Write your business plan: get your plan in place and your business off the ground by Entrepreneur Media Summary
Overview of Write your business plan
Entrepreneur Media's essential guide unlocks the blueprint for business success. With LivePlan Premium access included, this 265-page roadmap has helped countless entrepreneurs transform ideas into funded ventures. What's your million-dollar idea waiting for its perfect plan?
- Executive summaries hook investors with data-driven vision statements
- Market analysis must define niche audiences and competitor vulnerabilities
- Financial projections require realistic revenue models and exit timelines
- Avoid generic templates - customize plans to your brand voice
- Operational logistics prove scalability through clear workflow blueprints
- Investor-ready plans balance aspirational goals with tangible metrics
- Customer segmentation strategies reveal untapped market opportunities
- Product descriptions should emphasize patent potential and R&D roadmaps
- Monthly cash flow charts demonstrate financial literacy to lenders
- Leadership bios must align team expertise with growth phases
- Marketing sections need omnichannel strategies with conversion benchmarks
- Funding requests tie dollar amounts to specific scaling milestones
About the Author of Write your business plan
Entrepreneur Media, the powerhouse behind the internationally acclaimed guide Write Your Business Plan, is a globally recognized authority in entrepreneurship and small business strategy. Founded in 1977, the organization publishes Entrepreneur magazine—a cornerstone resource for 510,000+ subscribers—and operates Entrepreneur.com, which attracts 12 million monthly readers. The book reflects their decades of expertise, offering actionable frameworks for crafting investor-ready business plans, financial forecasting, and adaptive growth strategies.
As the parent company of Entrepreneur magazine and its digital platforms, Entrepreneur Media curates content through podcasts like Problem Solvers, franchise rankings such as the annual Top 500 Franchise List, and the Entrepreneur 360 business evaluation model. Their insights are leveraged by startups, Fortune 500 executives, and institutions worldwide.
Write Your Business Plan includes exclusive access to LivePlan Premium software, featuring 500+ sample plans and step-by-step financial tools. With editions published in over 10 countries, Entrepreneur Media’s resources have shaped business strategies for nearly 50 years, solidifying their role as the definitive guide for entrepreneurs at every stage.
FAQs About Write your business plan
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.
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Key Themes in Write your business plan
Quotes from Write your business plan
Almost everyone going into business needs a plan.
Without clear goals, planning becomes impossible.
Maintaining credibility is crucial since you'll likely need additional funding.
Why would others take a risk if you won't?
Characters in Write your business plan
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From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
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