Small Biz Survival

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Quick business plans

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Most of us agree we need a business plan, but of course, most of us don’t have one. So this week, I took my own advice, and started on my own simplified business plan.

Here are four tips to help you move to start your own plan.

  1. Simplify – I’ve given you an outline
  2. Reuse – copy and paste info you create for the bank, tax filings, or existing lists
  3. Start on the easy part, the part that interests you
  4. Take advantage of variety – print it out, reshuffle, make visual parts, tell stories. Use your best skills.

This was kicked off by a post from Zane Safrit, referring back to Tim Berry. And Zane’s link to an interview of Tim by Guy Kawasaki. And before that, it was kicked by an audio conference from the Business and Professional Women/USA.

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About Becky McCray

Becky started Small Biz Survival in 2006 to share rural business and community building stories and ideas with other small town business people. She and her husband have a small cattle ranch and are lifelong entrepreneurs. Becky is an international speaker on small business and rural topics.

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Comments

  1. I love how you are simplifying it! And reusing what you’ve already created for a biz plan.

    Since it’s for you and not necessarily the bank/investors at this time…why not make it colorful? Add inspiring photos? Do it in colorful markers!

    I have found if you can lighten up the “business plan” heaviness then it’ll be more inspiring and it’ll be more an a “check, yes, I have a business plan” thing and more of a daily guide.

    Just my experience – hope it’s helpful!

    Enjoy!
    Laura West
    Center for Joyful Business

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