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Writing A Business Plan Building a business without a business plan is like building a house without a blueprint. In the end, nothing may be left standing but a few vague dreams. In addition to being an invaluable guideline for running your business, a business plan is a useful tool for attracting investors, employees, suppliers and strategic partners. All funding sources, from banks to venture capitalists will judge your ability to succeed in large part based upon the thinking that has gone into your business plan. If you’ve hesitated to start writing your plan because it seems daunting, do it in small one-to-two hour increments, and start with the easy steps first. Remember your first draft is meant to be revised, so don’t even try to make it perfect. Here are the components of a business plan: 
The Table of Contents lists the main sections and their starting page numbers. The Executive Summary summarizes the highlights of your business plan. (Skip this until the rest of the plan is complete.) The Vision/Mission describes your business and its products and/or services. It offers a snapshot of the present stage of your business, plus your vision of its future development. Include your goals and objectives here. The Company Overview section provides basic information about the structure, management, staffing and strategic alliances of your company. The Product/Service Strategy section describes what makes your product or service unique and competitive. Include research and development plans, as well as production and distribution channels, if applicable. The Market Analysis section helps define your market. Describe your customers, give a detailed summary of the competitors’ products or services and identify any business and environmental opportunities and risks. The Marketing Plan section outlines all of your sales strategies, from advertising and promotion to public relations and Internet marketing. Add budget numbers wherever possible. Your Financial Plan includes projections and outlines your company’s capital requirements and its profit potential. It will be closely scrutinized by investors and bankers, so make sure your projections are plausible and include as much detail as possible. Attached Support Documents add substance to your business plan and include company brochures, management resumes, patents, trade names, purchase orders for future sales, etc. You can rest assured that the GCP Marketing Group will work hard in order to ensure your business plan looks as impressive as the work you’ve put into it. In just a few days your plan will be delivered beautifully printed, bound (optional) and ready to wow customers, vendors or investors. 
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