How to Make a One-Page Business Plan for Your New Business

When I started my own business, I cringed at the thought of developing a business plan, and like most action-oriented entrepreneurs I decided to put it on my list of “when-I-get-around-to-its”. Well the day arrived when I couldn’t put it off any longer. In my search for the perfect small business planning process, The One Page Business Plan® caught my attention and within one hour of using the free One Page Business Plan Template template, I had my first draft. The easy-to-use business plan format helped me take the details that were in my head and put them into a simple, understandable and actionable document I can use on a daily basis. Here are the steps I took in developing a business plan.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• MS Word Template
• The One Page Business Plan® Book
• Computer
• Internet Connection
• The Business plans in your head or somewhere on paper

1. Go to http://www.onepagebusinessplan.com/, the official site of The One Page Business Plan Company. Review the sample one page business plans and download the MS Word Template. Save it to your desktop. Use the “save as” function to make a copy of the form for multiple drafts.

2. Now you are ready to create a business plan. To personalize your plan, add your company’s name and date in the header section of the document (click on view—header and footer).

3. Writing business plans can be fun, especially start-up business plans. A picture is worth a thousand words, so if you don’t like the graphics in the document, change them to suit your style and taste.

4. Start with your vision. In 1-2 sentences, describe what you see your business doing and where you hope to take it over the next 2-5 years. Example, “Within the next 3 years, grow XYZ Company into a $_ million seller of specialized office equipment to the automobile industry.” As you complete this box, delete the pre-typed question to leave only the information you have inserted.

5. Type your mission in the next box. The mission is a critical component of small business planning. It should be a timeless statement that describes why your business exists. Example, “We create innovative work spaces”.

6. List your objectives and desired outcomes including the specific measures. Example, “Generate sales of $_ million, an increase of $_ million over last year.” Because this could be a long list, delete the pre-typed question before you type your information.

7. As you record your strategies, think about how you plan to build your business over time. Example, “Sell via catalogs instead of investing in inventory.” This list can be long, so delete the pre-typed question before you type your information.

8. Now comes the easy part—action planning. List the high level actions that need to be taken to achieve the vision, mission, strategies and objectives. Example, “Complete revised marketing brochure and mail to existing clients Jan. 31st.” Delete the pre-typed question before you type your information.

9. Review your business plan. Is it still only one page? If so, congratulations. If not, revise and condense as needed. No need to throw anything away. It can be used as supporting information for more detailed business plan preparation.

10. For additional help in writing a business plan, see the resources below to purchase one or more of the books in The One Page Business Plan® Series. The books cost about $18 each but are well worth the investment.

Tips & Warnings

• Prepare a complete business plan for any business you are considering. Consider engaging a business plan consultant to write business plans for multiple companies.
• Modify your business plan as needed to account for changing conditions.
• As your small business grows, invest in business planning software to track adjustments and mid-course corrections.

Resources

• The One Page Business Plan Company

[melodielane]

on 8/19/2009 Hello Althea - I know it has been awhile since you wrote this, but I just ran across it. Thank you... we truly appreciate your recommendation!

Melodie Lane, National Marketing Manager for The One Page Business Plan Company

[bobwash01]

on 5/6/2009 Good. Thanks.

[Limowreck]

on 7/5/2008 Writing a business plan has always been the part that has scared me out of starting a small business. Thanks for this information. I'll give it another try!