"One reason why downturns tend to be good times to launch new businesses is because established companies abandon promising growth opportunities too fast. Oracle and Microsoft were both born in difficult economic times." ("All You Need Is Cash." Economist, 22-28 Nov. 2008: 17)
Though you may not aspire to be that BIG guy, Mister Softee...yet, nonetheless, it may be time to think BIG when it comes to the business plan for that widget company you have always wanted to start. But "BIG" does NOT mean "starting BIG," it means "thinking BIG" by putting together all the little pieces of a good business plan.
Some, but not all, of the MANY aspects of a good business plan include:
Describe Your Business.
Business Vision Statement.
Elevator Speech (Short Statement).
Who is Your Competition?
How Will You Market Your Business and Products?
How Will You Operate Your Business?
Who Will Manage Your Business?
Who is Your Market?
Number of Persons You Will Employ?
Who Will Provide Your Business Insurance?
Will You Pay Cash or Apply For a Loan and With Whom?
Sample Balance Sheet.
Analysis of What It Takes To Breakeven.
What Equipment and supplies Do You Need?
A Three-Year Summary.
Month-by-Month Business Detail for First Year.
Quarter-by-Quarter Detail For Year Two and Year Three.
How Have You Assertained Your Information and Data?
Ways in Which Your Business May Fail?
Projected Cash-Flow.
Profit and Loss Statement.
If Mister Softee began in soft times, maybe you can too...
Bozeman Commercial Real Estate - Montana Commercial Property
Brett, thanks for a good word. I have had so many people question my sanity, mostly other agents because I opened my Real Estate Company last March. I knew going in it wasn't going to be easy and I was sure I would have some tough challenges. My thought process was to just be in position for the come back. I am already seeing a positive growth and those once skeptical, are inquiring about the possiblity of moving their license to my company. Aslo thanks for the business plan tips.
Randy
Thanks for the comment, Randy. If your product is perceived as necessary and you have a sound plan and a "positive" outlook, you should do well!
Thanks for that great check-list, and also the enthusiasm about "now" is the time to think big/start news.