Jaret Peter - Business Plans Kit for Dummies

Business Plans Kit For Dummies, 5th Edition

Published by: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774, www.wiley.com

Copyright 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey

Published simultaneously in Canada

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Library of Congress Control Number: 2016938156

ISBN: 978-1-119-24549-0 (pbk); ISBN 978-1-119-24571-1 (ebk); ISBN 978-1-119-24569-8 (ebk)

1. Table of Contents

Everyone who wants to start a business or grow one usually starts with the same question. Whats the key to success? Well, you need a good idea, of course. And you have to have a smart strategy to carry it out. But just as important, you need a solid business plan, one that lays out exactly what you hope to do and how you plan to do it. A good business plan sets your course and prepares you for the challenges that inevitably lie ahead in todays fiercely competitive world.

Today, companies large and small face the challenge of change like never before. New business models have transformed whole industries. Innovative technologies have completely altered the way business is done. Opportunities abound. But so do tough challenges. Thats why the fifth edition of Business Plans Kit For Dummies is packed with fresh advice for navigating marketplace disruptions and finding a successful course through turbulent times. Along the way, youll find practical advice on how to put a promising business idea to the test, how to recognize your own strengths and weaknesses, how to craft a successful competitive strategy, how to find funding, and much more.

This book doesnt tell you how to develop your business plan; it shows you how, walking you through the process with step-by-step action plans, examples, and do-it-yourself forms throughout the book, along with more than 100 additional forms online, which you can download at www.dummies.com/go/businessplanskit .

So whether youre planning to launch a brand-new business, kick-start an idling enterprise, run a successful nonprofit, or take a going concern to new heights, this book makes the planning process straightforward, easy, rewarding and yes, even fun.

Plenty of books out there offer business-planning theories and principles. This one is different. It cuts through the academics and steers clear of the jargon to provide an easy-to-grasp, step-by-step approach to putting a business plan together. It also offers dozens of forms to make the task easier and includes examples from all kinds of businesses from freelancers and small retailers to online marketers and nonprofit organizations. It even provides a template to guide you as you assemble the right parts and pieces into a business plan that addresses your target audience, business goals, and one-of-a-kind situation.

Weve updated every chapter of this new edition and added two brand new chapters to help steer you toward success in todays business environment, where start-ups abound and established businesses are transforming to adapt to the rapidly changing world around them.

Weve added loads of tips on everything from structuring new businesses and business models to adopting the latest technology and social media resources to find, reach, interact with, and develop loyalty from customers. An all-new with advice on reaching potential donors and snaring grant money.

Youve picked up this book, so we can safely assume that youre probably starting or growing a business. Chances are its a small- to medium-size business because thats how most companies start. You may be a sole proprietor planning a one-person business, or you may be planning a company with a staff of dozens of people. Who knows, you may even be part of a very large company and writing a plan for your department or division. No matter what brings you to this book, we guarantee you will find a ton of helpful advice. Whether your company is big or small, whether youre just starting out or working for a long-established business, the basics of business planning are the same.

We also assume that youre probably approaching the planning process with more than a little anxiety, which is true of most of the people we work with in our day jobs as business consultants. But guess what: As soon as most business planners get going, they discover that planning isnt just challenging and interesting its even fun.

One last note: You dont need previous business experience to make your way through this book, although people with experience will also find plenty of good advice.

What would a For Dummies book be without the margin icons alerting you to all sorts of useful stuff? Here are the icons you find in this book: