
24/03/2021
Creating a Business Plan
TEXT: Learning Objectives
1. Learn the value in creating a business plan.
2. Identify the primary elements needed to make it successful.]
In this lesson, you will learn the value in creating a business plan and identify the primary elements needed to make it successful.
Writing a business plan is not complicated, but you have to understand the fundamentals. If you have a great idea for an innovative venture and want to start a business based on that idea, you will need to attract team members and secure capital. The best way to do this is with a solid business plan.
To convince others to join you in this exciting adventure, you will have to pitch investors and funders. Before they put up any money, they will ask you many questions about your idea, and you will need the answers! The business plan will help you formulate the responses that will satisfy their questions.
But even before you go out and pitch your idea, the business plan will help you work out the potential issues and come up with solutions. This is important, whether you’re working alone or leading a team.
So what are the primary elements of a business plan? In clear and concise language, your business plan should explain your idea as well as its market potential. It should list the problems that you expect to encounter, and how you intend to solve them. It should detail the risks associated with your venture and how you intend to reduce those risks.
Your business plan should always begin with the sales demand side. For example, if your idea is to sell a new type of battery for mobile phones, you’ll need to make assumptions and determine how many batteries you think you can sell in a given market in the first year. And then in the second, third, and fourth year. By the fifth year, perhaps you will expand into new markets and begin selling different types of batteries and associated services.