There are many software packages available to assist one in planning and preparing the
business plan. Ideally, such a system should include several key characteristics. To begin with,
it should be user-friendly and have plenty of examples to help you. Spreadsheet like templates
for individual data input and automated integration between the ‘nodules or sections arc also
needed. You must remember that a software package is only a helpful tool and that you must
formalize your plan. The software provided with this text is a good place to start.
Developing Action Steps
You can collect needed information from the steps discussed in Chapter 5 and earlier in
this chapter. as well as from business associates and from legal, management, and financial
consultants. Discussions with people both inside and outside the business are useful in
gathering and evaluating this information.
The focus of the plan should be on future developments for the business, with steps set
up to deal with specific aspects, such as product development, marketing, Production or
operations, finance, and management. Realistic, measurable objectives should be set, and
the plan’s steps should be delegated, monitored, and reported regularly.
Questions such as the following arc useful in developing action steps: Who will be
responsible for each course of action? What is the time frame for achieving each objective?
What arc the barriers to achieving the objectives’? How can those barriers be overcome’
1-lave the necessary controls been Considered?