| Many believe when starting an online business a | | | | A business plan must be typed and professional with a |
| business plan is optional. This isn't true; if continued | | | | minimum number of pages. There are no requirements |
| without a solid plan this could lead to a path of | | | | on the number of pages; it can simply be an outline |
| destruction. | | | | with solid goals. It can even be written on a wall as |
| Many think since they are the boss why a business | | | | long as it can be understand and accessed when |
| plan; "I am working for myself so why would I bother"? | | | | needed. |
| Would you go on a trip or get married without a plan? | | | | The only reason a business plan is needed is if a loan I |
| Plans are necessary with everything we do. Business | | | | being obtained. With or without a loan an investment is |
| plans will help you get started and keep you focused. | | | | still required; either from savings or a family member. |
| While developing a business plan this will give you an | | | | Wouldn't it make sense to have a solid direction |
| opportunity to think through all aspects of your | | | | established for the business before making any |
| business and will guide you too success. | | | | investment? Again make sure the business plan |
| Expensive software is need in order to establish a | | | | includes a solid budget. |
| solid business plan. Of course software could help but | | | | A business plan doesn't need to be in writing. Like |
| is not necessary. | | | | mentioned above it can be written on a wall but you |
| The only way to get started is by hiring a consultant to | | | | will need it written down. Many think that as long as |
| develop a business plan. Everyone should have a | | | | they have something in mind they can move forward. |
| theme and/or strategy in mind before getting started ; | | | | Honesty will you remember it or follow it? |
| or an idea of how the business should run. If not, all the | | | | All advice must comes from friends and family to |
| consultants in the world won't help. Find a coach or | | | | have a successful business. Think about this; could a |
| mentor to guide you through the process instead of | | | | city slicker tell a farmer how to run a farm? Friends |
| hiring a consultant to do things for you. This would be | | | | and family maybe great advisers if they are currently |
| more profitable and help with the learning process. | | | | running a successful business. Keep in mind your |
| Many think an online business can't be started until | | | | business many be completely different making the |
| everything is set up perfect. If you wait until everything | | | | advice they are giving meaningless. Advice can come |
| is perfect you may never get started. Fix it as you go. | | | | from whomever. Remember that it is advice! |
| Just make sure the major points are as good as they | | | | The bottom line; is it is very important to have a plan |
| can be and you have established a solid budget within | | | | with a solid budget prior to start an online business. |
| the plan. | | | | Once you have established the plan remember you |
| Once a business plan is developed it must be followed | | | | can make modifications as your business grows. |
| exactly or the business will fail. Sometimes detours or | | | | Never turn down advice, keep an open mind |
| changes can be profitable to your long term plan. Don't | | | | something that may seem trivial may come in useful |
| sweat the small stuff. | | | | down the road. |