Do you really need a business plan?

I agree with Danny. I sincerely hate math, so putting numbers in spreadsheets really helps me put things in perspective and plan.

 

I found that forcing myself to complete an actual business plan template like this one from the SBA made me consider a few things that I wouldn't have. Mainly in terms of strategic thinking and risk management.

Would I have done as well without it? Probably. Has it been worth the time to grind through it before going into business, then updating now and then? Absolutely.

 

[h=1]"In preparing for battle I have always found that plans are useless, but planning is indispensable." Dwight Eisenhower. I've created business plans in other areas, and the rigor of completing a detailed plan made me think of things I would have otherwise missed.[/h]

 

Failing to plan is planning to fail.


A well written business plan shows people you are dead serious about what it is you are doing. You can get things done a lot quicker with one.

I don't look at my business plan daily, but I sure do use those spreadsheets from it daily.

 

I am working for a small family business and we have no business plan, just wing it. All you need to do is try to keep track of things and handle the most important things first. I am learning new things all the time. The biggest thing is to be organized. I keep track of alot of things using microsoft excel. Good Luck!

 

Whether you know it or not... that's a business plan. You're keeping track of numbers and making plans based on those numbers.

 

I think some overcomplicate it but everyone has their own way. I'm only interested in numbers and that's what I keep track of. All the other stuff goes out the window when the rubber hits the road but if you know your cost to roll and closely track all of your numbers you will do just fine. I winged it for the first couple of years and kept up with none of that stuff - it's was just bloodshot eyeballs and bookoo's of miles was all I cared about. And of course I had no clue what the truck was doing but it wasn't rocket science knowing it was slowly breaking my rear.

 

I'd suggest getting "Excel for dummies". It was the book I used for teaching in college people how to use excel.