Business Plans Kit for Dummies

by Peterson, Steven D.; Jaret, Peter E.; Schenck, Barbara Findlay; Barrow, Colin

• ISBN13: 9780470743812
• ISBN10: 0470743816
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2009-07-27
• Publisher: For Dummies

Summary

An interactive guide to every element of the business planning process Are you an entrepreneur who wants to make it big? A manager grappling with logistics? A small business owner trying to map out a future in shaky economic times? Then look no further! Business Plans Kit For Dummies is a nuts-and-bolts guide to evaluating and invigorating your commercial strategy, no matter how big or small your business. Lay the foundations - identify your long-term goals and brainstorm your business options Develop the skills - sketch out a working model, size up competitors and fire up your marketing machine Make it personal - scrutinise the ins and outs of? your budget and diagnose what you need to take your ideas forward Maximise your plan's potential - take advantage of the latest online resources and e-technology to give your venture the edge Fix faulty strategies - recognise weak spots, build on strengths and make preparations to update your plan a year from now Open the book and find: Advice on stimulating business creativity Effective ways to research your start-up needs How to get the most out of your industry Tips on sharpening your marketing drive and developing a customer profile Forecasting strategies for every kind of business Planning sheets, sample budgets and managerial forms How to use libraries, directories and search engines to your advantage The interactive companion CD-ROM is packed with templates, worksheets, assignments and checklists to help you kick-start the planning process, monitor progress and get your business on track.

Author Biography

Steven Peterson is CEO of Strategic Play, a top management training company. Peter Jaret is an award-winning author and journalist. Barbara Findlay Schenck is a business and marketing consultant. Colin Barrow is a venture capitalist, entrepreneur and the best-selling author of Starting a Business For Dummies.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Laying the Foundation for Your Plan

Starting Your Planning Engine

Generating a Great Business Idea

Defining Your Business Purpose

Developing Your Plan's Components

Understanding Your Business Environment

Charting Your Strategic Direction

Describing Your Business and its Capabilities

Crafting Your Martketing Plan

Deciphering and Presenting Your Financial Situation

Tailoring a Business Plan to Fit Your Needs

Planning for a One-Person Business

Planning for a Small Business

Planning for an Established Business

Planning for a Not-for-Profit Organisation

Planning for an E-Business

Making the Most of Your Plan

Putting Your Plan Together

Putting Your Plan to Work

The Part of Tens

Ten Signs that Your Plan Might Need an Overhaul

Ten Ways to Evaluate a New Business Idea

Ten Ways to Fund Your Business Plan

Ten Sources of Vital Information to Underpin Your Business Plan

Ten Ways to Use Your Business Plan

About the CD

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.