Your business plan is the most important first step you take in initiating a good start for your small business. Without an effective plan furnished in advance, most investor groups won’t even extend entrepreneurs an interview. But, with the right kind of writing and planning, an entrepreneur can not only land that interview, but also score big when it comes to financing options. So, how do you write an effective business proposal? Follow these five simple tips, and you’ll be well on your way.
Focus on the Market
Even with the recent downturn in the economy, entrepreneurs have proven that there is still money out there for businesses that can prove themselves, and the best way is by emphasizing the market in your proposal. Write a proposal that highlights a market-driven company, rather than technology or service driven, and you will gain the interest of investors. Prove that your product has a viable potential for the market, sales, and profit, and you’ll land an investment deal in no time.
Highlight the User Benefit
It’s easy to focus on all of the winning aspects of the product itself, but those components won’t sell product. What will? Making the user understand how he or she will benefit from the product is the best way to sell it, so focus on this aspect in your business proposal. Additionally, focus on including aspects of your product and company that include a short payback period for investors, and they’ll be on board faster than you thought possible.
Discover and Share the Market Interest
Going along with the benefit to the investors, work to figure out the interest and benefit to the market as a whole. You must be able to prove that customers are interested in your product. Do your research, and include customer responses within your proposal to be sure to win over investors.
Do Your Research Accurately
Sure, it’s easy to make claims that there is customer interest in your product, but if you haven’t analyzed that data accurately, investors will see right through you. Be sure to specify the number of potential customers, the size of the businesses interested, and what type of business will benefit from your product or service. Consider getting a master MBA online to prove you are dedicated to researching right, and have the background skills in business to make it work. Also, be sure to identify the nature of your industry and report it accurately in your plan.
Consider the Investors
As you are writing your plan, consider who your ideal investors are and what their needs are to satisfy a business venture. Then, aim to meet these needs within your proposal. By taking the investors into consideration as you write and present your proposal, you’ll be giving them what they want before they even ask for it.
Securing financing for a new business idea isn’t easy; however, if you have the right type of proposal, you’ll be able to win over the right investors. Use these tips to craft a winning business proposal and secure financing for your venture.
