Are you interested in starting up your own business? If so, you should carefully consider writing a business plan. The thought of preparing a business plan tends to fill most business owners with dread; it can be a difficult, stressful, and time consuming process. For this reason alone you may want to think about seeking assistance.

One of the many ways that you can seek help to write your plan is by hiring a professional, who in this case is a professional business plan writer.

What Is a Professional Business Plan Writer?

Before deciding whether or not you should hire the services of a professional business plan writer, you should first clearly understand what they are. In most cases, you will find these individuals to be experienced, professional writers who are well versed in business terminology and who can effectively understand the needs of businesses. It is important to understand when writing anything, even a business plan, that it is the wording which makes all the difference; the words used can be the difference between success and failure. That is why a large number of small business owners turn to professional writers for assistance.

What a Professional Business Plan Writer Can Do For You

When it comes to searching for a professional business plan writer, you will find that different writers perform different duties. For example, a large number of writers will merely take your ideas, which you have already thought out and developed, and present them in a professional matter; they will just present your plans in a more professional way than you could.

Then there are the professional business plan writers who will work with you to develop your plan from the inception of the basic ideas for your business to the finish document. Naturally since more work and time goes into to assisting you with developing a business plan from the bottom up you will probably find that the services of these writers cost more than traditional ones.

It is important therefore that before you start your search you be very clear in your own mind as to what level of support and input you require.

Why Hire a Professional Business Plan Writer?

There are a number of different reasons why small business owners turn to professional business plan writers. One of the key reasons is of lack of experience when it comes to putting ideas on paper and not knowing what format a plan should take. If you have never created a business plan before you can easily find yourself staring at a blank piece of paper for hours on end!

Although it is relatively easy to learn how to create your own plan, it can be a time consuming process to undertake the research and get into the appropriate mindset. With the right experience, a professional business plan writer will be able to create a detailed, professional business plan in half the time that it would take you to create the same plan.

How Do You Find Someone?

If you are interested in acquiring the services of a professional business plan writer, you have a number of different options. One of those options is to search for someone locally. Dealing with a local business plan writer is great, especially if you want to deal with someone face-to-face. Your search can focus on your local government business advice centers or even asking fellow business colleagues. If there is a writing group or circle in your locality then you can approach them for potential names.

The only problem that you may find is that not all areas of your country will have professional business plan writers. This means you may have to turn to the Internet for assistance. By conducting an online search you will find a large number of professional writers who specialize in creating or writing business plans.

What Should You Look For Before Hiring?

When choosing a professional business plan writer it is important that you don’t choose either the first person that you come across, or the cheapest. If a well written business plan is crucial to the success of your plans then you must be careful in your selection. Your business plan may not only be used for your personal guidance, but it may also be used to attract financing for your business and that is why your plan must look professional, be detailed and readable.

Before hiring a writer, you should request samples of previous work and also ask to see testimonials from business owners who have used their services. This will help to ensure you are getting your moneys worth and that you end up with a business plan you can proud distribute.

As with any contract you enter into be very certain what you are getting for your money. Does the contract include the provision for free updates or unlimited revisions before the final version is agreed? Will you be charged per word, per page, or by the hour? Make sure you fully understand the deal.

By following these points you should be able to decide whether or not a professional business plan writer can assist you. Whilst they can be an additional cost you may not be able to afford, in the long run it could be the best investment you ever made.

You will find a complete guide on how to write a business plan in my e-book ‘The Secrets of Writing a Killer Business Plan’.

Robert Warlow
Small Business Success

We’ve covered the basics of writing a restaurant business plan in another article, but here are some more tips to help you really make your plan pop and create an extremely positive impression on your partners, lenders or investors when you present it for their inspection.

Do add an extensive appendix

You can throw everything in here you can think of- the more there is, the more you give the impression you have been hard at work on gathering info, doing research and generally getting things started as opposed to simply wishing it was going to happen.

You can include things like a sample menu, marketing materials, sample coupons, a supplier list, a staff list, an equipment list, floor plans or blueprints, decorating item photos, uniform samples, a printout of the restaurant website design, the sign design, the restaurant logo, sample printed materials, your incorporation papers, a copy of your health permit, and literally anything else handy.

Do recruit and list an advisory board

The more people you can attach to the project, the more considerable it looks. Try to find people with extensive restaurant experience, business experience or preferably both. They don’t have to agree to do anything more than meet with you occasionally to review your progress and allow you to use their names as advisors. The more the better.

Don’t worry about fancy binding

It really makes no difference. This is one area that people simply don’t care about. It is what inside the cover that counts.

Do include financial projections

You can tell a great story, but sooner or later any serious investor or banker wants to talk numbers. Not including solid and industry standard financial projections in your plan makes it look amateur at best or like you are hiding something or simply don’t know at worst.

Do include a comprehensive list of the competition

People aren’t starving to death waiting for you to open, so there must be some alternatives to your restaurant concept. Include each one, and explain why you can out do them, or simply co-exist with them. Not acknowledging the competition shows a kind of arrogance and inexperience most serious money sources will shy away from.

Don’t spend a lot of time on national statistics

Trends may be up or down nationally, but who cares? It is what is happening in your neighborhood that counts. Make sure you can explain the local numbers in terms that work in your favor.

Don’t write a lot of vague, wishy washy or unsubstantiated claims

A business plan is no place to “hope things work out” and ask that “people just give me a chance to show what I can do”. This is business, and if you aren’t sure you can succeed, don’t expect other people to want to invest in you. Stick to facts and avoid anything that sounds emotional, unsure or like pleading.

A small business plan is vital to the success of starting a small business, Faced with writing a small business plan; the panic sets in. Confusion clouds your mind. You wonder where to start.

This is important. It is the outline to how your idea will become reality. Actually, it proves you are serious and you need it if you need finance.

Writing the Feared Business Plan

The screen is blank. Your mind is blank. Really, this is an important part of setting up your business. If you can not put it on paper, how do you make a living from it? Try thinking along these lines and start by mapping out your small business plan. The basic elements all small business plans have are:

- Summary – a one-page overview of your business plan. When your business plan is complete, go through it and summarize it into one page.

- Introduction – Briefly talk about your vision and goals for the business. Write yourself a vision, but avoid the old clich

What I’m doing right now in my business will show up as results in three months. Why? Because of “lag time.” True momentum is gained over time. I have discovered it takes about 100 days for the results of my actions to really become evident. I call this the 100-Day Rule, and you’ll need to create a 100-Day Plan to keep you focused and moving in the right direction.

Here’s how the 100-Day Rule works. Whatever you are doing right now, today, will affect your business in 100 days. If you’re busy searching for new business two hours a day, you’ll have fantastic results in 100 days. If you occupy yourself with paperwork and minutiae, allowing them to consume all of your time, then 100 days from now you’re going to be frustrated because you won’t be generating the results I know you truly desire.

After a short time working together, clients will often ask me, “What is the problem – why aren’t things happening for me now?” My response is (always): “What were you doing 100 days ago?” Those are the results you’re getting today! It should make you think, and open your eyes to realize the importance of today’s activities, and the thoughts, you are (or are not) putting into pre-planning them.

I often see my clients get focused, take massive action, network, make phone calls, have a calendar full of meetings, and see no immediate results in month one. They see some measurable results in month two, and then, bang! Amazing results and true momentum occur for them in month three.

The 100-day Rule will keep you going because it will help you understand what is happening in your business and why. You’re less likely to become discouraged and quit when you understand this concept. It’s fun to be looking days ahead, and it takes the pressure off while you’re working your current plan.

Don’t beat yourself up for what you did, or didn’t do, 100 days ago. It’s what you do today that is important. When you accept this rule, it’s much easier to persevere in the face of “downturns.”

Coach’s Command: To create a strong, stable, constantly growing business, always be thinking and working 100 days out.

Here’s how to make sure your business plan pays off: create a 100-Day Plan, and update it every single month. Meaning, you will actually create 12 100-Day Plans each year … starting with January 1st – April 10th, then the beginning of February, create a new 100-Day Plan – the dates of this one will be February 1st – May 10th. This will keep you consistently moving in the right direction, with on-going, effective check-ins to keep you on track.

Begin your 100-Day Plan with a mini-vision statement, accompanied by a purpose statement. These two statements will be your guiding light, reminding you not only what you’re excited about, but why.

Next, create empowering descriptors for yourself, such as “progressive, educated leader” or “marketing maven.” In other words, do you want to be “in shape” or a “goddess?” Give yourself a reputation to live up to, using the most energizing, positive words you can think of. Words are incredibly powerful, be particularly alert to the words you use to describe yourself and the actions you want to take. These powerful descriptions of you will help create and maintain a desire to continue, even when the going gets tough. Your plan should include three areas of focus. Depending on which areas of your business need growth, development and management, you’ll pick the three most important.

Do you need more contacts? Are you getting, but not closing, presentations? Do you have plenty of customers, but want to improve your relationship with them? Pick the top three, most crucial to be the focus areas for this particular 100-Day Plan. Keep in mind that you’ll be re-tooling, modifying and updating your plan monthly. You want your plan, and your business, to be balanced.

Coach’s Example: As you are focusing on current sales, remember to look for new business and be constantly networking to keep your momentum going.

Next, define your resources. I’m not talking about cash resources here. I’m talking about people you know, books, seminars, and other business tools. Your resources are invaluable, in that they are a well you can draw from to maximize results. The more resources you have available, the easier your path to success can be.

Of course, you’ll add in your goals – making them to fit within the 100-Day timeframe.

The last section of your 100-day Plan is the “Next Steps” section. This includes everything you can think of that needs to be done for you to reach your goals in the next 100 days. Like a to-do list, you are going to prioritize each item according to what is most important, then what’s next most important … repeating until the list is completed.

There is no doubt that striking out on your own and running your own small business is a great way to get ahead and take charge of your financial future.

Few people have managed to get rich working for someone else, so becoming an entrepreneur is a great way to enjoy the success you deserve. One of the most interesting businesses for those with the drive to succeed is opening and running a hotel business.

==The Hotel Business Plan Should Be One Of The First Things You Should Do When Starting A Business==

Of course running a successful hotel means much more than just opening the doors and waiting for guests to arrive. The successful hotel business will need a polished and professional hotel business plan.

This business plan should be one of the very first documents you create, and it should be completed before the first bed is made or the vacancy sign is erected.

==It Is Important To Be Prepared For Financial Cost==

That is because any lender or potential business investor will want to look at, and carefully examine your hotel business plan before providing you with the startup cash you need to get the new venture off the ground.

The startup costs for a hotel business can be quite high, and it is important to be prepared for them. Few new businesses can succeed without outside investment, so it is important that your business plan tell outsiders why your business will succeed.

==Address Any Potential Pitfalls Or Problems==

Of course, it is important that the hotel business plan you create honestly address any potential pitfalls or problems that the new business may face.

There are a number of hurdles specific to the hotel industry, including the ability to attract and retain qualified staff members, legal liability issues, the level of local and area wide competition, etc.

It is important that the hotel business plan address these issues head on and explain how the business owner plans to overcome each of these obstacles.

There is no doubt that a successful hotel business can be quite a lucrative venture. Travel and tourism is a booming business, and creating a well thought out and professional looking hotel business plan is your first step to success in this exciting industry.