Three Methods for Writing a Business Plan
Writers of novels, poetry and press releases have a system for
writing. Of the countless variations, there are three which can
be applied by the inexperienced writer of a business plan.
Discipline, mood and formula are common terms used to describe
the three techniques described here.
The disciplined writer designates specific time periods for
writing. The writer selects the time of day that is most
convenient or when the best results are obtained. The
experienced writer is well aware that nothing of value may
result from some of these sessions. But, they faithfully follow
the regimen knowing it is critical to maintaining good
production over time.
These disciplined writers follow different routines in their
writing sessions. Some pose problems to solve while others
compose within an agenda.
A writer of a business plan may start with writing answers to
the questions in the minds of most plan readers.
* What are you going to do?
* How are you going to do it?
* Are you going to make enough money to pay your obligations?
* What happens if your enterprise doesn't make enough money?
* Why should I depend on you to get it done?
Later, this writer will proceed to add the charts and data to
support the answers. Finally, writing sessions will focus on
polishing the content into a cohesive presentation.
The mood writer waits for a feeling or an idea to happen or come
into being. Some writers will engage in activities that nurture
the flowing of ideas or that stimulate the mood to write.
Creative writers may go through long periods with little or no
writing. Then, suddenly, they stop all other activities to
devote hours or days writing a full first draft. This is
sometimes referred to as "binge" writing.
It's an acceptable technique for the business plan writer who is
either gestating an idea or is not in a rush to produce a plan.
As ideas develop, they can be inserted into a file. Some time or
event will start the structuring of the gathered notes into a
business plan.
The formula writer follows an established formula which is
evident in mystery and romance novels or in journalistic news
copy. They adhere to a standard format for that genre or writing
style. Readers feel comfortable and writers save time with this
method.
For a business plan, the writer inserts information into a
template or guideline and follows a set of writing instructions.
Many of these guides are available at little or no cost in most
communities.
A plan writer can select a sample plan for a business with very
similar characteristics and alter the text to describe his or
her own venture. Great care is required to match the actual
facts of the enterprise with the content for rendering an
authentic presentation.
Business plan writers are not setting out to write the greatest
novel of the decade. Nevertheless, they can adopt and adapt some
of the writing techniques the great authors use.
About the author:
Gerry McRae offers advice, coaching and guidelines for writing business plans on
his website, http://www.UncleMaxSays.com. He has written his own
business plans for several successful enterprises and has
coached hundreds of students and practitioners in writing plans.
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