| Writing a business plan can be pretty tedious. There's | | | | sure that all the pertinent parts are there, but put them |
| the cover, the table of contents, some 20-25 pages of | | | | in any order that makes sense for your business. |
| content and the back cover. | | | | 7. The Tiny Font Stuff. And when you've got a glump |
| The innards are typically long paragraphs punctuated | | | | of stuff that really needs to be included, but it is in tiny |
| with bold font sprinkled hither and yon. | | | | print and long paragraphs, put it as an attachment, |
| And it's all a big bore. | | | | either in hard copy form or on a disk, or both. That |
| There's a reason for this. The "how to write business | | | | way, the information is still there for those who want it, |
| plans" books are classics. That means they are old. | | | | but you wont' lose your reader before you get started. |
| They were all written pre-internet. And that's an | | | | 8. How to Use Your Logo. Incorporating your logo is |
| important consideration in capturing and holding an | | | | important too. I very small logo in a corner of the page, |
| audience. | | | | or on the first page of each section is fine. A big, |
| The writing style of the internet has changed the way | | | | intrusive logo splashed over every page is not fine. |
| people think. And the way they read. | | | | As straightforward as this advice seems, I am |
| For instance, glance through this web site, or most any | | | | continually astounded by how poorly written most |
| other successful web site, and you will see some real | | | | business plan area. Many follow the rather dorky |
| differences in style and layout, such as: | | | | outline of business plan software. Most haven't a clue |
| 1. Short Paragraphs. Computer monitors don't have the | | | | how to include a chart or an image. |
| tight resolution of a printed page, so our eyes get tired. | | | | My "Bad Example". I have one business plan that I got |
| To help us focus, good writers use shorter paragraphs. | | | | a couple of years ago that I hold onto as a "bad |
| 2. Bulleted Lists. But sometimes there is still a great | | | | example". The business was actually pretty good. It |
| deal to be communicated, so bulleted lists have | | | | was for an online business incorporating a particular |
| become quite popular (or indented lists). | | | | ethnic style of art. The owner was from that ethnic |
| 3. Block Indents. Block indents give visual variety, so | | | | group, so it was a nice fit. But the business plan was |
| your eyes don't get so tired and I can hold your | | | | 100+ pages of tight, tight paragraphs. And not a single |
| attention a bit longer. | | | | solitary image of the art. Not one. I just couldn't believe |
| 4. Left Align. In the old days, nearly all paragraphs were | | | | it. |
| indented five spaces. No more. | | | | Just as an entrepreneur can't plunk down three pages |
| 5. Judicious Use of Color. A bit of color is nice. | | | | and shout, "Here I am! Drop your money in the bucket!", |
| Splashes of color all over is yucky. | | | | neither can he expect a serious lender or investor to |
| 6. Style that Reflects the Topic. Your business plan | | | | overlook a lousy business plan. This business plan |
| layout, like your web site, is going to pick up on the | | | | represents you and your company. |
| style of your business. A presentation for stylish | | | | Make it professional. |
| clothes for teenage girls will look a lot different than | | | | Make it real. |
| one for biotech research. Other than that, your | | | | Make it reflect your energy and your style. |
| business plan layout is pretty much up to you. Make | | | | The money will follow. |