How to Write a Business Plan for Startups

See, this guy's already got two plans. Get cracking Jack.

If you’re an entrepreneur in startup mode, or you work for one,  you know there’s never enough time to do wasteful tasks (read: corporate) like learn how to write a business plan. That is, until someone with a checkbook asks to see a copy.

Investors, banks, potential board members, sometimes even potential new hires (the smart ones!) often want proof that the company has a plan before they invest, loan money or leave another job.

That’s when writing the business plan becomes a top priority, with an unrealistic deadline.

The Working for Wonka Done by Lunch series will help you write your business plan with as little wasted time as possible. The business plan templates and How-To videos explain what you need to know, and what you don’t want to waste your time on.

Best of all, the tutorials and eBook will help you without putting you to sleep. No corporate buzz words. No B-School BS. Just the facts. Just what you need to know.

3 Ways to Write Your Business Plan

What’s your situation? Here’s how I can help.

1. Already got the goods: You already know what you’re doing, but just need a guide. Hey, anything to make your job easier, right.

DO THIS: Use the free Business Plan Outline from Done by Lunch Quick Solutions. It’s formatted already so all you need to do is start typing.

2. A little clueless, but not hopeless: You’ve read your share of business plans, but never had to write one. Or, you’ve written plenty of plans, but never a business plan for a startup.

DO THIS: Download the Business Plan Outline, then watch the Startup Business Plan video tutorials below. Each section of the business plan is covered in ten minutes or less. No fluff, just the facts you need to get it done.

3. In real need of hand holding: This is your first time writing a business plan, maybe even your first time reading a business plan. Or you just want some extra help and to give your weary brain a break. Hey, there’s nothing wrong with that.

DO THIS: Purchase the Done by Lunch Startup Business Plan eBook. This guide builds on the free templates and videos with a very detailed step by step guide. It includes Get to The Point, a 10 question quiz for your entrepreneur boss to help get you on the right track. And each section includes excerpts of sample business plans to get your creative juices flowing. ($59)

Writing a business plan is a big task, if you don’t want to go it alone, this is your option. Learn more about the  Startup Business Plan ebook, or   now.

4. Lastly, you can hire me to write your business plan. Although I write a lot of plans for my startup clients, I always try to talk them into doing it themselves. No matter how well you know your business, the process of writing a plan you will teach you more. I guarantee it. So, if you can; do it yourself. but if you really, really can’t; hire me.

How to Write a Business Plan for Startups Video Tutorials

Let’s get cracking. If you have any questions as you go, drop them to the comment section. I can answer in a personal email as well, but you never know who else has the same question. So, help a sistah (or brothah) out and share the info.

How to Write a Business Plan for Startups – Before You Start

I recommend you start with this Before you Start video. (Hence the clever title.) It has some useful tips for, well, for before you start.

How to Write a Business Plan for Startups – Business Description video tutorial

Don’t worry, you don’t need a sunglass wearing horse to write your business plan. Any old pony will do.

How to Write a Business Plan for Startups – Product or Service Description video tutorial

Yes, that says bacon. Don’t all business plan tutorials talk about bacon? They should.

How to Write a Business Plan for Startups – Marketing Strategy video Tutorial

There’s a lot of confusion around what goes into this section. Don’t make the common mistake of using this section to over compensate for a lack of information in other sections.

How to Write a Business Plan for Startups – Finance & Operations Section video tutorial

Yup. I’m beating a dead horse in this tutorial. My apologies to PETA, but some points just need to be made. And made again.

How to Write a Business Plan for Startups – Executive Summary video tutorial

The final, and easiest section of your plan. Congratulations! You’re done.

Working for Wonka? Tell me this: Were the videos and template helpful? Did you use them? What challenges did you have, and how could they be improved. Let me know in the comment section below.