Comments on: Business Plan: Write It

By: Lori

Lori — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 21:59:17 +0000

Devon, I think that's a great time to redirect your focus. good for you.

Jenn, I agree. it can be a huge amount of work. Worth it, though, once the plan starts to work. You of all people certainly did need a more comprehensive plan! I don't know how you keep up. :)

By: Jennifer Mattern

Jennifer Mattern — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 20:17:45 +0000

Great topic Lori.

I've started overhauling my own business plan for 2013, and oh what a chore it can be. This is the first long-form business plan I've written in years.

Normally I just do my updates using some of my own one-page templates -- the biz plan template, marketing plan template, and project plan template for bigger projects.

This year so much of the business is changing. And with three separate segments of the business moving forward, I figured a more comprehensive plan was in order.

I just hope I can finish it up between this week and next. I'm so looking forward to time off before jumping into the new year. And of course I'm looking forward to that too. :)

By: Devon Ellington

Devon Ellington — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 14:06:10 +0000

As I'm working on the new brochure, I'm reworking my business plan. I want to go in some new directions later. I have my quota of private students for at least the first few months, and, although I've got two classes going in January, I want to cut back on teaching next year.

It's time for more direct marketing and local proposals, now that people are getting to know me a little better.

By: Lori

Lori — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 13:34:07 +0000

Cathy, that may be enough. You know your goals, and you have at least one plan to get you there. Sometimes simpler is better. The reason I suggest this is it gives you a broader sense of all aspects of the business, it makes you think more like a business owner (and less like a "freelancer", which helps with the clients), and it keeps you focused on making decisions that affect the finances.

And I hear you on the decorating. Half our stuff is still in boxes. I decided to do things differently, and I think it actually looks better!

By: Cathy Miller

Cathy Miller — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 21:23:35 +0000

My weekend was holiday decorating time and somehow I remember it being much easier. Either I'm getting old or the decorations are having babies, making for longer & longer time decorating.

I admit I do not have a written business plan. I have the goals & marketing plans, but not a "business" plan. I know. I need to put on my big girl pants and think like a business owner. :-)