[big_idea]

Hi all!

SO, here I am....LOST. I am new to this whole "business, entrepreneur thingy" and I am very excited to be apart of such a goal oriented, helpful community!
I currently run a small pet sitting business and need a business plan. I am also going to become a member of wealthyaffiliates.com - in hopes of learning all about E-commerce and onlne marketing.
I guess I am looking for advice on writing a business plan - are there people who write them for a living? Also, any advice on wealthyaffiliates or any advice in general would be great.
I am so excited to find success in entrepreneurship but don't really know where to start(as silly as that sounds!)

[akula]

welcome
a business plan is a specialized document
the format/content of the plan varies depending on the purpose of the plan
if you tell me what the purpose of your plan is, I might be able to help more

[Cole Taylor]

So yeah what do you need a business plan for? It could be as simple as writing out what you want to achieve, how you're going to get there, how much it's going to cost, and how much you make as a result.

[big_idea]

Well, I think the main purpose of this plan would be to keep me on track and motivated and really exactly what it is....A PLAN! So, it is for a pet sitting business and also will probably like to write one if I decide to do the wealthyaffiliates thing. Thanks for all your help and advice thus far!

[jasaunders]

A great place to start is by using a free template. You can find it one on the Score website (I have posted the link a dozen times on YE, just do a google search for free business plan template). The template contains all the sections that may be applicable and contains information on how to fill out each section.

One piece of advice... if you want the plan to actually be worth something and help you, be as specific as possible. When you get to the marketing section, don't say "my target market is X, I need to get Y% of that and I will make $Z. I will advertise my business online."

Do market research and determine who your actual target market is, what the actual market size is, what the actual market price is. Come up with specific strategies and then dig into each one with specific tactics you will use to accomplish those strategies. Don't make a plan just to have one and put generic information in there that anyone could write. Really think about your audience and the feasibility of your business.

[akula]

Originally Posted by big_idea

Well, I think the main purpose of this plan would be to keep me on track and motivated and really exactly what it is....A PLAN! So, it is for a pet sitting business and also will probably like to write one if I decide to do the wealthyaffiliates thing. Thanks for all your help and advice thus far!

sure...what you need to "keep me on track and motivated" is a number of things and documents..

1. customer surveys
2. competitor matrix
3. breakeven analysis
4. sales forecast
5. P&L, BS and cashflow statements
6. valuation model
7. advisory board

after doing these documents, you'll have the data (i.e. pricing, marketing mix, breakeven point, sales milestones) to put into your business plan...and the supervision to make sure your plan is executed

the point:
there's thee things to remember with plans
a) a plan is an end document that communicates data into information..so you have to have the data first before you can write the plan
b) plans are released in versions. what you're aiming for is v1.0 and it's up to you to pick a time perioud (usually semi-annually) to asses your progress/change strategy
c) in order to "keep me on track and motivated" your actual progress and planned progress needs to be reviewed by someone other than your self (usually, a board of directors/advisors), so if you're gonna make a plan for this purpose you need to have those people in place, or you will fail in your stated purpose

[big_idea]

Wow! I have found all of you advice/help very informative! Thanks, I'll get on it!