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The Beginner’s Guide to Writing a Good Business Plan

TABLE OF CONTENT
The actual complete structure of your business plan will look like the following:
  • Cover Letter
  • Title Page
  • Table of Contents
  • Executive Summary
  • Company Profile
  • Industry Research
  • Sales and Marketing
  • Operations
  • Financials
Now, let’s go into real business…
The cover letter, title page, table of contents, and executive summary make up the opening section of your business plan. This section is the last thing you will work on, but it is the first thing anyone looking at your business plan will see. And because it can make or mar your fund-raising quest, it is very important to use it to create a good first impression in the reader’s mind. Now, let’s discuss each component of the opening section in more detail, giving tips on how best to craft each.
  •  The Business Plan Cover Letter
  The cover letter serves the same purpose as it does when you submit one along with a resume as a job candidate; it introduces your business plan to the reader. Because your goal is to market your idea to prospective investors, creditors, partners, employees, and other stakeholders, all the parts of your plan must appeal to the reader. Here are the elements that you need to include in the cover letter:
  •  Address of recipient
  • Date
  •  Your address
  •  Salutation (you must include a specific name as in, “Dear Mr James.”)
  • Body (state clearly that you are submitting a business plan for your business, which you can describe in one sentence; state clearly that you are seeking financial support for your business idea. Tell the reader what to expect in the following pages, and express your eagerness to hear back from them. Don’t forget to add your contact details)
  •  Appreciation
  •  Signature

 The Business Plan Title Page

 Remember, you will never get a second chance to make a first impression. So, you certainly don’t want to overdo this aspect. Since nobody will blame you for simplicity, stick with that option; which means you should avoid bright or contrasting colors and unnecessary fancy borders. The following are what to include on your title page:
  • Your business logo (if you have one)
  • The name of your business
  • Founder’s name
  • The words “Business Plan”
  • Date

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