How to Start a Greeting Card Business Plan

Getting started is often the hardest part when embarking on a project. How to start a greeting card business plan is certainly no different. Creating a strong business plan is an essential part to acquiring the funds needed for printing supplies, facilities and employees. Even if funds are not required, it is important for any greeting card company to have a strong focus to poise them against the heavy competition. The business plan accomplishes just this.

Instructions

1. Start with the second section first. In a business plan, the first section is always the "Executive Summary." This will actually be the last section to be written; it encompasses small snippets of each larger section. For this reason, start with the "Company Description" section. The company description will be between 1 to 3 pages long when completed.

2. Write a mission statement. A mission statement can be a few words or sentences that give a snapshot of the company. Example: The Australian Greeting Card Association's mission statement is, "To increase the per capita consumption of greeting cards in Australia."

3. Craft the company vision. A vision statement is often a paragraph or two about where the company is headed. Consider quality of greeting cards, distribution, employees, artwork goals, gaining writers, competitive prices, facility location, and growth.

4. Determine company goals and objectives. Each goal should be marked by a bullet point and each goal should start with a verb.

5. Illustrate the company's history. The history should involve why the company was created for a start up business. It should also include information about previous success for an established company. This section should include information about the type of company: sole proprietorship, partnership, Limited Liability Company, or corporation.

6. List company owners. Keep it brief. More information on owner's credentials and positions in the company will appear later in the business plan.

7. Add images. It is important for a business plan to be visually appealing as well as informative. The company description is a great place to add a sample of available greeting card artwork with a cute greeting card phrase that fits the section. This will illustrate the goals and vision the company beyond the simple words on the page.

Resources

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