| The idea of sitting down to write your business plan | | | | because you can't accurately predict what the future |
| may feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Even | | | | will bring. Accept that and get it done. If you later find |
| if you hate writing, you can create a simple business | | | | your assumptions were incorrect, you can always |
| plan fast. The secret is to get your thoughts down on | | | | correct the document. |
| paper without worrying about formatting it correctly, | | | | 4) Don't sweat the first draft. The important part of |
| using proper spelling or grammar, or wondering what | | | | writing a business plan is the act of planning, not how |
| others will think. Here are five tips to help you get | | | | well you can articulate your business concepts. If your |
| started writing your business plan today. | | | | first draft seems more like stream-of-consciousness |
| 1) Start somewhere. Finishing your business plan starts | | | | ramblings than a coherent explanation of your |
| with getting those first few words down on paper. | | | | business, don't worry. Put your draft aside for a few |
| What sections of your plan can you write quickly? | | | | days and take a break. When you are ready, start |
| What do you feel most comfortable with? Pick the | | | | revising your plan for clarification, spelling, and grammar. |
| easiest section to write and start writing. As you see | | | | 5) Find ways to motivate yourself. Cranking out |
| more words on the page and finish sections, you will | | | | several pages of strategy and numbers isn't many |
| feel like you are making progress, which will give you | | | | people's idea of fun - but talking about your business |
| the motivation and confidence to tackle the more | | | | should be. Imagine holding a conversation with a good |
| difficult parts of the plan. | | | | friend. How would you describe your new business |
| 2) Take baby steps. You don't have to write your | | | | idea? Why is it important to you? What does success |
| entire business plan in a day. Take your time. Write a | | | | look like? Your written plan should reflect your passion |
| few paragraphs each day when you are feeling | | | | to make your business a success. |
| energetic and inspired. | | | | 6) Don't let "writer's block" stop you. If you experience |
| 3) Realize you aren't a fortune teller. It's tempting to | | | | writer's block when writing your business plan, put your |
| want each section of your plan to be perfect, think | | | | draft away and do something else. Take a break. Go |
| through every challenge or obstacle, or project your | | | | for a walk or head to the gym to get your mind off |
| numbers three years into the future. The more you try | | | | the plan. You can come back to it when you feel |
| to perfect your plan, the more likely you will get stuck. | | | | more inspired. |
| Your business plan is essentially a work of fiction. It's a | | | | The key to writing a business plan is not quitting. Get |
| document that describes what you hope to happen, | | | | your thoughts down on paper in a way that makes |
| not what has already occurred. It will never be perfect | | | | sense to you. You can always revise it later. |