Write a Basic Business Plan in 9 Easy Steps

You've decided you want to start a business. Congratulations! This is a huge step towards achieving your professional goals. But before you can start raking in the dough, you'll need to write a business plan.

Don't worry, we're here to help. Check out our step-by-step guide on how to write a business plan, and you'll be ready to get started in no time.

1. Do your research

Before you even start writing your business plan, you need to do your research. This means understanding the industry you're entering, your competition, and your target market. Only once you have a firm grasp on all of this information will you be able to create a plan that is truly informed and effective.

2. Define your business

The first step in writing your business plan is to define your business. What is your business's name? What does it do? What products or services does it offer? Answering these questions will give you a solid foundation to build the rest of your plan on.

3. Set your goals

Now that you know what your business is and does, you need to set some goals. What are your long-term goals? What are your short-term goals? How will you measure success? Having concrete, achievable goals is critical to the success of any business, so make sure to take the time to set them before moving on.

4. Create your marketing strategy

Now it's time to start thinking about how you're actually going to sell your products or services. What is your pricing strategy? What channels will you use to reach your target market? What kind of marketing materials will you need? Answering these questions will help you create a comprehensive marketing strategy that will be a key component of your overall business plan.

5. Write your executive summary

Once you've done all of the above, you're finally ready to start writing your business plan. But before you dive in, you need to write your executive summary. This is a brief overview of your business that should include your business's name, its purpose, and a brief description of your products or services. Think of it as a elevator pitch for your business plan.

6. Flesh out your business plan

Now it's time to start filling in the details of your business plan. Begin by describing your business in more detail, including its history, structure, and management. Then, move on to your financials. This is where you'll need to include your projected income, expenses, and cash flow. Don't forget to include your marketing strategy and your goals as well.

7. Proofread and edit

Once you've finished writing your business plan, it's time to proofread and edit. This is an important step, as even small mistakes can make your business plan look unprofessional. Make sure to read over your plan several times and have someone else look at it as well. Once you're confident that it's error-free, you're ready to move on to the next step.

8. Get feedback

Before you finalize your business plan, it's important to get feedback from others. Ask friends, family, and mentors for their thoughts on your plan. They may be able to point out errors or offer helpful suggestions. Getting feedback from others will help you create the best possible business plan.

9. Finalize your business plan

Once you've gotten feedback and made any necessary changes, you're ready to finalize your business plan. Congrats! You've done the hard work and you're now ready to start working on making your business a reality.