You should have a business plan for your business. Why? The business plan is like a blueprint that will guide you on what to do and not to do as you develop your company concept. If you don't know where to start, I suggest you build a one-pager. This will help you isolate and focus on the core topics of your business.
I am sharing my blueprint with you below.... Let me know if you have any questions!
Here is the blueprint:
1. Vision Statement:
What is the business trying to achieve... What is the overarching goal.
2. Mission Statement:
Our mission is to deliver tailored business consulting services that help clients improve performance, streamline operations, and accelerate revenue growth. We focus on identifying challenges and opportunities, then applying proven strategies to drive measurable results.
3. Target Market:
Primary Audience: Example: Small to mid-sized businesses across various industries (retail, technology, health & wellness, etc.)
Secondary Audience: Example: Startups looking for scalable growth strategies, entrepreneurs, and businesses undergoing transitions (mergers, acquisitions, expansions).
4. Services Offered: Focus on the core services/products
Core Focus. You do not want to have too many points here. Focus on the services that you will tackle in YR1.
5. Unique Selling Proposition (USP):
Key factor that differentiates your business from competitors.
6. Market Analysis:
Industry Trends
Competitive Landscape
Financial Health
7. Marketing Strategy:
Channels: (Digital and In Person)
Message: Core Messaging/Brand Positioning
This should provide value, urgency, and be directed to a core consumer.
8. Revenue Streams:
Consulting Packages: hourly or flat rate
Workshops/Seminars: Offering educational workshops on business growth strategies.
E-books/Courses: Creating digital products to offer scalable revenue.
9. Financial Plan:
Revenue Goals: For year 1-5
Cost Structure: Include buffers
10. Key Milestones:
11. Team & Key Roles:
Founder/Principal Consultant: [Your Name] – Responsible for client strategy, relationship management, and business operations.
Marketing Lead: [Name] – Focuses on branding, content creation, and digital marketing campaigns.
Operations Manager: [Name] – Ensures smooth business operations, workflow, and client management.
Consulting Partners/Associates: [Optional] – Specialized consultants brought in on a project basis for niche areas (finance, HR, etc.).
12. Risk Management:
Potential Risks:
Market saturation in consulting.
Economic downturn affecting small businesses' ability to invest in consulting.
Cash flow challenges during initial client acquisition phases.
Mitigation Strategy:
Diversify service offerings to include digital products (e.g., online courses).
Build strong client relationships to ensure repeat business.
Maintain a lean operational structure to minimize overhead.
13. Strategic Partnerships:
Partner with industry experts for joint workshops or webinars.
Collaborate with technology vendors to offer tech-driven consulting solutions.
Align with local chambers of commerce or business incubators to access small business clients.
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