Writing A Business Plan

A sample business plan for a service business.

This business plan is for a mail and shipping center, to be operated in conjunction with a self-storage property. As there is no prior history of sales and expenses, all figures are conservative. Some assumptions were made. That equipment would be purchased rather then leased, that the store-front was provided ready to use with little finish out required. That some expenses were included in the rent paid to the self-storage facility, such as electricity, and trash pick up.

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Specific competence;

What is it, that you have, or do, that no one else does, that will have a bearing on your chance for success, or that adds value to your company, or that gives you the competitive edge?

The list would possibly include, recipes, patents, trade marks, trade dress, zoning restrictions, exclusive distribution rights, copy writes, exclusive contracts, license agreements, monopoly rights, etc.

Financial Information:

You will be expected to provide financial information on a Per-forma basis out five years. Provide estimated financial information by the month, for the first two years, and annual totals for the next three years. This information is shown using generally excepted financial statements, and is based on your future projected income and expenses, use assumptions that you can defend.

Management:

The credentials, and experience of the management team is often the deciding factor to a lender when a loan is requested. The success of any venture depends on management's experience in the industry, their knowledge of the market, and their demonstrated ability to execute the business plan. Lenders look at collateral, but lend to management. Investors, make their investment decision based largely on the past experience of the management team.

Form of Ownership

The form of business ownership you choose will have long-term consequences, and requires careful consideration. You should discus this subject with an attorney familiar with new business start-ups and/or with your accountant. I recommended you get a book on the subject, and study up on the advantages, and disadvantages of each form of ownership. Your decision should be based on the particular needs of the business, and your personal situation.

The Marketing Plan

The goal of any marketing plan should be to increase revenue. Any thing that leads to getting sales can be considered marketing, to include advertising, brochures, catalogs, sales letters, Internet web sites, signs, literature, labels, cold calls, public relations, and many other activates and promotion. Every thing you do in business should be looked at as a promotional opportunity. You go out to eat, leave a business card, You send an E-mail, include a link to your web site, You mail an invoice, include a discount coupon etc.

Pricing

Location

Competitive Analysis

Who are the competitors? Where are they? What are their strengths, and weakness? Make a list of each competitor in your trade area for each segment of your business. List the strengths, and weaknesses on a chart so that you can compare the products, and services offered. Write a brief description of each competitor's strengths, and weaknesses.

The Market

If you are applying for a loan, you will need to convenience lenders that there is a market for your product, or service, and that you have the ability to service the market. What is the market size, what is your target market, what are the growth prospects, what market share do you plan to capture, and how.

Business Plan Example