How to write a business plan

Every step

1. 1

   Write the executive decision

   In one page state the business, customer, problem, offer, revenue model, funding need, milestones, and why this plan can work.

2. 2

   Define the customer

   Describe who buys, what triggers the purchase, how they choose, current alternatives, budget, location, and objections. Cite the research source.

3. 3

   Map the market

   Estimate the reachable market from real customer counts and realistic spending, not only a large national industry number.

4. 4

   Detail the offer and pricing

   List each revenue stream, unit price, delivery cost, gross profit, purchase frequency, and reason the customer chooses it.

5. 5

   Design operations

   Document suppliers, tools, staffing, location, licenses, fulfillment steps, quality checks, and capacity limits.

6. 6

   Build the customer system

   Specify channels, weekly outreach volume, conversion assumptions, sales steps, retention method, and referral process.

7. 7

   Create the financial model

   Build monthly revenue, direct costs, overhead, payroll, debt, taxes, cash flow, and break even for at least 12 months. Show base, low, and high cases.

8. 8

   Set milestones and risks

   Assign dates, owners, costs, proof required, major risks, early warning signs, and the response if an assumption fails.