A business plan is a document that you write that lays out the basic idea of your proposed business and how you believe you will accomplish the stated goals. At first, the idea of writing a business plan sounds like over-kill. On second thought (after you have seen the depth of the questions and answers required to complete the business plan) the idea sounds worse, not better!
Let us assure you, right here and now, the business plan is absolutely essential to your success, and you must go through the process of researching and writing the business plan prior to starting your business.
Read the statement above a couple more times.
How do you start writing a business plan?
We recommend that you purchase an inexpensive computer program that is preformatted with business plan questions and typical answers. It will walk you through the process, force you to answer tough questions about finances, customers, vendors, rent, etc. It will also give you some possible answers to choose from, and may even suggest where to get more information about particular subjects. Then it will print the business plan along with a list of any problems it found in producing the report.
Now get busy and don't come back until you have your business plan complete!
Did I mention the business plan is important?