Do you find yourself putting off, in other words dragging your feet when it comes to "Business Planning"? When I was required to write my first Business Plan, I vaguely had some idea of what it was.
After all, I prepared monthly and annual budgeting income and expense plans.
But, this seemed like so much more.
What came to mind was a mental picture of being hunkered down over my desk for weeks trying to justify, forecast, number-crunch and ultimately wrestle with the current state of the business I was responsible for and then I needed to compare where the business was now and calculate and dream where I saw it to be five or ten years down the line.
But the business planning process doesn't have to start and end this way.

• So how do you start a business plan?

If you really want to succeed in business, as in life, planning needs be a step-by-step part of everything you do, and, be continuous.
Just think about the simple act planning a trip to some sort of meeting in an unfamiliar city.

• I would map out the trip, make sure I had gas in the car and from other similar experiences of these types; I would have already thought out a series of planning (action) steps and implemented actions to ensure that I arrived at my destination safely and on time.
  

Then from these experiences, I also had mapping tools, roadside assistance and insurance policies, that helped me be more prepared for the obstacles that I might encounter on the way.
For many business owners and entrepreneurs - the business planning process isn't actually a whole lot different.
It gets easier as we go, because we know the steps we need to take to make the trip go smoother.
Keep it Simple -- Understanding your market and specific client - write this out - this is part of the process -- Have a clear view of your cash flow and money needs - How will you need to spend money and where is the money coming from and what and how can you logically expect to money come in? How much will go out and come in? Make this real.
What helped me, was that I had several people who held me accountable and asked pertinent questions.
For my first time it was a Focus Group, because this was a large organization.
Then later, it became a business coach.
-- List some basic assumptions about where your business is now and where you want it to go, what is it going to take to get you there.
During this process, you become clear on what you want, and what's in you way.
This is also how I instruct my business clients, that I now coach, while writing their vision statements.
Plan your long-term vision, goals, and decide upon the short-term steps to achieve your business ambition.
Working with a business coach helps you develop measurement and accountability.
Use Online Resources to Help You Plan I have always used online tools and resources that can help create a basic business plan.
There are free business plan templates, video tutorials, and step-by-step guides.
It takes research and planning to get to your destination.
Rather it is a driving trip or a business plan.
Once the planning it put into place, get your vehicle started and move towards to your destination - or your business future! You can get the desired results you want if you'll get busy doing something on this each day.
Make a list from this article and take an action step each day towards your business planning and your vision will start becoming a reality.
If you think this is not possible for you to take on, be inspired by a solution.
Think differently than you have before.
Be persistent - never give up.
This is true of all successful people.