Where can I find templates of a business plan?
if possible media services and ecommerce related
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Oct 7, 2013
I think business templates are useful to look at, but not necessarily to imitate. RBC has a really great, thorough article on creating a business plan that also provides samples. I'll link to it below. It's really good to look at samples but ultimately your business is going to be unique, and will need a unique business plan. I'd strongly recommend creating one that caters to your needs. I've also found some other information on the importance of branding that I think will help you if you're starting a new business. Good luck!
http://www.rbcroyalbank.com/RBC:ngiVCKwWZA0ARwE2M-AAAAC6/sme/create-plan/business-plans.html
Nov 25, 2012
Joseph Bernard, I like your idea. I have some information that I would be happy to share with you. castillo.mba@gmail.com
Nov 22, 2012
You can find samples on http://www.canadabusiness.ca/eng/page/2752
Business plans concept is in change. Check http://www.businessmodelgeneration.com/canvas or get the book. Very useful for start-up, growth or just for a simple idea planning. This concept is simpler and clearer than regular business plans. It has the same procedure but with different thinking concept.
Nov 21, 2012
I recommend...
http://www.thebusinessinqbator.com/resources/business-templates/
Kim
Nov 21, 2012
Hi Fernando,
Business Link had some really helpful stuff on their site for this. It looks like its all been transferred to the Gov site, so have a look at https://www.gov.uk/write-business-plan. Its really helpful.
Esther
Nov 21, 2012
OpenOffice.org. Here is the direct link to the business forms and templates.
http://templates.openoffice.org/en/search/node/business%20plan
Nov 20, 2012
Unless your business model is crystal clear I would start here: http://www.businessmodelgeneration.com/
Once you've figured out how your company will work, you can use templates and what have you to document your business plan.
Nov 20, 2012
www.totalaccessconsulting.com Scroll down to the post "Write your business plan using this free wizard!"
Nov 20, 2012
Funny you ask, I shared my thoughts on this not long ago here: http://giacomoballi.wordpress.com/2012/11/01/know-what-you-do-and-be-able-to-share-it/
Nov 20, 2012
let me have your email and I'll send you a template.
mine is: nathan.baruch@yahoo.com
Nov 18, 2012
This is a little unconventional, but I did this once and got a lot of useful information. I would identify my publicly traded competitors then research their filings with the SEC. More tactical information can be found in a SEC Form 1-A then you normally get from an Annual Report. The format is much closer to a traditional business plan and has the financial ratios, market research and tactical data that you need if you plan to compete with these folks.
Nov 17, 2012
Hello Ladies and Gents. I wanted to thank you very much for taking the time to answer my question, suggest softwares, copy and paste links and so on. This is to me a great encouragement to continue with the planning and execution of my business plan. I not only have taken the time to read your answers, but also reading through your profiles and browsing your business websites. To me you are all business teachers. Again, thank you again for your lesson!
Nov 16, 2012
Templates are not always useful, it depends on the business you're in, the stage your business is at and the purpose of the plan, e.g. raise money, strategic growth, divestment, exit etc.
At best templates are a partial roadmap. What you really need are the critical questions related to your opportunity and industry. Most templates are a laundry list of headings which you can take and adapt, being sure you dig past the questions they provide and tailor your enquiry and plan development to your circumstances.
Having taught Business Planning and Business Model development to post-grad entrepreneurship students and consulted with many businesses on their plans (as well as written a few myself) my key observation is many plans end up as garbage in, garbage out, because they asked the wrong questions, didn't consider strategic implications and thought that all they needed was a cookie cutter template. End result? Epic fail, often burning lots of money in the process.
Who are your customers?
What is your offering and market positioning?
How will you attract customers and at what cost?
Why will the dogs eat your dog food? And keep on eating it?
Show me the money...what is your business model, how will it evolve, who is strategic to you in the value chain and how will you exploit/control it?
What is the development requirement in time, money, infrastructure and sweat?
IP - have you got any, can you protect it, can you leverage it?
Risk, what risk? Market, people, development, financial, IP etc
Who are the people, why them, what do they offer, who else do you need, evidence of prior success in the field?
Dynamic financial model with timing and outputs that match schedule and written plan.
What metrics and do they make sense?
Investment required and use of funds.
Exit/harvest potential and strategy to deliver it.
These are headline questions. Underneath them you need to drill a whole lot deeper and then synthesise your your thinking into a logical, compelling story.
In your industry business models and strategies are very easy to copy. The key differences between winners and losers is execution, service delivery and marketing. Is that where your focus is? If not, you better have some damn fine IP and a great strategic play...
michael@seegrow.me
Nov 16, 2012
Using a template for a business plan saves time. However, it is essential that the entrepreneur spend enough thought and time in preparing the plan that the reader does not immediately identify it as "canned". "Canned" business plans get a quick glance and an even quicker trip to the waste basket.
Nov 16, 2012
I like LivePlan as well. They've got some really great tools. I recommend it to all of my clients.
Here you go if you need the link:
http://www.paloalto.com/?affiliate=MignMarc#
Gerald
Nov 16, 2012
Fernando
Do you want to do a plan for start up business? Or an annual plan for a going business? They are usually quite different.
If it's for a going business, I can send you a free template for a brief action plan for the coming year, if you send me your email. (We also offer plan workshops for business owners who want help completing their plan.)
Nov 16, 2012
I would definitely suggest using the Score business template mentioned here already. I've used this with a high level of success. Please connect with me if you would like to share experiences using the template. Scott@crossroadinsights.com.
Nov 16, 2012
http://www.score.org/resources/business-plans-financial-statements-template-gallery
They have a few FREE ones. Use Palo Alto software, lots of templates.
Nov 16, 2012
You local Small Business Development Center can provide you with an excellent business plan format. The format includes detailed Excel spreadsheets for the financial planning part. Also, the SBDC's typically run classes on how to complete a business plan during the year.
The SBDC's are part of the Small Business Administration. You can find you local SDBC by Googling SDBC and you city, state.
Nov 20, 2012
Thanks a lot Nim. I am considering something like this is my country Ghana and i am developing a business plan for it. Is there any way you can be of support regarding more information on this Model?
Hrllo Michael, i really love your comment. Thanks.