know Before Opening Your First Location
According to a study by Ohio State University, up to 60 percent of all restaurants fail within the first year while as many as 80 percent fail by their fifth year. However, if you are thinking about opening your first restaurant, the facts are not all gloomy. Last year, almost two million new restaurant jobs…
Read MoreSo You’ve Bought a Small Business: What’s Next?
If you’ve just bought a business then the next few months is a critical period for you and your newly acquired enterprise. First impressions count, so it’s your chance to win the respect of your new charges, suppliers and customers. Bodge the transition and you could lose key staff or contracts, so here are some…
Read MoreHow to Make Money on Your Brilliant Business Idea
So you have a brilliant business idea that will be very successful. My congratulations to you. Now read all ideas are brilliant and nobody is going to pay you for your ideas. Are you still sure? All right then, let’s continue. And—this is important—do not even think about getting investors yet. Do a lean business plan. 1. Gather a team Can…
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