Dont just fill in the blanks of a Business Plan Template

Filling in the blanks of a business plan template will fail you. Here are 10 steps that can significantly impact your business success: #1 - Meet people who have a business similar to what you will build. #2 - Pay attention to who gives you guidance. Don't ask a plumber for help with your medical issues. Invest lots of time in researching before you start. #3 - Understand why you want to start a business. Your reasons need to be personal and far more than "I don't want to work for the man." #4 - Find all of the No Cost resources around you that can help you start this journey. SBA, Score, NCSBC, NC SBTDC, NCSOS, Chamber of Commerce, local Economic Development Groups. #5 - Understand the real cost of starting your own business. Your time, energy, focus, commitment, long hours, weekends. #6 - Pay attention to the red flags. Don't ignore them or tell yourself it won't matter. Red Flags need to be understood and you will need to quantify how they could impact your business before you move on. #7 - Keep learning along the way. Learn from your peers, vendors, customers, and people you trust. #8 - Don't simply borrow money and hope and pray the business is a success. #9 - Remember you are an employee of your business. Don't work for the business for free. Understand how the business will compensate you for your time and efforts. #10 - Don't just fill in the blanks. Get intimate with your plan and then work your plan with every ounce of your energy. Bonus Point - Celebrate the small steps forward, while you work through the issues that cause you to slip. Follow great business plan tips Learn how to write a business plan Don't make these business plan mistakes Have a clear business plan strategy learn from others about effective business planning Be certain to avoid the template trap Ask others where they got their startup planning guide Know what business plans work Have a customer-focused business plan Create a living business plan