Preparing a Good Business Plan.

All business owners are trying to figure out how to make our business's thrive during these difficult economic times. We are not content to watch and wait. There are a few things that we need to think about if we are going to not only survive, but grow our businesses...

- We need to keep our spending to a minimum so we can keep some cash flow. What can we cut out of our budget?
- How can we keep our customers coming back?
- How are we going to gain new customers?
- What kind of marketing will be the most effective and the most cost effective?
- Do I need to rethink how my business has been run? What changes do I need to make?

In order to look at your business with new eyes and see the areas that need to modified, we have to go back to the basics. What is my business all about? What is my business plan? Where did I intend to go, where am I know?

Below is an article that gives us 12 questions to help us reach our goals, make stronger businesses, etc. Rethinking your business plan, or looking at aspects of it with fresh new eyes is always a good thing for business. Even if you don't take the steps and write or re-write your actual business plan, these questions will help you refocus and get energized about your business! Enjoy!

~ Comfort C. Price
owner, Concept Design Studios


The "Defining Dozen" questions
Article by Startup Nation

To write a good business plan, you have to know the answers to the “Defining Dozen” questions, which we describe in detail in “StartupNation: Open for Business,” our book. Jot down the answers to each of these questions and hang on to them. You might not use every answer in writing your business plan, but they could be helpful when you update your plan as your new business grows.

What’s your business idea? (Read the book excerpt)

How does your idea address a need? (Read the book excerpt)

What model suits you best? (Read the book excerpt)

What’s so different about what you offer? (Read the book excerpt)

How big is the market and how big will you grow? (Read the book excerpt)

What’s your role going to be? (Read the book excerpt)

Who's on your team? (Read the book excerpt)

How will customers buy from you, and how much will they pay? (Read the book excerpt)

How much money do you need, and how much will you make? (Read the book excerpt)

Where's the startup money coming from? (Read the book excerpt)

How will you measure success? (Read the book excerpt)

What are your key milestones? (Read the book excerpt)

Once you’ve answered these questions, you should be prepared to write the actual business plan document.