Starting a business is the beginning of a journey. You have a destination and a way of travel. You have a travel agent and you will have to deal with people along the way. There may even be obstacles to overcome such as detours because of accidents or bridges that are out. Would you begin a journey like this without a map? A map for a business journey is called a business plan. A business plan is the most important step in starting your own business. You must have a plan in mind and on paper to get loans any type of investing support.

Introduction

Your first page will be a cover page that will have the name of your business and the names and addresses of all the people involved. The second page will be the introduction. You will explain in a few simple sentences what your business does and relate any of it's accomplishments. Write any information that will capture the imagination of the reader so that he will read on! Also it could be good to let the reader know what is needed from him.

Product or Service

Describe in detail your product. Is it one of kind? Is your way of marketing it unique? Is your location the best? If any of these are true of your business now is the time to express it. A simple drawing or a couple of pictures may enhance this page.

Customers/Marketing

You will not be able to travel without customers. They will provide fuel for the trip. So who are the customers in your business??? How many are there and how will you find them? The more data and statistics that you have to show that you really know your customers, the more credibility you will have.

On the marketing side be specific about how much money you will spend to get them to give you their hard earned money for your product. What is your marketing strategy?

Competition

On this page you will build confidence in your reader. What obstacles do you envision? What have you done to prepare for them?

Management

On a trip there are reservations to be made and itineraries to create. Who will do this is your business? Name this person and his credentials. This will show that a qualified person is definitely in charge. What exactly will his responsibilities include?

Financial Page

What are your financial expectations? Predict your sales and list the expenses that will be incurred.

Subtract the second from the first. Hopefully you have reached your destination. It is prudent to have an attorney who is familiar with business law to evaluate your final copy.

With your business plan completed you will be able to convince your peers that you mean business.

You will impress upon your suppliers the need to be ready for you. The bank will conclude that it will be profitable for them to assist you on your journey. Most of all you will keep yourself on tract by avoiding side roads which lead to nowhere. This will help your business succeed.