[spdone]

I am sure many on here have actually done a bonafide and exhaustive business plan. I am just now doing a little research on how to do one. It seems daunting at best and down right impossible for some things. But since I have been looking at how to do it correctly and I thought I would share something in an article I just read so others might take this step to help grow their company.
"If you don't know exactly where to start, or get confused about what is really supposed to be in it, pick something in an outline that you do have knowledge about. Start there. Build up your confidence and keep moving through it."
I bring this point up in particular because it really took a load off of my shoulders. I had (have) no real idea of how to get ALL of the important info (or exactly what that is) and put it together. It is going to take me a long time to get through but I want to have a good living document to work with so I'm putting in the time.

Maybe some can chime in with their advice or anecdotes?

 

[electricbysullivan]

http://www.virginiasbdc.org/

There is also software for business plans and some have a specific stylized look from the publisher.

I bought an electrical and HVAC business plan from 125 a day dot com but never did anything with it really.

Your best bet would be the gov't sit I posted first. All their help will be free and from a true expert in writing the plan.

 

[electricguy]

Ellen Rohr has some good ideas
http://www.barebonesbiz.com/

 

[RGH]

FWIW...I just contacted the NYS small business administration...about a million years ago and they sent me tons of things....no internet back then...I am sure your state has a web site and you can just sorta fill in the blanks kinda thing now...plus my accountant is just great he is a endless source for me...even though he is a Yankees fan...no ones perfect:whistling2:

 

[chicken steve]

"If you don't know exactly where to start, or get confused about what is really supposed to be in it, pick something in an outline that you do have knowledge about. Start there. Build up your confidence and keep moving through it."

Right...how's about the author of this pick up a banjo and be playing bluegrass gigs next week?

My advice is to be wary of what advice is out there SP

Personally, i want to listen to folks who've made a go of it, especially in a down economy.

I don't wish to listen to predators who bagged it due to this down economy, and decided to sell their advice

~CS~

 

[spdone]

I am going to check these out. Being wary is good advice too, which is why I decided to tackle it myself, at least initially. I found a million templates. Well, a template does no good if you don't know how to get the info to put in the template. I decided not to pay some one to help even though had an offer from a vetted business consultant to help. I actually met him and he just felt off to me. He was not encouraging or excited or something. Like I was not worth his time.
What I liked about this articles advice is practicality. I look at the ones done by pros, I know I am not capable of that but I can get a decent framework together before talking to a pro.

BTW Kamloops is awesome. Just sayin

 

[spdone]

Sullivan- I ran into the sbd people at a Chamber of Commerce convention. We are now enrolled in their classes. I suggest to anyone listening that this is is already a good way for you if you are in our shoes! Lessons are short and sweet and done at home on our free time. Thank you for the suggestion!:thumbup: