| It seems that nearly everyone you meet has an idea | | | | pursuing an entrepreneurial life we know the |
| for a new business. The topic usually arises while | | | | importance of composing a business plan. Whether |
| enjoying a few cocktails with friends or at the | | | | you are using the plan as a means of seeking funding |
| company water cooler. Many times the conversation is | | | | or already have startup capital in place, a business plan |
| premised with "You know what they should make..." or | | | | is a great tool for plotting your business venture. |
| "I've got a great idea for a business...". It just goes to | | | | Below are just a few links that will be helpful for those |
| show that we all have a little bit of the entrepreneurial | | | | of you who wish to jump into the rather time |
| spirit within us (some more than others). In reality | | | | consuming process of writing a business plan. As you |
| however few of these wannabe entrepreneurs ever | | | | will see, it is not a lack of business plan information that |
| really take action. | | | | is the issue. The difficulty lies in choosing the best |
| Although idea generation is an important beginning | | | | source with the most relevant, helpful content. Many |
| process for any entrepreneur, it is merely the first step | | | | websites may include some information on writing a |
| along a usually long and arduous journey to forming a | | | | plan but ultimately are interested in selling software of |
| viable business. If it appears that a person truly | | | | consultation services. The sites below offer useful and |
| believes in their initiative the first question that should be | | | | more importantly free information. |
| raised is "How far along are you on the business | | | | SBA - the U.S. Small Business Administration is a great |
| planning process?" Have they conducted market | | | | resource for entrepreneurs just beginning and more |
| research? Have they forecasted 1st year sales | | | | seasoned small business owners as well. |
| revenues? Projected costs? Perhaps more | | | | - website for Inc. magazine, basic overview of writing |
| appropriately, have they written a business plan? For | | | | a business plan including structure, common mistakes, |
| the large majority the answer to the questions above | | | | and competitor research. |
| is in the negative. For those of us really interested in | | | | |