My big task at the moment to help move my business forward is to create a business plan. I've made a few attempts on my own but it goes back in a folder and hasn't been completed. Luckily in Laois we have a great Local Enterprise Office and they recently gave me a session with a mentor so talked me through the process and gave me a template to work from. It was a very positive experience and I would definitely recommend you see if the same is available in your area through your Enterprise Office.
Definition of a Business Plan: A business plan is a formal statement of business goals, reasons they are attainable, and plans for reaching them. It may also contain background information about the organization or team attempting to reach those goals.
This formal definition can be a bit daunting. To myself a business plan is a guide—a roadmap for your business that outlines goals and details how you plan to achieve those goals. I am not going to write mine like a school essay, I would rather you pick it up and see a little of me from it. So for me a business plan is just a plan for how your business is going to work, and how you’re going to make it succeed.
I understand it is an important document and a very useful resource. I will use it in the future to help look for funding or a loan to further my business and to get my items stocked in shops.
I think the proces will also help me see where my time is spent and how to manage it better. From research, making items, buying stock, social media, interaction with my Facebook page audience and also keeping proper financial records to see how my business is running.
