How to write a business plan?

[alan8888]

Hi I’m a complete newbie when it comes to business I want to establish a custom built pc business. Yes i know there's a huge market and competition but i just want to do it for my local area.

I need some help in creating a business plan - I have no idea what to write in this can anyone point me in the right direction?

Thanks

 

[Urban Space]

Hi there Alan.

Just did a quick search on Google and found this page which might help.

Liam

 

[Cornish Steve]

The key thing is the come up with an effective strategy; everything else is derived from that.

- Do you plan to differentiate in some way or to be the low-cost leader?
- If the former, how will you differentiate?
- What is your target market?
- How will you reach that market?
- What is your value proposition to that market?
- Who is the competition?

Once you've answered these questions, you can consider the others:

- What is your marketing and sales plan?
- What skills are needed, and how will you obtain them?
- What equipment, facilities, and transport is needed?
- What contracts and other legal documents are required?
- What will be your collections policy?
- What will be your fixed and variable costs?
- What will be your price?
- After how many months will you break even?
- What if you underachieve by 20%? Could you cope financially?
- What if you overachieve by 20%? Do you have the resources?
- What will be your profit margin?
- Can you guarantee an adequate cash flow?

As they say, expect the best but plan for the worst.

I hope this helps.

 

[theMBA]

Try this site as well:

http://www.referenceforbusiness.com/business-plans/

There are lots of example business plans out on the web. They can provide a guide on format, layout, what sections to include. But the content has to be your own, and must be different from everyone else's in some important way. The trouble is, you don't know what's in everyone else's. However, if you have a good idea how your business idea is going to beat the competition, your business plan needs to say this.