business plan

A business plan is a document that describes the goals or objectives of a business, and outlines how these will be achieved.

They are regularly developed by both start-ups and established businesses, and are arguably the most important planning tool for business. A good business plan will test the assumptions of management, identify important risks, outline financial considerations, and define a strategic direction. In theory, this information can then be used as a frame of reference for important decision making, such as resource allocation and staffing, resulting in a more coordinated organization. In reality, they are often 'stuffed in a drawer' and forgotten due to a lack of relevance to daily activity.

Business plans vary wildly in size and shape based on the planning needs of the organisation they represent. They may consist of a single page (or napkin); or in the case of corporate or government business plans, they may be hundreds or thousands of pages long.

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Latest blogosphere posts tagged “business plan”

• Sixth Annual North of Boston Business Plan Competition Launched:...

  
  Business Finance & Economy - business.marc8.com — Authority: 167
  Salem, Massachusetts (PRESS RELEASE – December 5, 2009) — The Enterprise Center at Salem State College today launched the sixth annual North of Boston Business Plan Competition designed to find and support early stage, start-up and existing growth businesses on the North Shore and Merrimack Valley. read more
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• The 3 Factors Of The Online Business Opportunity Competitiveness

  
  Cyber Flopping! — Authority: 150
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  20 hours ago

• Reading the Currency Trading Risk

  
  Currency Forex Trading Blog — Authority: 157
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• Choosing A Hosting Provider Is One Of The Most Important Stages In Establishing Your Own Web Site

  
  Start Your Own Online Business Presence — Authority: 139
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• Writing A Business Plan For Entrepreneurs

  
  Understanding Marketing — Authority: 430
  A good friend of UnderstandingMarketing.com , Sarah Shaw - aka The Entreprenette - talks about an interesting topic on whether or not it’s important to have a business plan in today’s small business landscape. The discussion actually stems from one of her visitors who’s been in business for a few years and ...
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• How to setup a schedule for Part-Time MLM Networkers

  
  Network Marketing & MLM Training from Home Business Blogs — Authority: 104
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• Five Must-Have Real Estate Tools

  
  YPN Lounge — Authority: 126
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• Internet Marketing is not a Business Plan

  
  Internet Marketing Tools — Authority: 137
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• I am not Delusional

  
  Productivity — Authority: 112
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• Feathering the Nest

  
  CRAZED MIND — Authority: 134
  My Dear Hubby and I are in our late 40s and also both from previous marriages. So sad to say, we did not walk into our relationship with a good game plan for retirement. Since I was placed on disability in my mid 30s and Dear Hubby with his gaggle of health problems we need to really look at how we are going to make ...
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• Tips on Free Amazon Tools Sites

  
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• 5 Steps to Starting Your Own Business During a Recession

  
  Create Business Growth — Authority: 116
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• Startup Plan vs. Business Plan

  
  Clarity Accounting Blog — Authority: 118
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• Things You Must Consider Before Starting Your Own Business

  
  MyWifeQuitHerJob.com — Authority: 485
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• Build Your Own Restaurant Business Plan

  
  Small Business Association — Authority: 141
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• Royal Cruise Matrix - No Sponsoring Necessary - Nov 29,2009

  
  The Real Deal Show on Blog Talk Radio — Authority: 100
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• Beginning Your Own Online Business At Home

  
  Atomsantics.com — Authority: 152
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