Six crucial elements of a business plan

In previous posts, I explained what a business plan is and why you need one. Again, there is no single model or template for a business plan, but I will highlight six essential elements that need to be present.


One. Describe your product or service.
Present your product, elaborate in detail on what you offer, and what is different or better than your competitors.
Two. Company and personal information
Provide the obvious practical details like the name and address of your company or store and present some personal information. A curriculum vitae (CV) is always interesting for investors and banks. Describe your background, your education, and experience. Mention your hobbies in case they are relevant.
Three. Mission and vision
What is the mission of your enterprise? What value will you offer your clients? What audience will you target? Where do you want your company to be in 12 months, in two years, in five years? How are you going to accomplish this?
Four. Market analyses
Analyze your future clients, your suppliers, your competition. Research your business location, where are the nearest competitors located, how many? What do your competitors offer, what are their weak points, and their strong points?
Five. Marketing plan
How do you plan to set your product or service in the market place? Your marketing plan runs hand in hand with your company strategy. Think about the five P's: Price, Place, Product, Promotion, People. The price position of your product is essential. Too high, and it will not sell. Too low, and you are missing out on revenue. How are you going to promote it?
Six. Financial plan
Banks and investors want to see the numbers and check if your project makes sense. Detail expenses, income, and means. You will have a certain cost to start. How much is that startup cost, and how are you going to finance it? Are you putting in your own money, or do you get a loan? What will your monthly expenses be and how much income you need. How much revenue du you expect? Which costs are fixed and which are variable?

A well-developed business plan is an essential tool for startups. It will force you to research and develop the foundation of your future venture profoundly.


Top 10 about the author; Erik Victor
1. is a serial entrepreneur and started his career in Engineering
2. currently a majority shareholder in corporations in the fields of Industrial Real Estate, Wealth Management & Investment funds, and International Tax Planning
3. has a passion for the dynamics of young businesses and actively endorses several start-ups
4. is an engaged member of several think-tanks and an international conference speaker
5. has a business footprint in six countries
6. speaks five languages
7. personal life - resides in Europe
8. Erik (48) is known as a discrete and private person, a family man
9. loves to spend his limited holidays in the mountains or at sea on his yacht
10. Erik has no social media accounts



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