The business plan SmallBusinessHelp Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Step 1: Think and StrategiseYour strategic focusWhat exactly is it that my business will do?Will it optimise quality, speed, affordability, flexibility (the ability to custom-make as opposed to mass-produce, or provide variety as opposed to a single, affordable product) or dependability? No business can optimise all five. Small businesses are seldom good at mass production.What will my business NOT do?Step 2: The marketing planCheckboxesA sales forecast - How much will I sell?A client profile - Who will buy my product?A competitor profile-Who are my direct competitors, what substitutes are there in the market?A product profile - What is the core product and what are the extra features?A distribution strategy - Is location important, will I deliver?A pricing strategy - what will people be prepared to pay? How much can I expect to sell at that price? Will this cover my direct costs plus overheads?A promotional strategy - how will I create awareness of and demand for my product?The Operational planThe 3 areas of manufacturers, retailers and service providers will differ in terms of their operational needs. Choose the sector you are wanting to start your small business in. manufacturers strategic Step For manufacturersWhat are the important features of the product? How is each product made?What equipment, accessories, material and labour do I need?Third ChoiceWhat is total number of factory hours needed to meet sales forecasts? How many delays can I expect and what might cause them?Will there be any variation in demand and how will this affect production?Who are my suppliers?What kind of facility do I need and where should it be located?What should my factory floor layout look like?How can I ensure quality and cost control?What will my workflow processes and schedules look like?What will my stock control system look like?How is the manufacturing process administered, from receiving an order to sending out an invoice?For retailersHow will I keep records of my stock, in other words, how will my stock control system work?For service businessesFirst ChoiceSecond ChoiceThird ChoiceIf you sell services, you will need a more basic form of operations planning, including workflow planning and time sheets. Don't neglect to link these to administrative functions such as quoting and invoicing clients.Close
