Business Plans for Dummies

Whether you're launching a new business or working to strengthen or expand an established one, a business plan is your road map to success

Would you take off on a road trip to a new destination without a map or good directions? Probably not. Yet sometimes business owners go full speed ahead without objectives, a mission, or even a destination in mind, much less a map showing them how to get there. That's why so many businesses have difficulty making it - and unfortunately, several don't - in today's competitive marketplace.

Business Plans For Dummies helps you start a new business with clear goals and a path forward to reach those goals. If you already have a business, this no-nonsense and comprehensive guide can help you realistically determine where your business is and where you want to take it. You'll learn to:

Create a detailed business plan Put that plan into action (instead of in a drawer) Use the plan to secure financing Prepare for opportunities Avoid common pitfalls

In short, Business Plans For Dummies helps you create a map to help you take your business where you want it to go. You'll discover how to:

Identify and approach potential financial backers, including venture capital firms, angels, bankers, and others Clarify and crystallize your company's mission, vision, and values Analyze your industry and your competition Identify your customers, including their needs, habits, purchase triggers, and decision-making processes Objectively analyze your company's strengths and weaknesses Analyze your financial situation to create realistic forecasts and budgets Recognize trends and anticipate changes, both in the overall economy and in your industry Plan for growth, based on new markets, your product's life cycle, or the creation of new products Structure your organization Nurture leadership

Complete with diverse techniques and approaches plus a sample business plan, Business Plans For Dummies gives you detailed how-to for designing a dynamic business plan that will help you navigate the inevitable curves and detours in today's marketplace and keep you on course. If you're a business owner or entrepreneur - or you want to be one - this friendly and accessible guide is a must-have resource.