Write the Right Business Plan

Do your homework. Before starting your research, take a look at all aspects of your business plan to see the big picture. Read a few books on business plans. Look at Web resources, such as the Small Business Administration (SBA) business-planning outline. Get a feel for what a business plan is, what it isn’t and what those who read it will expect.

Then prepare an outline of the major sections and subsections you think should be included.

Compile your information. Dig through every box, file cabinet and computer document you have—articles, financial statements and press releases. Don’t rate the quality of the information at this stage—just gather it.

Start typing. Write down all your ideas, notes and questions for each section of your outline. Approach it like a brainstorming session, jotting down ideas that demand further consideration or input from others. Then arrange the sections in the most logical order.

Write a rough draft. Turn your outline into complete sentences and paragraphs. Then print out a copy and read it through a few times, revising as you go. You’re halfway there.

Think about the numbers. Begin developing pro forma financial statements: This allows you to match and support the text of your business plan with numbers.

Write a final draft. Bankers and investors will assume you’ll protect their money with the same level of care and attention you put into your business plan. Check, double-check and triple-check your draft, crunching and re-crunching your numbers to make sure they are accurate and proofing the grammar and spelling.

Get feedback. Ask a few people you trust to read your plan and offer suggestions. Take detailed notes on their comments.

Polish your plan to perfection. Create a cover page, table of contents and nondisclosure form and a one-page executive summary that encapsulates the highlights.