7 Components of a Brilliant Business Plan Design to Ensure Planning Excellence

A business plan design should be efficient, easy to follow, and simple to use.

The other important aspect is that a plan should try to get results. Not only

not for the sake of your own organization, but for bankers, financiers, investors and other interested parties. After all, there’s no point spending time on a plan if there’s no real purpose or benefit to creating one.

This article discusses a simple business plan design formula.

What really is a successful business plan?

A business plan is any forward-looking vision, goals, resources, and strategy that focuses on key points and prepares for challenges and growth, strengths and weaknesses.

Wow. That took some time, but I think a lot of people think that business plans only apply to starting a new business or applying for loans or some type of financing.

While these are good reasons to create a plan, the real strength behind a business plan is that it optimizes growth and development in accordance with specific business goals and objectives.

Is there a standard business plan design?

A more conventional business plan that follows the advice of business experts and consultants includes the main components listed below. Of course, there are many variations of business plan designs, but typically a plan includes company descriptions, product or service analysis, who the market is typically in, predictions for future growth, management, operations, equipment, and financial analysis.

A very good idea before starting any plan is to find out the clear reason why you are creating one. Is it for banks or other financial investors? Or is it for internal use only?

If the plan is more for internal use, you can minimize background details that are already obvious. While for external use, I would highlight and add more detail to this section to match the core purpose of the business plan.

What are the most important sections of any business plan design?

The most crucial aspects of any plan are cash flow, sales and profit forecasts (finances) and the implementation of any strategic actions. After all, if the plan is made and obviously not acted upon, there is very little benefit to creating one in the first place. Implementing a set of objectives and resources is the name of the game.

A great standard schema to follow would be this:

The order isn’t really crucial and is open to specific interpretation, but the components of a great plan are:

1. Executive Summary: One page of highlights and general approach.

2. Company description: start-up plans, brief history, legal establishment, etc.

3. Product or service descriptions: Focuses on the benefits of the products and services to be sold.

4. Market analysis: Crucial in determining and planning who the market and customer are for and how you will reach them effectively.

5. Strategy Implementation: Specific instructions on what strategy, management, and team responsibilities with budget figures and dates included.

6. Who is the Management Team? Key personnel background, HR strategy and details.

7. The Financial Plan: Includes profit and loss, balance sheet, break-even analysis, business ratios, cash flow forecasts, etc.

By taking your time to assemble all the various components, you are well on your way to creating a great business plan design.