A lot of startups come to us with big ideas and sometimes little strategy as to how they are going to win in the marketplace battlefield. The number one question we ask new entrepreneurs is whether or not they are armed with a Business Plan or are in the process of creating one. If they say no, we encourage them to start building one. The better the Business Plan, the better is the possibility for victory.

The Business Plan will help answer the questions of who, what, where, when, why and how about the new company and its products and services. It discusses the target customers and how the company will bring a unique solution to address their needs.

The U.S. Small Business Administration offers sound guidance on how to write a good business plan. They cover topics such as:

• Executive Summary
• Market Analysis
• Company Description
• Organization & Management
• Marketing & Sales Management
• Service or Product Line
• Funding Request
• Financials
• Appendix

Marion can help customers with certain elements of the plan such as:

• Market Analysis (Market Research)
• Product and/or Service Description

Out of the Business Plan springs the Marketing Plan. What the Marketing Plan is and how this emergence happens is discussed on our web page: Market Research & Development of Your Marketing Plan.

To the brave new captains of commerce: give your new idea a solid head start with a well thought out Business Plan. We want to help and see you win. After all, your success is our success at Marion.