Business Plan Layout and Business Plan Structure
Avoid this time-wasting and frustrating mistake
When it comes to deciding on business plan layout and business plan structure, I estimate that around 80% fall into a frustrating and misleading trap.
The consequences of this can be disastrous. Let me explain:
I assume that you are looking on the Internet for useful information on deciding the structure or layout of your Business Plan.
Now here’s the trap that you need to know about. Most Internet-based information is related to the structure or layout of type “B” business plans.
If it’s a type “A” business plan you need, this information could be very misleading and confusing. So what’s the difference?
Get Smart Quick
The first thing you need to know is what’s an “A” business plan and what’s a “B” business plan. You can then make smart choices on what you need for your success pathway.
You will also understand why each type’s business plan structure and layout need to be completely different.
A Type “A” Business Plan is about Achieving Success
The purpose of a type “A” business plan is to get you and your team organised so that you can achieve business success.
It’s about clarity of thinking and clarity of implementation.
Type “A” business plans are frequently called Strategic Business Plans or Internal Business Plans.
The desired outcome of a plan of this type is an inspired team with a clear understanding of what needs to be done to achieve business success. Soon we will cover the appropriate layout and structure.
A Type “B” Business Plan is about Getting Money
The purpose of a type “B” business plan is to convince some person or some organisation to provide funds for business development.
A type “B” business plan is essentially a selling or proposal document. Its job is to persuade or convince people on the merits of your business proposition.
A type “B” business plan is essentially a selling or proposal document. Its job is to persuade or convince people on the merits of your business proposition.
If you intend to create a business plan to secure money, it’s a type “B” plan you need.
The terms Funding Plan or Information Memorandum are other names that are used for type “B” business Plans.
The desired outcome of a plan of this type is an agreement to provide funds or other forms of assistance – with terms that suit your requirements.
Now let’s talk about business plan structure and business plan layout.
Structure and Layout Suggestions
In general, type “A” and type “B” business plans should have a structure and layout to suit the particular application. Who the audience is, and what their needs are, should be key considerations.
As a guideline, here are two designs I have used frequently.
Type “A” Business Plan Structure and Layout An example Business Plan Layout for a Type “A” Business Plan
Type “A” Business Plan Layout Example- Internal or Strategic Business Plan
Remember, the purpose of a type “A” business plan is to answer the question: “How do we intend to achieve business success?”
1. The first section of this plan or document should be about why the business exists and what the business seeks to achieve in the short, medium, and longer term. In the layout, this may be called Vision & Goals.
2. Marketing will normally be an early and important part of your business success plan. Where the business chooses to position itself – and the marketing strategies that will be used, are described here. This will be your Marketing Plan. Depending on your definition of marketing, you may wish to call this the Sales & Marketing Plan.
3. Most businesses exist to provide products or services – or a combination of both. A section of your plan will likely be needed to develop or describe your strategies on how this will be done – or how you will improve your current methods. Typically, I call this the Delivery Plan. Other titles could be Operations Plan or Customer Service Plan.
4. The Finance Plan. Good financial management is critical to succeed in business. A Finance Plan will typically look after managing cash flow, expense control and profitability. Capital expenditure planning may also be covered in this section of your plan depending on the type of business. You could also use the term Financial Management Plan to name this section of your plan layout.
5. To make all of this happen, you will need good people. Your plan layout should include a Human Resources Plan for a large organisation. In a smaller business, the name Team Plan may be more suitable.
6. For a business to be able to grow, a systems approach is desirable or essential.
Typically, 80% to 95% of administration and general business activities can be systemised. The portion of your business plan layout that deals with this is simply the Systems Plan.
7. If your business does or will require expensive plant or machinery or specialised facilities, a portion of your business plan structure should be dedicated to covering how you will manage in this area. Your accountant might call this the Asset Management Plan. Other names are Plant & Equipment Plan or Working Environment Plan. In the graphic above I have named this Equipment Plan.
Type “B” Business Plan Structure and Layout
Type “B” Business Plan Structure example – for Funding or Information Memorandum
An example Type “B” Business Plan structure
An example Type “B” Business Plan structure
When I assist clients in preparing a Funding Plan or an Information Memorandum, I ALWAYS do a significant amount of research first.
What I’m looking to find out is what sort of information the funder wants – and what style do they want it presented in. In other words, I want to know what turns them ‘on’ – and what turns them ‘off’.
In the image above, I have illustrated the typical business plan structure or plan layout when the prime purpose is to secure funding for a business or important project.
Here are some notes on my approach to documenting this business plan layout or structure.
Here are some notes on my approach to documenting this business plan layout or structure.
Part 1:
Although the Executive Summary is usually located at the front, I frequently do it last. A ‘Business Angle’ client of mine told me that he eliminates over 80% of funding proposals by the content of the Executive Summary. So, I like to do this section CAREFULLY.
After the balance of the document has been constructed, you will likely be in a better position to construct a concise Executive Summary for your business plan.
Because the Executive Summary is so important, here are some quick tips.
In your Executive Summary, there are three issues you need to get across in a very concise way:
(1) What is the essence of the business – including key points of difference? If you have a good Elevator Speech or Elevator Pitch, you may be able to incorporate it into your Executive Summary.
(2) What’s in it for them (i.e. Why should they risk their money and reputation to back you?)
(3) What are you asking for (from them) in this plan/proposal? Is it just money, or do you need business expertise etc?
Part 2:
The next section of your type “B” business plan is about you and your team. In my illustration, I’ve labelled this Background Information.
Generally, your most important job will be to convince the reader (or funder) that the people behind this proposal have a strong passion, know their stuff, and can be trusted.
Start with your business success vision. This is where you get to tell your story – concisely. What passion, knowledge and talent are you bringing to this business proposition? How do you work together as a team? What are the values and principles that will drive this business?
Part 3:
Products (or Services) are covered next. Here you describe the value you can or propose to deliver. This may be in the form of products or services, or some combination. In this section of your business plan layout, you should also address the problems or issues you will need to manage to deliver your products or services. This may cover manufacturing, importing, affiliate relationships, etc.
Part 4:
The Marketing and Strategy section of your plan may well be your greatest challenge. Your job here is to convince your audience that you understand and have workable strategies for the following:
1. Who or whom is your target market?
2. What is the problem or need they have, that you can satisfy?
3. How will you engage their attention and convince them to buy your product or service?
4. How will you make a profit from these transactions? I.E. Your business model…
5. What is your plan for long-term sustainability?
Part 5:
The Team. If an individual or organisation is considering your viability and credibility, they will want to know about your team. So, part of your business plan layout must do a good and honest selling job in this area. Typical items you may need to deal with are leadership, specialised skills, and the team’s culture. How you plan to acquire and retain key people may be an important requirement if you need to prove sustainability.
Part 6:
Financial Projections must be included in your business plan structure. Both commercial and non-profit organisations must be able to demonstrate understanding and capability in this area. If this is a new business start-up, or a significant business expansion (for an existing business), careful consideration should be given. The inclusion of best-case, likely-case and worst-case scenarios can be indicative of good financial management.
Part 7:
People and organisations with money did not get that way by accident. Risks and Rewards are a part of their everyday thinking. You will need to address both of these factors in your business plan layout. This may be in a separate section – as shown in my visual, or you may choose to structure this information into all of the above parts of your plan.
If you have any questions or suggestions, please use the comments section. I’m happy to follow up on these.
