Strategic
plans usually focus on the entire organisation, while a business plan
focuses
on a particular product, service or program of the organisation. The
following is a simple guide to business planning:
1) Define Your Business Vision:
Defining your vision is important, since it will represent the driving
force of your business. Here are questions that will help you clarify
your
vision:
- Who is the customer?
- What business are you in?
- What do you sell (product/service)?
- What is your plan for growth?
2) Write Down Your Goals(Mission):
Create a list of goals with a brief description of action items. If your business
is a start up, you need to put more effort into your short-term goals.
Create two sets of goals:
- Short term: range from six to 12 months.
- Long term: can be 2 to 5 years.
3) Competition:
- How is your business unique, and why will your goods or services appeal to
customers?
-
What are the primary differences between your company and your competitors?
- What
are the driving factors to choose your business over another?
- What is the underlying reason a customer would do business with
your company?
- What is your primary competitive advantage?
4) State your Strength and Weaknesses
5) Highlight the risks, risk assessment and risk management program/
strategy.
6) Financial and budgetary matters, including the following
projections:
- Income & Expenditure
- Cash flow
(i.e. source and use of cash; and future cash availability)
- Balance Sheet (Assets and Liabilities)