The Successful Business Plan: Secrets and Strategies

by Paul Barrow, Rhonda Abrams (Editor)

The ultimate purpose of developing a business plan is to have a successful business. In the long run, it is fruitless to write a business plan that can raise the funds you seek if your enterprise is so poorly conceived it is bound to fail. So a successful business plan should address the long-term needs of your business and devise strategies that enhance both the overall performance of your company and your personal satisfaction.Table of contents:

Section I Starting the Process
The Successful Business
Getting Your Plan Started
Making Your Plan Compelling

Section II Business Plan Components The Executive Summary
Company Description
Industry Analysis & Trends
Target Markets
Competition
Strategic Position & Risk Assessment
Marketing Plan & Sales Strategy
Operations
Technology Plan
Management & Organisation
Community Involvement & Social Responsibility
Development, Milestones & Exit Plan
The Financials
The Plan's Appendix

Section III Putting the Plan to Work
Preparing, Presenting & Sending Out Your Plan
Looking for Money
Using Your Plan for Classes & Competitions
Internal Planning for Existing Businesses & Corporations
Time Saving Tips

Section IV Special Considerations
Considerations for Internet, "e-businesses"
Considerations for Retailers
Considerations for Manufacturers
Considerations for Service Businesses

Section V Reference
Outline of a Business Plan
Business Terms Glossary
Funding Sources
Research Sources Entrepreneur's Sources

Genres: Business, Reference, Nonfiction, Entrepreneurship, Textbooks, Management

480 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

Reviews

[Marc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since I'm starting a business I decided to have a plan. I bought this book to figure out how to make a business plan.

This book was great in helping me decide how to go about it. It also made me realize there's a lot more to making a business than I thought. Luckily for me, my business won't be big so most of the stuff I didn't have to worry about but it was still good to learn about them.

I think the failing of this book was that it assumed that you're going to start a huge business and will need venture capitalists for it. Most businesses are small start-ups that don't need that much money. It was a small failing but was annoying that it kept talking about things as if you were going to start up a huge corporation.

Another thing I wish the book had was tearable worksheets. You can still write on them but it was a bit awkward trying to write in the book. A CD-ROM with the worksheets would have been a lot better.

Most businesses fail within the first five years and I think it's because they don't have a plan. If you're starting a business, you should read it. You might not need everything this book provides but it'll give you a great starting point and important things to think about.

[Jeffrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK, you've got a business idea, you need a plan. Daunting task? Certainly. But don't fret; just get reading Abrams' book. There's enough information here to help you get almost any business started. This is a proven source, for it's been through several re-prints since 1991. It's not just a theory book but a workbook that helps you think about some of the most overlooked, critical issues in starting or growing a business: market research; change and adaptability; personal issues: control, challenges, creativity; and so on.

And what really helps are the insights made by those who've been there, those priceless tips that not only inform but more times than not settle the nerves as the reader discovers businesss success is often more about passion and integrity than numbers and forecasting.

Warning: Writing a Business Plan is not for weak o heart.

This book is over 400 pgs. There's a lot here. You're not going to use it all (some of it is reference or may not apply to your business), but the bottom line is that it's going to take some work. But you really can't avoid the process. Not only for funding but for knowing your business, you, your market, and the intangibles better so that you have a greater chance at success.

But considering it's also got a lot of up-to-date advice and info. makes it an even better buy. For example, insider secrets from venture capitalists, owners, CEOs; sample business plan (a must for those who need to "see" not merely read directions); starting a business in a weak economy (timely, for sure); latest research and trends in business planning and finance; and worksheets, worksheets, worksheets.

The last version was printed June 2003, so it's a few years behind, but if you want up-to-the-minute info., go to Abrams web page.

Good luck with planning and building your business.

To your success!!!

[Denis Vasilev · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ликбез по составлению бизнес-плана, затянутый.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

It helped me make a business plan. It was used for school. I learned about business websites, where to find laws and regulations pertaining to business licensing, as well as the directions for creating a business plan, and more. It was a very helpful book throughout school, and I will continue to use as a resource when developing a business plan, and determining the rules and regulations within the city and state I want to create a business entity.

[Eslam الغني · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a little bit long reading, but the book,however, is a good detailed directory for those who are interested in business entrepreneurship issues.

Of course I'm not one of them, but it's work demands as usual.

Till we meet.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to put together their business plan. This book helped me tremendously!

[Assel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw it in a book store and immediately grabbed it. Been a slow reader gradually digesting information and practising collecting some information that the author recommends to do as your homework before setting up your business. I shall admit, however, this book is one of very fewest in its niche that is so easy to understand and implement later on. Excellent book among other business plan guides!

[R.M. Willis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read and continue to read parts of this as I explore what it means to own a small business in America. It has provided some valuable insight however there are parts that seemed to get caught up in jargon rather than in explaining what I as a reader really wanted to know. It has a great toolkit for putting together a solid business plan if you're seeking investment capital. I would recommend it!

[Alien Citizen]

6/25/2005

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books on writing business plans I have ever read. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to start a business and could use a first class guide.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book if you want to start a company

[C · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best overall business plan I've read to date.

[Alisha Purcell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was required reading during my business degree.
Great book.
Awesome reference.

[Justin Jaeger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very comprehensive reference for business plan generation. We used it as a way to begin as well as an 11th hour checklist to make sure we'd covered the relevant bases.

[Noor]

I think for many plans in my mind but can not arrange my plans i dont know why is it ?

[Arthur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for getting you started and a useful guide. Reading it will help you get it done.

[Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good resource

[Joseph]

I have fourth edition

[Ces Mejía · Rating 5 out of 5]

From not knowing anything from business planning I read this book and came out knowing the essentials and now I feel ready to make my own business plan