{"id":876,"date":"2021-12-31T20:33:00","date_gmt":"2023-09-04T20:33:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/?p=876"},"modified":"2023-11-03T16:49:25","modified_gmt":"2023-11-03T16:49:25","slug":"how-to-write-a-business-plan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/eu\/blog\/how-to-write-a-business-plan\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Write a Business Plan Using a Template"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

You have this great idea for a business. It\u2019s been brewing for a couple of years now, and you\u2019re finally ready to act on it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fantastic! What\u2019s your business strategy<\/a>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many people preparing to start a business \u2014 and even some who have already started one \u2014 fail to research and write a business plan that tests the feasibility of their idea. Some may think it\u2019s a \u201cwaste of time.\u201d They would rather wing it, stick with a pitch deck, or hope for the best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But hope, unfortunately, isn\u2019t a strategy for success. Writing a solid plan and executing it kick-starts your road to success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Three Reasons Why You Need to Write a Business Plan<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t considered writing a business plan until now, here are three key reasons why it\u2019s a crucial tool when starting your business. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. A Business Plan Provides Clarity<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the easiest ways to gain clarity on your goals and brand message is to practice how you communicate them. Clearly describe what problem or need your business addresses and why it\u2019s necessary for your target market. This strengthens your case when marketing and selling to your target audience. It’s also useful when you need to apply for or raise funding for your small business. A clear picture of what your goals are will help you chart a course to deliver it as promised. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. A Business Plan Confirms the Math<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A lot of ideas sound great on paper or in casual conversations. But when you dive into the financials, such as how you plan to make money and how much it will cost, those ideas can fall apart. Writing a business plan provides you with the space to create a financial model. It outlines the best- and worst-case scenarios that validate your idea\u2019s worth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. A Business Plan Helps Establish Mini Goals<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Writing a business plan helps establish benchmark goals \u2014 those that are on your path to the main goal \u2014 and determine what you need for your success. Setting mini benchmark goals with deadlines for each month, quarter, and year provides you with short-term targets to focus on. Nearly every plan for your business changes as the company grows. These benchmark targets ensure that your company is always moving forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Writing a Business Plan Is Not as Difficult as It May Seem<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Creating a plan for your business can seem like an overwhelming project. Especially, if it\u2019s your first business or you lack a background in finance or operations. Luckily, there are a number of resources available online, including Trailhead\u2019s \u201cMake a Business Plan\u201d lesson, which helps you write a detailed plan. Your options vary based on your specific industry or product offering. However, all plans share a similar outline that you can follow when writing your own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below, we\u2019ve put together a resource template for creating a thorough business action plan<\/a>. Following a template allows you the opportunity to organise your thoughts and clearly present the plan to prospective partners, investors, or vendors. It can be a lot of trouble to start from scratch. Instead, try using this outline to draft a plan for your business and turn your napkin scribbles into a solid, well-researched plan that\u2019s ready for financial investment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How to Write A Business Plan<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Almost every detailed plan for a business follows the same framework. You can expand this however you\u2019d like, but make sure these essential pieces are in place:<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n