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Kelly and I are really adamant about teaching people how to create a business plan. Why? Because a business plan is a guide. It causes you to stop and think about where you really want to go with your business. If you don’t have a plan, where do you know where you’re going? How will you get there?
Let’s be clear: A business plan does not bring customers to your door. You still have to sell and know how to sell. A business plan does not design your website or your logo. But it causes you to think about who you are at the core of your business. What does the soul of your business say? And, how are you going to create a profitable business out of that?
Strength in collaboration…
This week we’ve been discussing how to form a business plan collaborative, a partnership with one or several individuals to work on writing individual business plans. On Tuesday, we met the Bodacious Business Planners and learned how they set up their group and how they function. Yesterday, we discussed the challenges of such a collaborative (and – really – anyone writing their business plan) and how to overcome them.
Collaboration is a huge reason that we created The Simple Plan workshop. We have learned from our personal experience that things are always more fun when done with others… the more the merrier! And, there is also an incredible amount of brain power that you get from bringing 30 wedding industry people into one room to specifically talk about business. Two heads are better than one. And, 30 heads are better than 2!
A Quick-n-Easy Business Plan Resource…
Like I said, Kelly and I are really adamant that owners in the wedding industry have business plans. This is key to creating a sustainable company. We’ve given you the 13-step business plan and are bringing The Simple Plan workshop to you. And, now we have one more resource for you. We think this will be an easy way for people to work on their business plans in a collaborative forum.
Today, we give you the Quick-n-Easy Business Plan. This speedy one-sheet is designed to get the basics of your plan. We know that when you work in a large group, you may not be able to get into all the detail of a more elaborate business plan. (This is also a good resource for a business owner who is limited on time and just wants something for a plan.) A few notes of caution:
- This is definitely NOT an all-encompassing plan. It’s designed to cover the very basics about your business and it’s future.
- I’m a sucker for checklists, hence the boxes. Have fun and check things off the list.
- The checklist makes it easy for you and/or your group to accomplish one task each week.
- When you’re ready to take your business planning to the next level, visit the 13-step business plan or join us for The Simple Plan workshop. (You can also start there from the get-go if you prefer.)
Download here: Sage Wedding Pros Quick-N-Easy Business Plan.
No excuses…
Our mission is to create sustainable business in the wedding industry. And, we’re gonna make darn sure you have no excuses to writing your business plan! HA!
NOTE: We’re having a contest this week…
Post a comment during any of our posts this week: Share with us something about your business, how you’ve collaborated with other pros, why you want to attend The Simple Plan, a tip for teamwork… let us know what you want to learn about business planning… anything… and we’ll pick one person at random. The winner will receive a free ticket to The Simple Plan, Atlanta. (We’ll pick a winner at random on Friday at 3pm EST.)
by Michelle Loretta
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