How are you different from other online planning services?

#1 – Small Business Specialist - Unlike online business plan services that pursue large and expensive plans in the venture capital environment, I specialize in the needs of small business. The small business environment is different from the corporate world. I do not speak "corporatese" and will not take you down a path that is unrealistic for you.

As a small business owner, I know that your goal is to develop a business model that will give you sustainable independence. I have the expertise and experience to assure that you will end up with an affordable business plan that suits your needs.

#2 – Personal Business Planner – Online business plan services usually assign work to multiple staff members, independent contractors and sometimes even students. Although the service provider will do a good job of selling the “team concept,” you actually have no control who your planning partner will be, or if they will even be around for the entire planning cycle.

It doesn’t take much to imagine how difficult it is to communicate with several planning partners. Further, how can one develop defendable financial projections without understanding the contributing marketing and operational issues? In my view, the only route to an integrated business plan is when you are able to work directly with a personal planner through the entire process.

#3 – Tailored Business Plans – Unlike some online business plan services, I do not use a “fill-in-the-blanks” business plan model. As a small business owner, you are the “essence” of your business and your most important competitive edge. An effective business plan must be market specific and reflect your unique capabilities and expertise.

Will my business plan guarantee funding?

While a good business plan is an essential requirement for funding approval, it does not necessarily guarantee funding. Your banker or investor will actually evaluate several issues in making the funding decision. Typically they are – viability of the business and industry, use of funds, ability to repay, management’s experience in the field, personal credit history and collateral available to secure the loan. In some cases, they may have additional criteria.

I will help you with the business plan requirement but that is only one part of the process. You must insure that you have the credit history, collateral and satisfy the individual criteria of the lender.

Is there a geographical limitation in working with clients?

Not in the least! I am very skilled in working with clients in all areas of the US.

Can you help me with a plan that is partially developed on Business Plan Pro?

Absolutely! I am competent in Palo Alto's Business Plan Pro Premier. I work with Business Plan Pro on a regular basis because it is comprehensive and a very effective program for private investors with sophisticated capitalization requirements.

Are you proficient with other planning software programs?

Yes! I also work with Linda Pinson’s Automate Your Business Plan. Linda’s software and integrated financial platform is excellent for startups with basic funding requirements including the SBA.

How does the process work?

You will need to sign a Services Agreement and make a deposit. I do accept payment by check, Visa, MasterCard and PayPal. Payments are required at regular intervals as we proceed. The final balance is due and payable upon completion and prior to releasing electronic files.

Chapters are organized by topic and once we determine the topics for your business plan, I will supply you with the pertinent questions behind every topic. We will collaborate on a regular basis to gather data and formulate strategies through a series of working sessions. Drafts of completed sections are submitted to you for additional input as we progress.

Upon conclusion of the planning process, you will have the opportunity to review a hard copy draft of the plan for final input. Your business plan then goes through a final review to insure that the content is fully developed, formatted correctly and endowed with the clarity needed to satisfy the critical eye of a lender. You will receive a PDF document of the plan along with a CD that includes all files. Word document versions are available upon request.

If you need a business plan with compelling marketing strategies and the financial clarity to secure funding, please contact me today so we can discuss your needs. Your first step to finding the right professional business plan writer is only a keystroke away!