Locating informative resources for your business plan

On the last four posts we were talking about the planning processes but that was just merely an idea, at this point we know: what are the benefits of a business plan, who are our target audience and we know about our time frame for our plan (if you don't know what I am talking about check out the last four posts:

• Starting the planning engine: Part One
• Starting the planning engine: Part Two - Audiences
• Starting the planning engine: Part Three- Structure
• Starting the planning engine: Part Four - Time Frame

But now we are ready to start writing our business plan.

First let’s take a look to resources we have, in case you have any question as your business planning gets underway. For instance you may want to find information about your industry or market place, trends or just to obtain information about your competitors, also if you have any other doubt about your marketing campaign or need help with your finances.

• Internet: The internet is growing every day, new information is added every second on the entire world specially news. You can dig lot information about customers, markets and your competition using the internet as a source.
• Newspaper: Provide the most recent information no matter what kind of business you have. Just to give an example: The New York Times.
• Industry Trade Journals
• Professional Groups
• Local business groups
• Trade Shows and Symposiums

When you can’t find the answers to specific questions you can seek for advice. Hiring a specialist is not necessary. One way to get a good advice is asking to owners of businesses of the same niche as yours. Make a plan for a business meeting, be friendly.

As you interview industry contacts or people with experience in similar businesses, follow these steps:

• Prepare questions in advance
• Explain exactly why you are asking for help, be honest.
• Be prepared to listen, if your advisor is warning for obstacles is, he/she is doing a huge favor.
• Keep your conversation open ended
• Build your contact list: Ask for introduction to others who may be helpful of for suggestions for sources of information.
• Be grateful.