So many people tell us they are ready to move forward with their
business plan to grow or launch their business. We always schedule a call to
discuss a business plan with a potential client in detail, and then develop a
scope of work as all great plans are custom. Each business has nuances and
issues that have to be addressed in research and varied depths of content to be
successful.
Thereafter, prices and terms are then discussed after a scope of
work is and if agreed upon, I ask, "If you are 100% ready to move forward
with the business plan and deposit discussed, then ask for a formal proposal.”
Since so many people ask for a formal proposal that takes time for me and my
assistant to complete, I typically ask if they are sure and often mention the
time it takes. Nonetheless, for every 6 or so formal proposals that I send, one
client moves forward with an engagement. Hence, with our high SEO rankings and
other marketing, I schedule lots of calls to complete as many as 15 business
plans in a month. Part of me understands that is part of the process, although
it is somewhat inconsiderate to request a proposal and that time/expense when
someone is not serious about moving forward, which is the case for so many
procrastinating entrepreneurs.
After 1,000 plus business plans over many years, we make the
process easy, getting existing information via email and additional information
from the client on interactive scheduled calls with at least one member of my
team working on the plan and myself. The majority of clients need guidance on
many aspects of the business model and, therefore, their business plan. After
follow up email memos and additional scheduled calls as needed for questions as
they arise, we complete the market and competitive analysis first and often the
marketing plan second before moving on to the business plans and forecasts. The
forecasts are completed by either a CPA or an MBA member of my team, separate
and distinct of the market analysis and business plan for added experience and
checks and balances.
The economy has surely improved and many clients are achieving
their goals with business plans we complete, whether for improving their
revenues, establishing new market segments, or obtaining SBA or private equity
funding. We see so many great ideas and business models. Unfortunately, most
never get implemented as procrastination rules the day with potential
clients.
It is frustrating to see great opportunities go by the wayside
when great business plans are not developed for funding due to the
procrastination of a principal. So many advise they are busy, which is 98% of
the time an excuse, as we always find time for things that are important to us,
plus our process and team approach limited the time. On a complicated business
plan, if you can’t find six hours in month to work with us until final, are you
really serious when you say your business is important to you?
If you are ready to move ahead with your business plan to seize
the day, please contact me at tim@thebusinessplanconsultants.com.
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