How are you different from other online planning services?

Small Business Specialist - Unlike online service providers that focus on the lucrative venture capital environment, I specialize in small business. As a small business owner, I know that your goal is to develop a sustaining business that will give you independence. The small business environment is nothing like the corporate world. I do not speak "corporatese" and do not take you down a path that is unrealistic for small business.

Personal Planner – Online service providers, in the interest of managing their payroll, assign planning work to multiple staff members, independent contractors or students. Although they do a good job of selling the “team concept,” you will 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 three, four or five planning partners. Imagine if you will, how does one develop defendable financial projections without understanding the contributing marketing and operational issues? I am convinced that the only route to an integrated and integrated business plan is where you work directly with a personal planner through the complete process.

Tailored Business Plans – Unlike some online business plan services, we do not use a “fill-in-the-blanks” model in order to create an unrealistic cheap price. As a small business owner, you are the “essence” of your business and your most important competitive edge. An effective business plan must reflect you. Unlike online service providers who produce cookie cutter plans, my business plan models are market specific and designed to reflect your personal managerial style.

How much does it cost?

The fees for my business plan models are extremely competitive and based on a flat price that includes the following - supplying you with topical questions; discussion and assimilation of detail, business consulting where appropriate and drafting a professional business plan. You will be supplied with category topics, subject theory and questions that are relative to each topic. Your input communication will be direct with your personal business plan writer, Christie Karis. Once we discuss your planning needs and settle on the appropriate plan model, I will give you a flat price quote. Contact me.

Will my business plan guarantee funding?

A good business plan is an essential requirement for funding approval. But it does not guarantee funding. Your banker or investor will actually evaluate several issues in making the funding decision. Typically they are – validity of the business model, use of funds, ability to repay, managements experience in the field, 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 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?

Yes! I am competent in Palo Alto's Business Plan Pro Premier, Marketing Plan Pro, Advertising Plan Pro and Cash Compass. I work with Business Plan Pro on a regular basis as it is a very effective program for private investors and more sophisticated capitalization requirements.

Are you proficient with other planning software programs?

Yes! I also work with Automate Your Business Plan depending on the level of sophistication needed.

How does the process work?

Agreement: You will need to sign a Services Agreement and make a deposit of $750 for 100 & 200 Level plans and $1,000 for 300 Level plans. A second payment of the same amount is required at the mid-point of the planning process, usually upon completion of the market analysis. The final balance is due and payable upon completion and prior to releasing electronic files. I accept payment by check, Visa and MasterCard.

Collaboration: Business plan topics are grouped by Company Summary, Product & Services Description, Market Analysis, Marketing Strategy and the Financial Plan. Individual topics can vary based on your needs. Once we determine the topics for your business plan, I will supply you with the topical theory and pertinent questions behind every topic. We collaborate to gather data and formulate strategies through a series of contact sessions (once or twice a week). Drafts of completed sections are submitted to you for additional input as we progress.

Finalizing: Upon conclusion of the planning process, you will have the opportunity to review a hard copy draft of the plan and one opportunity 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 Word document of the plan along with a CD that includes all files.

If you need a business plan with compelling marketing strategy and financial clarity to get started, secure funding or increase market share, please contact me today so we can discuss your needs. Your first step to success is only a keystroke away!