Beyond the Business Plan

Part I. Why Look Beyond the Business Plan?

1. The Purpose of This Book
Simon Bridge, Cecilia Hegarty

2. Business Plans — Why Are They Advocated?
Simon Bridge, Cecilia Hegarty

3. Are Business Plans Appropriate?
Simon Bridge, Cecilia Hegarty

4. Business Plans Are Not the Only Option
Simon Bridge, Cecilia Hegarty

5. Enterprise and Exploration
Simon Bridge, Cecilia Hegarty

6. A Guide for Explorers?
Simon Bridge, Cecilia Hegarty

Part II. The Ten Principles

7. The Starting Point: Understanding How to Explore
Simon Bridge, Cecilia Hegarty

8. Principle 1 — An Enterprise Is a Means, Not an End
Simon Bridge, Cecilia Hegarty

9. Principle 2 — Don’t Commit More than You Can Afford to Lose
Simon Bridge, Cecilia Hegarty

10. Principle 3 — Start from Where You Are
Simon Bridge, Cecilia Hegarty

11. Principle 4 — Carry Out Reality Checks and Make Appropriate Plans
Simon Bridge, Cecilia Hegarty

12. Principle 5 — The Only Reliable Test Is a Real One
Simon Bridge, Cecilia Hegarty

13. Principle 6 — Get Started and Get Some Momentum
Simon Bridge, Cecilia Hegarty

14. Principle 7 — Accept Uncertainty
Simon Bridge, Cecilia Hegarty

15. Principle 8 — Look for Opportunities
Simon Bridge, Cecilia Hegarty

16. Principle 9 — Build and Use Social Capital
Simon Bridge, Cecilia Hegarty

17. Principle 10 — Acquire the Relevant Skills
Simon Bridge, Cecilia Hegarty

18. Following the Principles
Simon Bridge, Cecilia Hegarty

Part III. Seeking a Balanced Perspective

19. Striking a Balance
Simon Bridge, Cecilia Hegarty

20. Comparing Approaches
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21. Some Reflections and Implications
Simon Bridge, Cecilia Hegarty

22. Postscript — The Relevance of Exploring
Simon Bridge, Cecilia Hegarty

Part IV. Further Information

23. Supplementary Information
Simon Bridge, Cecilia Hegarty

Keywords: Business and Management, Business Strategy/Leadership, Small Business, Management, Corporate Communication/Public Relations, Entrepreneurship, Development Economics