8 Tips for Business - To Start-Up Business Plan
1- here has been so much written lately about book writing for business owners and entrepreneurs. Everyone is talking about how important it is for business owners and business people in general to write a book. What I think is MOST important is for them to understand WHY they need to write a book and HOW to get it done fast.
Most people shrug their shoulders and say, "Humph. I could never write a book, so that's that." Or, "I don't have time to shower, let alone write a bloody book!" I understand. It can be a huge undertaking but once you have a plan in place it is really do-able. I know because I wrote 7 books last year. If I can do it, you can too.
2- There are many different formats and there really isn't a "universal" length for a perfect business plan. Depending on your product or industry, it can range anywhere between 10-100, and sometimes more, pages.
The question you should ask yourself is: what stage is my company at? If you are already generating revenue and are looking for a second or third round of financing to expand, the business plan can get much more elaborate and detailed, especially on the financial analysis and projections side of things.
3- Developing and improving your business writing skills will also help to create a professional image for your company.
Emails, business plans, letters, reports and proposals are some of the items that managers may be required to address throughout the course of business. Developing effective writing skills that convey your intentions while also protecting yourself and business are imperative.
4- This does not mean you shouldn't present accurate facts, be transparent, and most importantly tell the truth; but it means that you need to package all those facts into an interesting, exciting, and fascinating story so your readers (potential investors) keep on reading and don't get bored by page 25. It's a lot to ask someone to read an entire business plan, so the least you can do is make it fun and interesting.
I have had the pleasure to be on both sides of the table (both writing and reading business plans), and here are the 7 things that are often forgotten or done wrong:
5- 8 tips for effective business writing skills
Tip #1
The most important point to remember is that anything that is written could potentially be used against you or the company in a court of law. Minimise the possibility of this happening.
The most important point to remember is that anything that is written could potentially be used against you or the company in a court of law. Minimise the possibility of this happening.
Tip #2
Identify your objective before you begin to write your document. Are you writing a company update, policy, or creating a new business plan?
Identify your objective before you begin to write your document. Are you writing a company update, policy, or creating a new business plan?
Tip #3
Consider the audience and their pre-existing knowledge on the subject.
Consider the audience and their pre-existing knowledge on the subject.
The KISS principle - Keep It Short and Simple - is an excellent tool when writing. People often read the first and last paragraphs and skim the main body.
If you have multiple readers, providing a brief overview and objective allows those people who don't need to know the details enough information to grasp the key messages. The full report or technical details would cater for those readers that need more detailed information.
Tip #4
Create an outline of your key points then go back in and fill in the details and edit. Proofread to check spelling errors and the flow of the text.
Create an outline of your key points then go back in and fill in the details and edit. Proofread to check spelling errors and the flow of the text.
Business writing skills will make you and the company either appear professional or not. It is imperative to project your professional image in a positive manner.
Tip #5
Sales managers and other professionals often use terms referred to as 'business speak'. These terms do not always translate well when written and will reduce the effectiveness and image of the email or business plan. Consider how investors, board members or prospective clients would view the document when writing.
Sales managers and other professionals often use terms referred to as 'business speak'. These terms do not always translate well when written and will reduce the effectiveness and image of the email or business plan. Consider how investors, board members or prospective clients would view the document when writing.
Tip #6
Be courteous and polite at all times. Use the correct salutations and closings for business correspondence. Developing effective business writing skills requires a professional tone without lengthy explanations.
Be courteous and polite at all times. Use the correct salutations and closings for business correspondence. Developing effective business writing skills requires a professional tone without lengthy explanations.
Tip #7
Include contact information and the best time to reach you if the recipient has questions.
Include contact information and the best time to reach you if the recipient has questions.
Tip #8
Proofread one last time prior to sending. Ensure the points and objectives of the document have been met in a clear, concise manner and that the tone is what you wish to convey.
Proofread one last time prior to sending. Ensure the points and objectives of the document have been met in a clear, concise manner and that the tone is what you wish to convey.
Using online tools
Word programs include a spell checking tool that is easy to use, although they may miss simple errors such as confusing the words 'to' and 'too'.
Word programs include a spell checking tool that is easy to use, although they may miss simple errors such as confusing the words 'to' and 'too'.
I hope that you find these 8 tips helpful and remember Great Content can really enhance your Online Business.
David H Pool is an Internet Marketer who has been published Online and in Traditional Magazines
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Writing Tips for Business
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