What is
Write Your Business Plan about?
Write Your Business Plan by Entrepreneur Media and Eric Butow is a comprehensive guide to crafting effective business plans, whether launching a startup or scaling an existing company. It covers creating investor-ready documents, securing funding, managing risks, and optimizing resources. The book includes actionable frameworks, real-world examples, and a free 1-month subscription to LivePlan Premium business planning software.
Who should read
Write Your Business Plan?
This book is ideal for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and aspiring founders seeking to build or refine their business strategy. It’s particularly valuable for those targeting investors, navigating industry trends, or needing structured guidance to align teams and goals.
Is
Write Your Business Plan worth reading?
Yes—the book provides step-by-step templates, industry-specific advice, and modern tools like LivePlan Premium. Its phased approach (Foundation, Framing, Execution) simplifies complex concepts, making it a practical resource for both novices and experienced business leaders.
What are the key phases in
Write Your Business Plan?
The book structures planning into three phases:
- Foundation: Validating your business idea, securing funding, and aligning teams.
- Framing: Crafting executive summaries, market analyses, and financial projections.
- Execution: Presenting polished plans and adapting to feedback.
How does
Write Your Business Plan help attract investors?
It teaches readers to highlight financial viability, market opportunities, and management expertise—key criteria for investors. The book also emphasizes tailoring plans to specific audiences, like venture capitalists or lenders, to address their unique priorities.
What tools come with
Write Your Business Plan?
Purchasers receive a 1-month free subscription to LivePlan Premium, a top-rated business planning software. This tool helps users create financial forecasts, track progress, and generate investor-ready reports.
Who are the target audiences for a business plan according to the book?
The book identifies eight key audiences, including investors, lenders, potential partners, and employees. Each group has distinct interests, such as financial returns (investors) or operational clarity (teams), requiring tailored plan sections.
How does
Write Your Business Plan approach risk management?
It advocates for proactive risk assessment, encouraging entrepreneurs to identify financial, operational, and market challenges early. The book provides frameworks to mitigate risks through contingency planning and iterative goal-setting.
Can
Write Your Business Plan guide existing businesses?
Absolutely. While ideal for startups, the book’s strategies apply to scaling businesses—updating plans for growth, refining marketing tactics, and re-evaluating financial models. Case studies and adaptable templates suit diverse stages.
How does
Write Your Business Plan compare to other guides?
Unlike generic templates, this guide combines Entrepreneur Media’s expertise with modern tools like LivePlan. It balances theory with actionable steps, focusing on real-world application over abstract concepts.
What frameworks does the book offer for goal-setting?
The book emphasizes SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) and breaks down objectives into quarterly targets. It also teaches aligning goals with market trends and team capabilities.
What’s included in the "Framing Your Plan" phase?
This phase details drafting executive summaries, analyzing competitors, designing marketing strategies, and projecting finances. It also covers structuring operational workflows and validating product-market fit.