Enterprise Nation

Writing a business plan might seem like an onerous task but if you put your mind to it you can complete it within a day and it really helps to chart your route. 

The right conditions
Try to find a day when you’ll have the least amount of distractions. Maybe a Bank holiday or weekend, when you can work on the plan without being disturbed by emails and phone calls. 

Keep the plan brief. This applies whether you’re writing it for investors, or for yourself.  The best ideas can be explained with the fewest words. 

The headings
Include some key headings in your plan: 

• The product - what is the service or product you are offering 
• The market - who will you be selling to and who else is currently selling to the same market 
• Operations - how will you develop, promote and sell the product and retain customers 
• Financials - does it all add up? Will you earn more than you spend?

A well-written business plan will keep you on course, and you can return to it every six months or so, to check progress.