“If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.” That quote has been bandied about for so long, it is difficult to accurately determine who said it first. It has been credited to Benjamin Franklin and other great minds. Regardless who first made the statement , or since, it has definitely proven true where launching and managing a business is concerned. When creating your business plan, remember the following 5 important considerations that will help you achieve your goals.
1. Raising capital
Forbes magazine reported that 8 out of 10 businesses fail within their first 18 months. What is the principal reason behind that 80% failure rate? The primary reason businesses big and small, off-line and online, fail so quickly is a lack of capital. You need upfront money to launch your business.
You should also set some plan for a continual influx of capital, whether that be through sales, outside investors and venture capitalists, or diverting your personal income to your business. Your business plan should provide for 5 years of business expenses. (People photo created by freepik)
2. Establishing your Unique Value Proposition/Position (UVP)
So, you are starting a widget business. Good for you. Don’t forget that the world already has plenty of widgets. Why is your widget different? What hole in the widget marketplace does it fill? Why is your widget better, faster or bigger? Businesses fail all the time because they are not unique. Establish your product’s unique value proposition (UVP), also known as a unique value proposition, and you immediately differentiate yourself from much of your competition.
3. Understand your target market completely
It goes without saying that if you are trying to sell cheeseburgers to vegans, you won’t be in business long. You need to understand your customer completely, better than anyone else in your market. Allow room in your business plan for uncovering the intimate fears, worries, problems, and dreams that your target market has and you will never have an issue selling your products and services.
4. Sales and profit timetable
To stay in business you need to sell something. Your business plan should include sales and profit projections for your first 30 days, 90 days, 6 months, 1 year, and 5 years. These projections need to be based on relevant information, and not some hopeful pipe dream. Be honest with this part of your business plan and you will realize how much upfront and ongoing investment capital you will need to generate to stay in business. ( Business photo created by katemango)
5. A clear-cut and proven business model
Many entrepreneurs start a business without a clearly defined model. They put some money together, come up with an idea for a product or offer, and throw open their virtual or brick-and-mortar doors. That is wishing on hope and luck. Find a proven business model that will work in your market, tailor it to your offerings, and work your model. This part of your business plan should include a smooth process for moving from prospect to customer to profits.(image source: Freepik by by BiZkettE1 )
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