| Business planning can never be truly outsourced. If a | | | | client should keep an eye on the process, getting |
| contractor or consultant is brought into the process | | | | updates on findings at various intervals so they can |
| they may be allowed to take the lead, but the work will | | | | offer input rather than simply a huge report at the end |
| still require extensive collaboration between the | | | | of the research process. |
| entrepreneur or business managers and the | | | | Strategy Consulting Stage |
| contracted firm. This collaboration process will take a | | | | With a better idea of the market situation, the |
| different shape depending on the specific firm you are | | | | consultant is now in a position to help the client craft a |
| working with, but should include these important stages: | | | | better strategy. High quality consultants will not simply |
| Interview Stage | | | | accept the business's strategy as dictated, but will |
| After a contract has been signed (and perhaps even | | | | bring their own understanding of business strategy to |
| before) interviewing will occur where the consultant | | | | the table at this point. Discussions between the two |
| attempts to gather as much business information | | | | parties will be important to the process at this stage. |
| directly from the entrepreneurs or managers as | | | | Outlining and Drafting Stage |
| possible. If there are multiple managers or founders, | | | | With strategy and the basic information for the |
| they will look to reconcile their different accounts of | | | | business plan now in hand, the consultant can outline |
| what the business is attempting to do and make the | | | | the basic business plan. A draft of the plan will next be |
| team aware of significant divergences. | | | | created which should serve as a point of additional |
| Research Stage | | | | discussion if necessary. |
| With the interview information as background, the | | | | Completion Stage |
| consultant can now use a wide range of resources to | | | | Finally, the plan is proofread and copy edited. |
| find supporting data and statistics for the business plan. | | | | Appropriate graphics, such as charts, graphs, and logos |
| This will become the basis of the industry/market, | | | | are inserted to better illustrate what is being said. The |
| customer, and competitive analysis sections of the | | | | business plan consultant should provide directions as to |
| plan. This is work that can primarily be done by the | | | | how the plan should be printed and perhaps even how |
| consultant or consultants on their own. However, the | | | | and to whom it should be presented. |