Intro:
Before you begin
Step 1:
Understand your audience
Step 2:
Prepare to research and write
Step 3:
Outline the essentials
Step 4:
Detail the investment opportunity
Step 5:
Analyze the company and industry
Step 6:
Address the market
Step 7:
Explain how your business will run
Step 8:
Introduce the management team
Step 9:
Prepare a financial plan
Step 10:
Provide source materials
Step 11:
Avoid common pitfalls
Step 12:
Proofread your work

2torial #0603 - Step 8:
Learn2 Write a Business Plan (Continued)

Introduce the management team

People are your most important asset. It may sound like a feel-good ad, but it's true. The more complete your management team, the better. Demonstrate that you have a well-rounded team in which each person has a well-defined function. Most important, show that, as a team, you're capable of meeting the goals outlined in your business plan. The management team section should include:

• A chart that explains how the full-time management is organized, including accounting, operations, marketing, sales, and any other industry-specific specialists

• Bios of all managers, outlining the skills and experience that make them right for the job (full resumes can go in the appendix)

• A list of the board of directors, with bios

• A list of outside advisors or consultants