How to Write a Business Plan

by McKeever, Mike P.

• ISBN13: 9780873378635
• ISBN10: 0873378636
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2002-12-01
• Publisher: Nolo

Summary

Author, teacher and financial manager Mike McKeever shows readers how to write the business plan and loan package necessary to finance a new or expanding business and make it work. He helps readers make realistic financial projections, develop effective marketing strategies and refine overall business goals.

With How to Write a Business Plan, entrepreneurs learn how to:
-- evaluate the profitability of a business idea
-- estimate operating expenses
-- prepare cash flow, profit and loss forecasts
-- determine assets, liabilities and net worth
-- find potential sources of financing
-- think first before borrowing from friends and relatives
-- present your plan to lenders and investors

Author Biography

Mike McKeever has taught classes in entrepreneurship and small business management, and has published numerous articles on entrepreneurship for Dow Jones publications, the Sloan Publications Business Journal and numerous newspapers and periodicals

Table of Contents

How to Use This Book	i
Benefits of Writing a Business Plan
What Is a Business Plan?	2	(1)
Why Write a Business Plan?	2	(1)
Issues Beyond the Plan	3	(1)
Do You Really Want to Own a Business?
Introduction	2	(1)
Self-Evaluation Exercises	3	(1)
How to Use the Self-Evaluation Lists	6	(1)
Reality Check: Banker's Analysis	6	(1)
Choosing the Right Business
Introduction	2	(1)
Know Your Business	2	(1)
Be Sure You Like Your Business	3	(1)
Describe Your Business	4	(1)
Taste, Trends and Technology: How Will the Future Affect Your Business?	8	(1)
Break-Even Analysis: Will Your Business Make Money?	11	(1)
What You Have Accomplished	21	(1)
Potential Sources of Money to Start or Expand Your Small Business
Introduction	3	(1)
Ways to Raise Money	3	(1)
Common Money Sources to Start or Expand a Business	9	(1)
Additional Money Sources for an Existing Business	16	(1)
If No One Will Finance Your Business, Try Again	17	(1)
Secondary Sources of Financing for Start-Ups or Expansions	18	(1)
Conclusion	21	(1)
Your Resume and Financial Statement
Introduction	2	(1)
Draft Your Business Accomplishment Resume	2	(1)
Draft Your Personal Financial Statement	8	(1)
Your Profit and Loss Forecast
Introduction	2	(1)
What is a Profit and Loss Forecast?	2	(1)
Determine Your Average Cost of Sales	3	(1)
Complete Your Profit and Loss Forecast	5	(1)
Review Your Profit and Loss Forecast	14	(1)
Your Cash Flow Forecast and Capital Spending Plan
Introduction	2	(1)
Prepare Your Capital Spending Plan	3	(1)
Prepare Your Cash Flow Forecast	5	(1)
Required Investment for Your Business	11	(1)
Check for Trouble	12	(1)
Write Your Marketing and Personnel Plans
Introduction	2	(1)
Marketing Plan	2	(1)
Personnel Plan	10	(1)
Editing and Finalizing Your Business Plan
Introduction	2	(1)
Decide How to Organize Your Plan	2	(1)
Write Final Portions of Your Plan	3	(1)
Create the Appendix	7	(1)
Create Title Page and Table of Contents	8	(1)
Complete Your Final Edit	9	(1)
Consider Using a Business Consultant	10	(1)
Selling Your Business Plan
How to Ask for the Money You Need	2	(1)
How to approach Different Backers	4	(1)
What to Do When Someone Says ``Yes''	7	(1)
Plan in Advance for Legal Details	8	(1)
After You Open---Keeping on the Path to Success
Introduction	2	(1)
Watch Out for Problem Areas	2	(1)
Getting Out of Business	6	(1)
Good Resources for Small Businesses
Introduction	3	(1)
Business Consultants	3	(1)
Books	4	(1)
Pamphlets	9	(1)
Magazines---Continuing Small Business Help	9	(1)
Computers and Business	9	(1)
Online Business Resources	12	(1)
Formal Education	14