Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Develop your business plan Part 6

Here is part 6 on the Developing your business plan series. Once again their is some good information contained in here.


Monday, March 17, 2008

Starting A Small Business Series: The Executive Summary

Although the Executive Summary is the first section of the business, it is usually the last part you will write because as the name implies, it is a basic summary of all the parts of the business plan and it needs to spark an interest in the reader to move on to the heart of the plan.

The Business Plan Blog had a great explanation of the executive summary so I recommend you read that to get a good idea on what you should have in it.

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

List of Freelance Blogs?

Are you a freelancer?

The Bootstrapper Blog has a listing of 100 Blogs that could be of interest to you. It is a very comprehensive list and you should find something that will work for you. Also, even if you run a small retail business or something like that, often times the advice given to freelances work for the small business owner so go ahead and take a look.

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Develop your business plan Part 5

Here is Part 5 of the Developing a Business Plan Videos. This one talks about doing the numbers of the plan. I have gone over the financial statements before but the video might make it a little easier to understand and help you make a better plan.

Monday, March 10, 2008

Starting A Small Business Series: The Appendix

The final section of the business plan (although not the last part you finish), is the appendix. This is the reference section of your business plan and what it contains depends on your needs.

The SBA website has a complete list of items that you may or may not need in your appendix.

Wednesday, March 05, 2008

Make Money on your off time...

The Bootstrapper Blog has a listing of 50 ways to make money during your off time. The first one is a good one for all business people and that is Blogging. I have said before that all businesses should be blogging which can be used as a marketing opportunity.

Monday, March 03, 2008

Special from Office Depot

For those shopping for Office Supplies here is a coupon good for 10% of everything but technology.

10% Off Your Purchase! No Minimum! Don't Miss This Chance to Save on any order, large or small, when you order today! Offer valid 3.1.08 - 4.8.08. (excludes technology)

Starting A Small Business Series: Financial Statements

So what is the next section of your business plan?

It is your financial statements. We have already discussed the different business financial statements but to recap you have the Profit and Loss Statement, Balance Sheet and the all important Cash Flow.

If your business has been in operation you will want to include previous financial statements going back 3 to 5 years.

Now if you are just starting your business you will want to have estimates for the first five years. You will want to insure that the financial statements match what you are requesting from your investors because they will be going over these numbers with a fine tooth comb.

Next we have the appendix then we go back to the first section of the business plan but the last done and that is the executive summary.