Customer Reviews

How to Write a Great Business Plan for Your Small Business in 60 Minutes or Less - With Companion CD-ROM

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Where was this book when I needed it? Take it from somebody who's learned the hard way: Probably no aspect of creating a new small business attracts as much attention as the business plan. In starting my own venture, I read all the books, took all the courses, and attended all the seminars. Everybody promised me the "magic bullet" formula for writing a winning business plan.--none of them worked. I could have saved myself a ton of time (not to mention a boat load of money) if I had Sharon Fullen and Dianna Podmoroff's book in front of me on day one.

In these gem-packed pages you'll get all the hand-holding you need to write a winning business plan--one that has the traction to secure financing. And you can move through the process in a way that works best for you. Follow the easy-as-pie blueprint to build your business plan from the ground up. Absolutely no experience necessary! Or, take the FAST PLAN approach and get the quick-hit tools and concepts you want in only the topic areas you want. There's even a companion CD-ROM with business plan and financial spreadsheet templates, so you can plug in your own data and add it to your plan.

It's all here--samples, resources, toolkits, and real-life applications. The help is easy to get and easy to use! This is "business plan demystified." So, where was this book when I needed it?
-- Robert Gardner

There are many out there who have a dream of opening a small business but do not know where to start. The best place to start is with writing a business plan and this comprehensive is a must have for any would be business owner. Business plans are crucial to starting a business because it shows both the person who is opening the business and investors what the future plans are for the business.

The authors of this book simplify the process of writing by hitting on major parts of the business plan. There are many things which one would not always think about, such as market analysis and market strategy. Not only does the book have step by step instructions on how to write the plan and bring it together, there are many examples and resources mentioned throughout the book and also on the complementary CD-ROM.

This book is a windfall for those who have a dream and are willing to start but just need a little direction.

This book is an excellent and handy resource for those wishing to write an effective business plan. The book shows how to write a simple start-up plan that includes a summary, mission statement, keys to success, market analysis, and break-even analysis. This kind of plan is very useful for deciding whether or not to proceed with a plan, to tell if there is a business worth pursuing, but it is not enough to run a business with.

The book and attached COD-ROM clearly shows how to develop a business plan that works for a business to look ahead, allocate resources, focus on key points, and prepare for problems and opportunities. Business plans are not only for starting a new business or applying for business loans but also are critical for running a business, whether or not the business needs new loans or new investments. Businesses need plans to optimize growth and development according to priorities.

The book is highly recommended for those that wish to come up with a high quality business plan

Many prospective new business owners interested in opening a small business are most daunted by the task of having to create and write their own business plan. Fear no more! While the cover design needs a little more creativity to draw you in, experienced authors Sharon Fullen and Dianna Podmoroff are clearly up to the challenge of rescuing you from this oft-dreaded task. They expertly hone in on common mistakes made by novice entrepreneurs writing their first business plan; such as underestimating the competition and forgetting about indirect competition, overstating your potential customer base and underestimating the cost of advertising. An additional bonus is the time spent on identifying helpful financial software, locating competent business resources, and avoiding potential "deal breaker" mistakes during your initial presentation to investors and financial institutions. This excellent resource also uses a clever Fast Plan icon, replete with "ticking stopwatch," to help locate tips for quick planning and efficient results. The included CD-ROM offers spreadsheets for projecting financial success and a mock-up business plan for a prospective new business. Although it may take more than the professed "60 Minutes or Less," this business plan guide does outline quick resources, writing tips, and an efficient method to get the job professionally done.

How To Write A Great Business Plan For Your Small Business In Sixty Minutes Or Less, is expertly co-authored by Sharon L. Fullen and Diana Padmoroff and offers a complete and concise descriptive explanation of the often difficult process involved in writing an effective business plan. Informatively presenting readers with a thorough understanding of the many intricacies and elements of a properly written business plan, and the difficulties frequently encountered in its preparation under the stress of deadlines, How To Write A Great Business Plan For Your Small Business In Sixty Minutes Or Less introduces the advantages and disadvantages of exploring certain risks in business. How To Write A Great Business Plan For Your Small Business In Sixty Minutes Or Less is very strongly recommended for all aspiring entrepreneurs seeking a step-by-step guide to the quick and effective development of a practical and "user friendly" plan for their business enterprise.

The book is very informative for the purpose of writing a business plan for a start-up business. It allows one to cut right to the chase and get about the business of writing your plan without having to wade through a lot of material having nothing to do with your business. I also appreciate that it doesn't assume prior knowledge in business terminology, marketing, or finance. On the minus side, I felt the title of the book was very misleading, because there is no way a person can do a business plan in 60 minutes unless it is writing a plan which has already been planned, researched, evaluated, revised, and all supporting documents assembled. The CD ROM is also of no use to me as all it contains is the Business plan in the back of the book. I have turned to other sources to fine tune my resulting plan.

Even an amateur can write a great business plan using the tools given in this excellent book and CD-ROM! As I was reading this book, I kept a highlighter nearby so I could go back and refer to the information I knew I could use again. Being a person who has never written a business plan myself, I think all the information in this book and the wonderful CD-ROM will be all that I may need in the future to create the perfect business plan. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking to create their own perfect business plan!

The type of business plan that was depicted in this book was related only to a manufacturing concern and had no usefulness to other types of businesses. The CD that was included was of no use as well. So if you think this book will help you write a business plan in 60 minutes....good luck!

The book is easy to read, very well-written, and has large fonts. It is streamlined for busy entrepreneur who wants direct-to-the-point and fast smart way to open new business.