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189 of 193 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
I hadn't purchased this book because I thought it was a joke, August 4, 2000
I had seen this book around but hadn't purchased because I didn't think a one-page business plan, even if possible, could be of any practical use.I have been involved in several successful startups and have done a fair bit of business planning. I had even won prestigious awards for it. Currently I am involved in another startup, Worldlingo.com, an internet startup focused on language translation. So what changed my mind - why did I purchase it? I saw the author speak and he made a lot of sense, so I thought I had better get his book and check it out once and for all. If half of what he said was right - this one page business plan was going to be a big help. It so happened I had a long 14 hour flight in front of me and took the book along to read. Its friendly style, graphics, and plain good sense (frankly the book is more like a kids coloring book then a traditional business planning book) enticed me to do the exercises as I went (which I never usually do). Answering the questions for my business and me. Not only had I finished the book by the end of the flight, but I also had time to type up the final product on my laptop. I guess having already done a full blown traditional business plan for the business helped. I have to say I was feeling pretty pleased with what I had produced. I felt more focused and had a much clearer picture of what the most important things were that needed to be achieved next. But the most thrilling part was when I tabled it our staff meeting - they loved it. They could clearly see where we were heading, what we had to achieve, and it gave them a clear framework in which they could make the many decisions they have to make everyday. The language translation business has been around for centuries, but the opportunities for it on the internet are changing and evolving very fast. This one page business plan is easy and quick to update, and the staff can quickly understand any refinements to our goals. But actions speak louder than words, since I have purchased another 10 copies to give away to my product managers (so they can do a plan for their products) and the CEOs of other businesses I am involved in. I think the one page business plan is a great management tool that will have a very positive effect on our business. I am already seeing the benefits. I guess the joke was on me.
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