Business Planning Training

We can take your management team through the creation of a business plan that will help you achieve your goals. During this Business Planning seminar, we will discuss

Vision Statement

This is the long range goal that you hope to achieve.   It is very general in nature, and probably will never be achieved but it is what you are working toward (e.g, a computer on everyone's desk, well babies, #1 in the eyes of customers, create happiness for our customers)

Mission Statement

The mission statement concisely describes what your purpose is (e.g., To sell PC operating system and application software throughout the world at a favorable return to shareholders; to create products for people that they never knew they needed --walkman radios)

Long Term Goals

It is critical to establish long term goals (e.g. at least 3 years and probably 5 years).  Your long term goals will determine -the correct amount of financing, the type and size of your management team, your marketing, operations, purchasing, human resources needs.

SWOT Analysis

Understanding your Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats prepares helps you think through your strategy and Tactics.  Many business ventures fail because management does not correctly assess their environment.

Competitive Analysis

You need to understand your direct and your indirect competition.  Pepsi and Coke are direct competitors.  However, sports drinks, ice tea, ice coffee, water, and juices are indirect competitors.  You need to understand how both these competitors can impact your organization.

Assumptions/Risks

You must understand what risks you are taking.  Those risks are based on assumptions.  Often times a wrong assumption leads to incorrect decisions.  We will help you identify your risks and will critique your assumptions.

Sales/Marketing Plan

Many businesses are started by technical or business people who have a great idea, but don't know how to market and/or sell their concept.  Developing the correct marketing strategy, executing your advertising and sales programs are critical to your success.   We will help you develop marketing strategies and tactics that will enable you to reach your goals.

Reasons Businesses Fail

Most new businesses fail in the first 5 years.  There are many reasons for this.   Under-capitalization is one of the main reasons for failure.  A poor marketing and sales plan is the other major reason.  The third is lack of control over costs.