The idea of writing a business plan has evolved over the last 10 years. We hear about many different types of plans, ranging from strategic and marketing plans to five-year and overall business plans. Each of these categories requires a slightly different approach. Business plans, for example, are more traditional, while agile or scrum methods require a more innovative approach. But there are still commonalities to be found; each plan (and especially business plans) can benefit from these four steps.
1. Just Start
This one is simple. Don't wait for a magical moment. If you have an idea, get it on paper and begin. It's very unlikely that your first draft of the business plan will be perfect. That's ok. You know what is even less likely to be perfect? No plan at all. Just start writing, add links and don't worry about grammar. only you will be reading it at first. Later, as you want to start sharing, you can make it more legible.
When I write my own business plans, they start as a list of questions and answers with links to websites, decision trees, quotes, anecdotes, vlogs, pictures, names of possible vendors and clients and competitions. My business plans are a mess. Just let the idea start flowing. It will all make sense — eventually.
2. Analyze Your Competition
Consider your direct and indirect competition and analyze how you plan to do it better. What is your advantage? Is it perceived as an advantage by others?
It is very normal to think that your idea or angle is going to be a home run. Sometimes we are blind through our own research process, only analyzing questions that will provide an answer we are looking for. For that reason, it's best to run your perceived advantage by other people and see if they agree.
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