Do you need a business plan?
The answer is YES. No matter how small (or big), you need a plan to know where you’re going. It’s one of the first pieces of business advice you’ll get and although it may seem overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be. There are so many resources available in your local library, small business center and of course the Internet.
Choose from free templates to paid software, there is an option for everyone. The only problem that remains is: which one? I found a really simple solution I’m sharing, so keep reading.
Why you need a business plan
There are many reasons for having a plan, but this quote sums it up:
If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will take you there. -Lewis Carroll (Alice in Wonderland)
If you need more reasons to be convinced, here are some:
- Test your idea
- Define your goals & keep track
- Secure funding & attract investors
- Make your business manageable & effective
- Grow your business
A business plan is a great tool
So whether you’re just starting out or already have been running your business for a while, a business plan is a valuable tool for any business. Your plan will help to stay on track and achieve success. Sometimes you may need to tweak the plan to adjust to circumstances and unavoidable changes. Yes, we can all agree that a business plan is essential if you’re serious about the success of your business.
The One-Page business plan
Most of business plans however, require so many details, including forecasts for the next 5 years, extensive market research, etc. the overwhelm makes you want to ditch the plan before you even start one.
When I heard about the one-page business plan I got curious. Did it mean that I don’t need a 50-page plan (yet) to start a business? Like I said, there’s an option for everyone, templates galore, but a simplified version had a lot of appeal to me! I found the template when I was reading “The $100 Startup.” (affiliate link)
Per Chris Guillebeau, “you don’t need an MBA, a business plan or even employees. All you need is a product or service that springs from what you love to do anyway, people willing to pay, and a way to get paid.”
That makes a lot of sense! Because no matter how detailed or beautiful your business plan is, it won’t do any good if you are not getting paid for your product or service!
Simplify business life with this One-pager
I read his book several times, bookmarked many pages, got his other book Side Hustle (affiliate link), heard him lecture, listened to his podcast and I a total fan. Chris has an uncanny way of giving his opinion, making you rethink your ideas and plans, by looking at it from another angle.
Ready to write your own One-pager? You can download the template at the $100 Startup website, answer a few questions to get more clarity on where you’re headed with your business (idea).
Get his book(s) on Amazon to see many examples, and understand why the idea of a simple business plan works. (If you buy through my affiliate links, I may earn a commission, no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!)
