How to Become a Business Plan Writer

Almost all new businesses need a business plan. All businesses should have a business plan in order to answer those hard questions. Business plans probe new or existing business owners by asking them difficult questions and proposing difficult situations and what the owner would do in that particular situation. If a business needs some capital (such as a business loan from a bank) they need to prove that their business will bring in profit. They do this with a professional business plan. Not many business owners and entrepreneurs know how to begin writing a business plan and some just don't have the time--or both. Become a business plan writer to help these individuals succeed in their own businesses. You can make a good income from home doing two things you are passionate about, business and writing. Read on to learn how to become a business plan writer.

Things You'll Need

• Home office
• Business plan software
• Fax machine
• Available phone
• Email

Instructions

1. Know the process. In order to write effective business plans you need to know how to write an amazing business plan. In the learning process you should start with your own business plan for becoming a business plan writer. Even if you are going to freelance you should treat it as a business, because it is a business. There is plenty of reading you can do online and off about how to write a great business plan. Spend a lot of time researching this and studying. The information is usually free.

2. Write your plan. You are going to need to show off your skills to potential clients. They need to see that you really can write an eye-catching business plan that can bring in some funds. There is no better place to begin than with your very own business plan. Use the information you find online and off to mold and shape the business plan for becoming a business plan writer.

3. Get clients. You will need to market, promote and advertise your new business as you become a business plan writer. Get some business cards printed up, create a website, apply for ads seeking business plan writers, and get testimonials every time.

4. Protect your plan. Your business plan (as well as your clients' plans) will have detailed information in them. When you show off your own plan to potential clients get them to sign a non-disclosure agreement first. These contracts state that they can't repeat the precious details found in your business plan and that it is being shown to them as a sample only. Omit any financial information such as bank account numbers.

5. Protect your clients. You'll need to get written permission from your clients for whom you have written business plans in order to show them to potential clients. If they want some information omitted, take it out. Some will not want their business plan shown to anyone else. Ask them if there is a good date when you could show it to potential clients. They might agree to a later time so they can get through legal stuff first. Get every potential client to sign a non-disclosure agreement first before showing them any business plan.

6. Keep learning. Stay updated on business plan trends. Some styles work better with certain financial institutions. Read advice from the decision makers and underwriters. The more funds you can get for more clients, the more money you can make writing business plans.

Resources

• Business plan basics
• Bplans website
• Center for Business Planning
• Non-disclosure agreement information