Customer Reviews

Business Plans Kit For Dummies

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I had never bought one of these "Dummies" series books, I was a little embarrassed to, but I was wrong. Never had I read something in such "plain" english. I needed to prepare a Business Plan, and I needed to do it without spending a lifetime learning about it. This book helped me more then I thought possible. I only wish everything could be explained like this. I highly recommend it if a Business Plan is in your future for writing and you have no prior experience writing one.

Yes, there are benefits to being dumb. For one, you won't feel so out of place when you buy one of those "For Dummies" books. I've added one such book to my recommended reading list for small business owners.

The book is Business Plans Kit for Dummies by Steven Peterson, PhD (no relation to the author). I sometimes wonder about this book series. Are they too rudimentary? Perhaps. However, this is the book's strength! Even though I took business management classes in school, the author gives an all-inclusive and informative walk-through of putting a powerful plan together. Using this basic approach and assuming the reader has an embryonic understanding of business ensures that your plan covers all aspects and is readable for all audiences. He introduces many critical ideas that I never got out of school.

The book never assumes you're an idiot. Rather is assumes you to be someone involved in a business that wants that business to become very successful. Whether you're starting a business or want to get your existing business on a course to victory, this book guides you through the daunting task.

Inside the back cover is a comprehensive CD containing all the forms and exercises mentioned by the author. By competing every single one of these forms, you'll gain a confidence-building knowledge of all aspects of your business - from establishing your vision to planning your exit strategy. One of my favorite aspects of the book is that he places perceptive emphasis on having a written mission, values, and vision statement. I've studied about too many failed companies that lost sight of their vision because they made important (and even seemingly unimportant) decisions that had little to do with their company's vision. Sticking to these statements has proven conclusive to the success of many well-known companies. (Read the books Built to Last and Good to Great for proof.)

I highly recommend this book for anyone in business. Don't let the title dissuade you. It's a must-read in my opinion. One thing's for sure - after reading it you won't feel nearly as dumb as when you began.

(Review adapted from [...])

I have started a couple of business ventures without a solid business plan.

After reading through most of this book and completing the worksheets, I now wish I had read it earlier.

It's very easy to read and to complete the exercises.

It's definitely worth the effort and should help you focus your business so it can survive the first year.

Yes, you could probably find an online resource that is similar and shorter...but it was easier for me to step away from the computer and not get distracted.

I'm from tech land and have never put together a business plan before. This book, and the forms are a nice gentle introduction to that process. It's probably boring if you have a BBA but if your degree is in CS it's a reasonably quick read.

One of the most amazing books... I was dreading the process of putting together a business plan, but this book with the accompanying disk make it an easy process!!

I borrowed this book from the library while exploring various aspects of self-employment. This book, PLUS THE CD, is INVALUABLE for those of us contemplating self-employment and not knowing where to start! This book gave me ALOT of insight into what I need to do, what I need to consider, etc. I HIGHLY recommend this book to everyone who is thinking about self-employment, ESPECIALLY during this recession!

This a roadmap to build a great business plan. I think the book is awesome and has really made me interested in strategic planning and decision making.

The book covers all the topics anyone would need to create a great plan for business from one person companies, E-business, small business, established business and big corporations.

The forms in the CD are incredibly useful and should be an excellent tool for the beginners and experts on the subject.

I've taken notes about the most important topics covered that should make it to my Business plan and after showing the first draft to some friends the least I've heard is "awesome". Strongly recommend this book.

This book was very precise. Just follow the steps and you will have your business plan when your done. I found it very helpful as I had no idea what a business plan should look like. I highly recommend it.

Whether you are building a business plan for your eyes only or for a project or a new corporation, this book is uniquely helpful in thinking things through. The biggest problem where most people fail in business is in not having a written plan. Or they never get around to reading the books or doing all the exercises in the books. This one is fun and straight forward. It is not difficult to understand. It is very appropriate.

People creating their first business need to start with this book. Putting together a plan that the bank will loan money on is de-mystified. For the past year this has been THE essential textbook for my business clients. I have them read it in the first month and then we use it througout the contract.