Business Plans Kit For Dummies

An interactive guide to every element of the business planning process

Are you an entrepreneur who wants to make it big? A manager grappling with logistics? A small business owner trying to map out a future in shaky economic times? Then look no further! Business Plans Kit For Dummies is a nuts-and-bolts guide to evaluating and invigorating your commercial strategy, no matter how big or small your business.

• Lay the foundations – identify your long-term goals and brainstorm your business options

• Develop the skills – sketch out a working model, size up competitors and fire up your marketing machine

• Make it personal – scrutinise the ins and outs of? your budget and diagnose what you need to take your ideas forward

• Maximise your plan's potential – take advantage of the latest online resources and e-technology to give your venture the edge

• Fix faulty strategies – recognise weak spots, build on strengths and make preparations to update your plan a year from now

Open the book and find:

• Advice on stimulating business creativity

• Effective ways to research your start-up needs

• How to get the most out of your industry

• Tips on sharpening your marketing drive and developing a customer profile

• Forecasting strategies for every kind of business

• Planning sheets, sample budgets and managerial forms

• How to use libraries, directories and search engines to your advantage

The interactive companion CD-ROM

is packed with templates, worksheets, assignments and checklists to help you kick-start the planning process, monitor progress and get your business on track.