The Total Business Plan: How to Write, Rewrite, and Revise

Aids entrepreneurs in the planning and execution of a sound business venture, from conception to growth and expansion. Provides complete explanations of the total business planning process, including market planning, strategizing, research sources, pricing concepts, and specific questions entrepreneurs must ask in the preparation of a sound plan to its selected audience--whether it's managment, lenders, or the investment community. Numerous sample business marketing plan outlines are included with expert explanations. As a reminder, the author drives home the point that each business plan must be unique in its presentation and must be the sole creation of the individual entrepreneur and the business/management team chosen to work on it.

"...gives you all the information, tools, techniques, and money sources you need to create and present a winning plan."—Business Opportunities Journal

"...should provide valuable assistance to any serious entrepreneur faced with writing and adapting a business plan in order to secure financing."—International Small Business Journal

Whether you're starting up or growing your small business, a business plan is one tool you don't want to be without. While it gives you a clear sense of direction and a solid framework for guiding and evaluating your progress, it also carries a lot of weight with potential lenders and investors. Now this book shows you how to create a polished, professional plan for your business without paying a small fortune in professional fees. The revised and expanded Second Edition of Patrick O'Hara's celebrated guide: Takes you step-by-step through the whole planning process—from concept, market planning, strategizing, research sources, and pricing, to writing, rewriting, and revising Tells you exactly what your plan should include, in what format, and what to emphasize for different audiences Shows you how to modify and tailor your plan using spreadsheet analysis, databases, and computer graphics Walks you through the writing, rewriting, and revision of three actual business plans for three very different types of businesses Offers expert advice on where to find financing and how to evaluate sources Comes complete with a Lotus-based program you can customize for developing cash-flow projections, financial statements, and more