How to write a business plan

If you're serious about starting your business -- even if you don't have anything down in writing -- you've already started to plan.

So how do you find time to write a business plan?

You don't.

Business plan examples

You are always planning. Your plan is never done, but your planning process is your key to good management.

Your plan is for you first. Don't make it for anybody else. Do it because it helps you divide and manage big goals into practical steps.

Why you think it would be important to have a business plan when starting a new business.

Instead of looking at it as a document, think of your business plan as a place on your computer where you collect ideas, useful stories, lists and numbers. It's a place where you keep track of the market, your milestones, goals and projections.

Planning is a process that includes review and revision.

There's always a latest version and it lasts just a few weeks.

Related: The Basics of Building a Budget for Your Business

All your business plan really needs at the early stages is:

• Milestones: What's supposed to happen, when, and who's responsible.
• Basic numbers: Simple spre
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