Business Plans That Work for Your Small Business (Business Owner's Toolkit series)

"New or existing business owners will find all the essential elements and formulas of a professional business plan, with concrete examples throughout, in this revised guide. Complicated marketing and financial concepts are translated into down-to-earth, practical advice. Included are five updated sample business plans that serve as blueprints for business owners' own plans, with instructions that provide a wealth of detailed information about how a successful small business should operate. Plans are presented for simple, one-person operations, as well as for corporations with many employees. Aspiring business owners learn how to shape a plan to appeal to an intended audience; organize and format a plan in a professional way; describe the ownership, mission, objectives, and keys to success for the business; analyze the business industry, target market, and competition; create a marketing and sales plan; address the important operating processes and personnel issues; create financial statements based on realistic assumptions; and use the business plan as a management tool long after it is completed. This replaces 0808002406."

Alice H. Magos is the editor of Small Business Financing. She lives in Riverwoods, Illinois.