Write a Business Plan Month
Can writing a business plan bring you joy? “Writing a business plan” may not be high on your list of things that make you feel joyful, but it can give you more joy than you think.
The end of the year is the perfect time for goal-setting. Since December is Write a Business Plan Month, I want to help you take the first step to start that dream business you’ve had on your mind. It starts with a business plan.
Why write a business plan?
Is a business plan really necessary? Maybe you don’t even have an idea for a business. But sometimes people find their way into entrepreneurship when they least expect it.
With many of my clients, I focus on ways to bring joy back into their lives. We choose one of three things: starting a passion project, learning a new skill, or creating time weekly for their favorite activities. As time goes on, those passions, skills, and activities turn into something more meaningful that they want to pursue.
For example, one of my clients started tutoring on the side, and then she realized she would like to help underprivileged communities learn how to better manage their finances. It was then that we crafted a business plan so she could stay on track without being overwhelmed. So even if you think starting a business isn’t for you, I encourage you to take your passion and run with it. You never know where it could lead one day.
Maybe you already know you want to start a business, but you don’t want to write a business plan. But a business plan is important for defining your business goals and how to achieve them. So here are some tips to get you on the right foot.
Look at sample business plans
All business plans explain things such as what a business does, how much money it expects to make, the marketing strategy, and how it stands up against competitors. However, if you search “how to write a business plan” or “business plan template,” you’ll see many different ways to write it.
HubSpot has several examples of business plans. While some of those plans have eye-catching colors, and images, you don’t have to do that if you don’t want to. What’s more important is the information. If someone else were to read your business plan, would they have a good understanding of what your business does and how it can succeed?
Business plans can range from short and simple to long and detailed. Here is an example of a detailed plan for an already established business. This is fascinating to look at because it’ll help you picture what your business plans could be like in the future. On the other hand, this one-page business plan is more simple, which is great for starting out.
Don’t try to immediately write a “perfect” plan. Just start with a quick rough draft, and edit it more and more until it gets better. Need a starting point to jump off from? Check out this article about different sections of a business plan and make short notes for each section, then slowly add more details. Business plan writing isn’t easy, but the more you edit, the more your plan will take shape -- and that’s an exciting feeling.
What a business plan does for you
Writing a business plan may take a while. But after it’s done, you’ll be proud of yourself. You’ll have the joy of knowing that you took a huge step forward to make progress on something you’re passionate about, something deeply important to you.
As you do more and more work for your business, you’ll be glad to have something you can rely on to guide you. One of the nice things about a business plan is that it gives you guidance that keeps your actions aligned toward your goals. That said, your plan isn’t written in stone. It’s okay to make changes to it as your business evolves.
Starting a business isn’t just about money. It’s about how your services and products can touch people’s lives. I’ve seen it with my clients, and I want that for you, too. So don’t wait. Get started on your amazing business plan today!
