Keep each section short
Keep the business plan short. Whatever the length, your main aim is to write ‘tightly’ keeping to the relevant facts. Keep more detailed and non-essential information out of your plan or relegate it to an attachment.
Use Quantifiable Information
In each section, back up your assertions with solid facts. Even if you are a new venture and cannot give specific figures on the performance of your business, quote figures for the industry or your competitors. These real figures carry more weight than your assumed projections and give more reality to your plan.
Use a Clear Writing Style and Good Presentation
No one will bother with your plan if it’s hard work to read or work through because it’s poorly written or badly presented.
Writing Your Business Plan in Plain English
Write in plain English. Make sure you avoid technical jargon, abbreviations and acronyms. Explain any industry-specific terms. Use short sentences, active verbs and a conversational style. Keep your adjectives under control. Avoid generalizations and write up specific and quantifiable facts. Use bullets and lists. Cut wordy phrases and hopeful wishes and platitudes. Use your spell-checker and watch out for grammatical and punctuation slips.
Presenting Your Business Plan
Decide what information you are going to use. Place data in tables and use charts to show the key information you want to stress. Make sure everything you present, words, tables, charts, photographs and so on is easy to understand at a glance. Use plenty of white space, with generous margins. Bind the business plan with a strong and attractive cover.
Keep the business plan short. Whatever the length, your main aim is to write ‘tightly’ keeping to the relevant facts. Keep more detailed and non-essential information out of your plan or relegate it to an attachment.
Use Quantifiable Information
In each section, back up your assertions with solid facts. Even if you are a new venture and cannot give specific figures on the performance of your business, quote figures for the industry or your competitors. These real figures carry more weight than your assumed projections and give more reality to your plan.
Use a Clear Writing Style and Good Presentation
No one will bother with your plan if it’s hard work to read or work through because it’s poorly written or badly presented.
Writing Your Business Plan in Plain English
Write in plain English. Make sure you avoid technical jargon, abbreviations and acronyms. Explain any industry-specific terms. Use short sentences, active verbs and a conversational style. Keep your adjectives under control. Avoid generalizations and write up specific and quantifiable facts. Use bullets and lists. Cut wordy phrases and hopeful wishes and platitudes. Use your spell-checker and watch out for grammatical and punctuation slips.
Presenting Your Business Plan
Decide what information you are going to use. Place data in tables and use charts to show the key information you want to stress. Make sure everything you present, words, tables, charts, photographs and so on is easy to understand at a glance. Use plenty of white space, with generous margins. Bind the business plan with a strong and attractive cover.
