Creating a Business Plan

Looking to build a business or expand one you're already running? You'll need to build a business plan before you do. Experienced entrepreneur and consultant Mike Figliuolo walks through the process of defining your business, researching the market, and determining your product. Once you've figured out what your product or service will be, Mike provides guidance for thinking through your sales strategy, day-to-day operations, staffing, and financial forecasting. A sample business plan is provided, so you can follow along with the development of a real-world company.

Topics include:

Defining the problem your business solves
Determining your product and revenue model
Understanding customers and the competition
Developing and delivering your product
Branding and marketing
Pricing
Managing production and operations
Building and leading your team
Financial planning
Avoiding business plan pitfalls