networking business plan sample pdf

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Network Marketing Business Plan

The ability to generate residual revenue is one of the key benefits of network marketing. As a result, even if you are not actively involved in the sales process, you can still receive commissions. Thus, are you thinking of starting your network marketing business, if yes, then you will need a plan.

Need help writing a business plan for your network marketing business? You’re at the right place. Our network marketing business plan template will help you get started.

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How to Write a Network Marketing Business Plan?

Writing a network marketing business plan is a crucial step toward the success of your business. Here are the key steps to consider when writing a business plan:

1. Executive Summary

An executive summary is the first section planned to offer an overview of the entire business plan. However, it is written after the entire business plan is ready and summarizes each section of your plan.

Here are a few key components to include in your executive summary:

Introduce your business:

• This section may include the name of your network marketing business, its location when it was founded, etc.

Market opportunity:

Product and services:.

• For instance, your products and services may include health & wellness products, home goods, travel & vacation services, financial services, etc.

Marketing & sales strategies:

Financial highlights:, call to action:.

Ensure your executive summary is clear, concise, easy to understand, and jargon-free.

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2. Business Overview

The business overview section of your business plan offers detailed information about your company. The details you add will depend on how important they are to your business. Yet, business name, location, business history, and future goals are some of the foundational elements you must consider adding to this section:

Business description:

Describe your business in this section by providing all the basic information:

• Single tier networking
• Multi-level marketing
• Affiliate marketing
• Cooperative marketing
• Describe the legal structure of your network marketing company, whether it is a sole proprietorship, LLC, partnership, or others.
• Explain where your business is located and why you selected the place.

Mission statement:

Business history:.

• Additionally, If you have received any awards or recognition for excellent work, describe them.

Future goal:

This section should provide a thorough understanding of your business, its history, and its future plans. Keep this section engaging, precise, and to the point.

3. Market Analysis

The market analysis section of your business plan should offer a thorough understanding of the industry with the target market, competitors, and growth opportunities. You should include the following components in this section.

Target market:

• People who are interested in starting their own business and need one other income, then they might be your target market.

Market size and growth potential:

Competitive analysis:, market trends:.

• For instance, the need and demand for personalized services is increasing day by day so explain how will you keep up with the trends.

Regulatory environment:

Here are a few tips for writing the market analysis section of your network marketing business plan:

• Conduct market research, industry reports, and surveys to gather data.
• Provide specific and detailed information whenever possible.
• Illustrate your points with charts and graphs.
• Write your business plan keeping your target audience in mind.

4. Products And Services

The product and services section should describe the specific services and products that will be offered to customers. To write this section should include the following:

Describe your products:

Mention the products your business will offer. This list may include services like,

• Health & wellness products
• Travel & vacation services
• Financial services, etc.

Product development:

In short, this section of your MLM business plan must be informative, precise, and client-focused. By providing a clear and compelling description of your offerings, you can help potential investors and readers understand the value of your business.

5. Sales And Marketing Strategies

Writing the sales and marketing strategies section means a list of strategies you will use to attract and retain your clients. Here are some key elements to include in your sales & marketing plan:

Unique selling proposition (USP):

• This could be anything from superior quality or performance to better pricing or packaging.

Pricing strategy:

Marketing strategies:, sales strategies:, customer retention:.

Overall, this section of your network marketing business plan should focus on customer acquisition and retention.

Have a specific, realistic, and data-driven approach while planning sales and marketing strategies for your network marketing business, and be prepared to adapt or make strategic changes in your strategies based on feedback and results.

6. Operations Plan

The operations plan section of your business plan should outline the processes and procedures involved in your business operations, such as staffing requirements and operational processes. Here are a few components to add to your operations plan:

Operational process:

Training and support:, manufacturing and production:, supply chain management:.

Adding these components to your operations plan will help you lay out your business operations, which will eventually help you manage your business effectively.

7. Management Team

The management team section provides an overview of your network marketing business’s management team. This section should provide a detailed description of each manager’s experience and qualifications, as well as their responsibilities and roles.

Founder/CEO:

Key managers:.

• It should include, key executives, senior management, and other communication or product managers including their education, professional background, and any relevant experience in the industry.

Organizational structure:

Compensation plan:, advisors/consultants:.

• So, if you have any advisors or consultants, include them with their names and brief information consisting of roles and years of experience.

This section should describe the key personnel for your network marketing business, highlighting how you have the perfect team to succeed.

8. Financial Plan

Your financial plan section should provide a summary of your business’s financial projections for the first few years. Here are some key elements to include in your financial plan:

Profit & loss statement:

Cash flow statement:, balance sheet:, break-even point:.

• This exercise will help you understand how much revenue you need to generate to sustain or be profitable.

Financing needs:

Be realistic with your financial projections, and make sure you offer relevant information and evidence to support your estimates.

9. Appendix

The appendix section of your plan should include any additional information supporting your business plan’s main content, such as market research, legal documentation, financial statements, and other relevant information.

• Add a table of contents for the appendix section to help readers easily find specific information or sections.
• In addition to your financial statements, provide additional financial documents like tax returns, a list of assets within the business, credit history, and more. These statements must be the latest and offer financial projections for at least the first three or five years of business operations.
• Provide data derived from market research, including stats about the industry, user demographics, and industry trends.
• Include any legal documents such as permits, licenses, and contracts.
• Include any additional documentation related to your business plan, such as product brochures, marketing materials, operational procedures, etc.

Use clear headings and labels for each section of the appendix so that readers can easily find the necessary information.

Remember, the appendix section of your network marketing business plan should only include relevant and important information supporting your plan’s main content.

The Quickest Way to turn a Business Idea into a Business Plan

Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy.

This sample network marketing business plan will provide an idea for writing a successful network marketing plan, including all the essential components of your business.

After this, if you still need clarification about writing an investment-ready business plan to impress your audience, download our network marketing business plan pdf .

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Frequently asked questions, why do you need a network marketing business plan.

A business plan is an essential tool for anyone looking to start or run a successful network marketing business. It helps to get clarity in your business, secures funding, and identifies potential challenges while starting and growing your business.

Overall, a well-written plan can help you make informed decisions, which can contribute to the long-term success of your network marketing company.

How to get funding for your network marketing business?

There are several ways to get funding for your network marketing business, but self-funding is one of the most efficient and speedy funding options. Other options for funding are:

Small Business Administration (SBA) loan

Crowdfunding, angel investors.

Apart from all these options, there are small business grants available, check for the same in your location and you can apply for it.

Where to find business plan writers for your network marketing business?

There are many business plan writers available, but no one knows your business and ideas better than you, so we recommend you write your network marketing business plan and outline your vision as you have in your mind.

What is the easiest way to write your network marketing business plan?

A lot of research is necessary for writing a business plan, but you can write your plan most efficiently with the help of any network marketing business plan example and edit it as per your need. You can also quickly finish your plan in just a few hours or less with the help of our business plan software.

About the Author

Upmetrics Team

Upmetrics is the #1 business planning software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create investment-ready business plans using AI. We regularly share business planning insights on our blog. Check out the Upmetrics blog for such interesting reads. Read more

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Free PDF Business Plan Templates and Samples

By Joe Weller | September 9, 2020

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We’ve gathered the most useful collection of business plan PDF templates and samples, including options for organizations of any size and type.

On this page, you’ll find free PDF templates for a simple business plan , small business plan , startup business plan , and more.

Simple Business Plan PDF Templates

These simple business plan PDF templates are ready to use and customizable to fit the needs of any organization.

Simple Business Plan Template PDF

This template contains a traditional business plan layout to help you map out each aspect, from a company overview to sales projections and a marketing strategy. This template includes a table of contents, as well as space for financing details that startups looking for funding may need to provide. 

Download Simple Business Plan Template - PDF

Lean Business Plan Template PDF

This scannable business plan template allows you to easily identify the most important elements of your plan. Use this template to outline key details pertaining to your business and industry, product or service offerings, target customer segments (and channels to reach them), and to identify sources of revenue. There is also space to include key performance metrics and a timeline of activities. 

Download Lean Business Plan Template - PDF

Simple 30-60-90 Day Business Plan Template PDF

This template is designed to help you develop and implement a 90-day business plan by breaking it down into manageable chunks of time. Use the space provided to detail your main goals and deliverables for each timeframe, and then add the steps necessary to achieve your objectives. Assign task ownership and enter deadlines to ensure your plan stays on track every step of the way.

Download Simple 30-60-90 Day Business Plan Template

PDF | Smartsheet

One-Page Business Plan PDF Templates

The following single page business plan templates are designed to help you download your key ideas on paper, and can be used to create a pitch document to gain buy-in from partners, investors, and stakeholders.

One-Page Business Plan Template PDF

Use this one-page template to summarize each aspect of your business concept in a clear and concise manner. Define the who, what, why, and how of your idea, and use the space at the bottom to create a SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) for your business. 

Download One-Page Business Plan Template

If you’re looking for a specific type of analysis, check out our collection of SWOT templates .

One-Page Lean Business Plan PDF

This one-page business plan template employs the Lean management concept, and encourages you to focus on the key assumptions of your business idea. A Lean plan is not stagnant, so update it as goals and objectives change — the visual timeline at the bottom is ideal for detailing milestones. 

Download One-Page Lean Business Plan Template - PDF

One-Page 30-60-90 Day Business Plan Template

Use this business plan template to identify main goals and outline the necessary activities to achieve those goals in 30, 60, and 90-day increments. Easily customize this template to fit your needs while you track the status of each task and goal to keep your business plan on target. 

Download One-Page 30-60-90 Day Business Plan Template

For additional single page plans, including an example of a one-page business plan , visit " One-Page Business Plan Templates with a Quick How-To Guide ."

Small Business Plan PDF Templates

These business plan templates are useful for small businesses that want to map out a way to meet organizational objectives, including how to structure, operate, and expand their business.

Simple Small Business Plan Template PDF

A small business can use this template to outline each critical component of a business plan. There is space to provide details about product or service offerings, target audience, customer reach strategy, competitive advantage, and more. Plus, there is space at the bottom of the document to include a SWOT analysis. Once complete, you can use the template as a basis to build out a more elaborate plan. 

Download Simple Small Business Plan Template

Fill-In-the-Blank Small Business Plan Template PDF

This fill-in-the-blank template walks you through each section of a business plan. Build upon the fill-in-the-blank content provided in each section to add information about your company, business idea, market analysis, implementation plan, timeline of milestones, and much more.

Download Fill-In-the-Blank Small Business Plan Template - PDF

One-Page Small Business Plan Template PDF

Use this one-page template to create a scannable business plan that highlights the most essential parts of your organization’s strategy. Provide your business overview and management team details at the top, and then outline the target market, market size, competitive offerings, key objectives and success metrics, financial plan, and more.

Download One-Page Business Plan for Small Business - PDF

Startup Business Plan PDF Templates

Startups can use these business plan templates to check the feasibility of their idea, and articulate their vision to potential investors.

Startup Business Plan Template

Use this business plan template to organize and prepare each essential component of your startup plan. Outline key details relevant to your concept and organization, including your mission and vision statement, product or services offered, pricing structure, marketing strategy, financial plan, and more.

‌Download Startup Business Plan Template

Sample 30-60-90 Day Business Plan for Startup

Startups can use this sample 30-60-90 day plan to establish main goals and deliverables spanning a 90-day period. Customize the sample goals, deliverables, and activities provided on this template according to the needs of your business. Then, assign task owners and set due dates to help ensure your 90-day plan stays on track.

‌Download Sample 30-60-90 Day Business Plan for Startup Template 

For additional resources to create your plan, visit “ Free Startup Business Plan Templates and Examples .”

Nonprofit Business Plan PDF Templates

Use these business plan PDF templates to outline your organization’s mission, your plan to make a positive impact in your community, and the steps you will take to achieve your nonprofit’s goals.

Nonprofit Business Plan Template PDF

Use this customizable PDF template to develop a plan that details your organization’s purpose, objectives, and strategy. This template features a table of contents, with room to include your nonprofit’s mission and vision, key team and board members, program offerings, a market and industry analysis, promotional plan, financial plan, and more. This template also contains a visual timeline to display historic and future milestones.

Download Nonprofit Business Plan Template - PDF

One-Page Business Plan for Nonprofit Organization PDF 

This one-page plan serves as a good starting point for established and startup nonprofit organizations to jot down their fundamental goals and objectives. This template contains all the essential aspects of a business plan in a concise and scannable format, including the organizational overview, purpose, promotional plan, key objectives and success metrics, fundraising goals, and more.

Download One-Page Business Plan for Nonprofit Organization Template - PDF

Fill-In-the-Blank Business Plan PDF Templates

Use these fill-in-the-blank templates as a foundation for creating a comprehensive roadmap that aligns your business strategy with your marketing, sales, and financial goals.

Simple Fill-In-the-Blank Business Plan PDF

The fill-in-the-blank template contains all the vital parts of a business plan, with sample content that you can customize to fit your needs. There is room to include an executive summary, business description, market analysis, marketing plan, operations plan, financial statements, and more. 

Download Simple Fill-In-the-Blank Business Plan Template - PDF

Lean Fill-In-the-Blank Business Plan PDF

This business plan is designed with a Lean approach that encourages you to clarify and communicate your business idea in a clear and concise manner. This single page fill-in-the-blank template includes space to provide details about your management team, the problem you're solving, the solution, target customers, cost structure, and revenue streams. Use the timeline at the bottom to produce a visual illustration of key milestones. 

Download Fill-In-the-Blank Lean Business Plan Template - PDF

For additional resources, take a look at " Free Fill-In-the-Blank Business Plan Templates ."

Sample Business Plan PDF Templates

These sample business plan PDF templates can help you to develop an organized, thorough, and professional business plan.

Business Plan Sample 

This business plan example demonstrates a plan for a fictional food truck company. The sample includes all of the elements in a traditional business plan, which makes it a useful starting point for developing a plan specific to your business needs.

Download Basic Business Plan Sample - PDF

Sample Business Plan Outline Template

Use this sample outline as a starting point for your business plan. Shorten or expand the outline depending on your organization’s needs, and use it to develop a table of contents for your finalized plan.

Download Sample Business Plan Outline Template - PDF

Sample Business Financial Plan Template

Use this sample template to develop the financial portion of your business plan. The template provides space to include a financial overview, key assumptions, financial indicators, and business ratios. Complete the break-even analysis and add your financial statements to help prove the viability of your organization’s business plan.

Download Business Financial Plan Template

PDF  | Smartsheet

For more free, downloadable templates for all aspects of your business, check out “ Free Business Templates for Organizations of All Sizes .”

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Create a networking plan in 7 easy steps

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What’s a networking plan?

The importance of networking in the workplace, creating a networking plan: 7 steps, tips to improve your networking skills, enjoy a more connected future.

Sure, you can climb the corporate ladder independently, especially if you have talent, charisma, and motivation to spare . But you’ll be increasingly successful (and have more fun) if you have a professional network of friends, colleagues, and coaches at your side.

Building this professional network takes more than positive energy and being vocal about your job search . To re-establish business relationships and ensure people think of you when opportunities arise, you need a networking plan that defines your professional goals and compiles social support.

A networking plan outlines your career goals and everything you need to do networking-wise to achieve them. These plans typically include the following information: 

Professional goals: This could be anything from a new job to a promotion or raise . 

Networking goals: Here you’d define networking-specific goals, like gaining five more LinkedIn followers each week or speaking to three strangers at your next event. 

An assessment of your network: Evaluate existing contacts to identify your network’s strengths and any gaps. Your network shouldn’t be exclusively based on current colleagues if you want to find a new employer, for example, meaning that’s a gap you need to fill. 

A network wish list: Identify individuals whose addition to your network will help you reach your career goals. This might be a role model, advocate, or career coach . 

Everything’s easier with support. When you cultivate relationships — professionally and personally — you increase the likelihood these people think of you when opportunities arise. You also build a support system for when things get tough, like if you’re laid off or fired . 

Some great benefits of networking include: 

• Finding new job opportunities: According to a survey by hiring expert Lou Adler, 85% of jobs are filled via networking . Even when not executing a job search, your network can notify you of unexpected opportunities that advance your career. And when you refer a candidate for an open position, you save your employer 40% of the time it takes to hire for the role .
• Boosting creativity: Exchanging ideas with your network, sharing insights, and discussing trends add to your existing knowledge base and shift your perspective. These conversations catalyze innovation and creative problem-solving , benefiting all who participate.
• Demonstrating your skills: By demonstrating your skills and expertise during networking activities, you become familiar with each other’s strengths. Network members know who to recommend when someone needs professional services, and you can do the same for them.

Creating a career roadmap: You might think you have all the qualifications necessary to succeed, but with a well-rounded network, you can review your competencies against others on the same path.

By discussing credentials, you could discover valuable learning opportunities for professional development to take your career path in a new and exciting direction.

• Establishing a support system: When you network, you’re not only building a list of contacts — you’re establishing a community. And that community can become an essential source of mutual support when you face professional challenges.

Increasing brand awareness: Whether you’re an experienced entrepreneur or just starting your first solo business , networking can help you build brand awareness so more people know about your offering.

Even if the contacts you’re approaching don’t convert to customers, they might keep you in mind when someone in their circle complains about an issue your product or service solves. 

• Building confidence: Networking forces you to face any nerves you have about attending social events, talking to new people, or asking for help. With practice, you gain the confidence to do things that might’ve made you nervous in the past, like giving a presentation at work or cold connecting on LinkedIn .

Your networking plan should be a well-informed, step-by-step roadmap that outlines relevant goals and what you need to do to achieve them within a set time frame. Here’s a seven-step guide to creating this roadmap. 

1. Cultivate the proper mindset 

Make sure you’re framing your networking efforts as a positive experience. Otherwise, the time and effort you’re about to spend might not feel worthwhile, and you could quit early or resent the process.

Instead, remember that this is an exciting opportunity to meet new people, cultivate deeper relationships , and discover growth opportunities. And if your more negative thoughts stem from imposter syndrome, meaning you feel you’re not good enough or don’t deserve help, try practicing affirmations for imposter syndrome such as “I am a strong and capable person” or “I am worthy of my achievements.”

2. Evaluate your current network

Considering existing professional connections, ask yourself the following: 

What are my professional goals?

How can the people in my network help me?

What value do I bring to my network? 

Are there any connections I should avoid (like with a difficult coworker , for example)?

What benefits does my network offer?

Is my network well-balanced and representative of my goals and industry?

Is there anyone else I can include who can contribute to my success?

The answer to these questions will help you identify gaps among your contacts and relationships requiring particular care and attention.

3. Create your wish list

Now that you’ve identified gaps, consider how to fill them. If no one comes to mind, think about where you might find these sorts of professionals, like LinkedIn communities or professional events you could attend. 

You should also include a section defining how you’d like to build upon already existing connections. Perhaps you’re acquaintances with an old coworker, for example, and would like to make this person an integral part of your network. 

4. Set networking goals

Based on your professional priorities, create a list of networking goals using the SMART framework (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely). Here’s an example of how you’d use this goal-setting method:

Step 1: Within the next [time period] I’ll [describe action] so that [career benefit]. I’ll know I’m making progress because of [outcome]. Example: By next month, I’ll contact five or more industry experts who can advise me on my professional development. I’ll have at least one informational interview to discuss my career’s next steps.

Step 2: To reach my goal, I’ll [list actionable items]. Example: I’ll meet industry experts to add to my network by attending my professional association’s next social event and one industry conference.

5. Prepare to connect

Once you’ve defined a list of people you’d like to connect with and how these relationships can help you reach your career goals, work on any verbal or nonverbal communication skills that may need improvement.

If you’re particularly nervous about starting conversations with strangers , for example, you could practice in settings where you feel the least intimidated, perhaps at a party or in a café.

Or maybe you’re uncomfortable when asking for help. You could start by requesting small favors from people you trust, like a friend or family member, and building this comfort before asking other professionals. 

6. Find a networking partner 

Everything’s easier with support — even networking itself. Ask friends and close coworkers if any of them are hoping to work on their networking skills and build a more robust professional community.

You can join forces to attend events, research wish list contacts, and discuss progress. Who knows — perhaps this partner will hear about an opportunity through their networking efforts that benefit you and vice versa. 

7. Go for it

It’s time to put yourself out there and reach out to wish list members. If you can’t meet in person, use a social media platform like LinkedIn, email, or phone calls to introduce yourself .

Explain who you are, what you do, and why you’re contacting. Keep your message brief and genuine, and remember to follow up once if you don’t receive a reply. 

Feeling nervous about networking is totally understandable. You’re putting yourself out there — talking to strangers, attending big events, asking for help — and that’s intimidating. But don’t let your fears hold you back .

Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your networking experiences:

Practice gratitude: Whether it’s a one-on-one meeting or a financial investment in your latest venture, always express your gratitude for people’s help and reciprocate when you can. 

Prepare for each interaction: Effective networking requires preparation. Before heading out to an event or meeting, brainstorm a list of topics or questions to jump-start a conversation . If you know some wish list contacts will be there, research where you have common ground to help you two connect.

Stay organized: Create a calendar to keep track of networking events and use it to document the people you’ve met and when to follow up with contacts.

Don’t give up: Not every attempt to forge a new relationship will be successful. That’s OK. People are busy, and some contacts might even feel threatened by you . Don’t take it personally, and keep working toward your networking goals. Be consistent and you’ll see results.

Yes, executing a networking plan is about professional development. But it’s also about building a sense of belonging . You’re connecting with like-minded industry professionals, learning from them, and enjoying any opportunities they send you.

And you can do the same for them as you advance in your career. In the end, you’ve created a community of people focused on cultivating a growth mindset and continuously learning . And nothing’s better for your holistic development than that.

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Elizabeth Perry, ACC

Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

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How to build a solid networking plan to save time when networking (in just 5 steps!)

Do you feel like your networking efforts are just meaningful conversations which go absolutely nowhere? Do you know how each networking event will help you achieve your personal and professional goals? Do you know how to use social media to win work and make valuable connections? The key to networking effectively is to have a networking strategy. Here is how to build one in just 5 steps (including our business networking plan template!).

A 5-step business networking plan

Step 1: decide on your goals.

You can’t use your time effectively unless you know what you want to get out of that time, so to build a solid business networking plan, you first need to identify your goals. Ask yourself:

• What business development related results do I want to achieve and by when?
• How will my network help me achieve these goals?
• How will I know when I am successful?

Answer these questions and write down a few key goals for your network and networking activities. Having these front of mind will make a big difference in how you prioritise and use your time. 

Our subscriber-only Progress to Partner membership site has a great Game Plan called “…I’m a good technician but don’t have a client portfolio” to help you get started on your networking and business development journey.

Step 2: Audit your network and networking activities

When building your networking plan, first identify and evaluate the effectiveness of your current network and networking activities. Look at each relationship with your client and evaluate whether it’s at the level that you desire; you can then identify what you need to do to maintain it or to improve it.   Ask yourself:

• What relationships do I need to strengthen or ditch?
• Which relationships do I need to maintain?
• What current networking activities do I need to change or stop?
• What current networking activities do I need to maintain?
• Where do I have gaps in my network?

Do you need help with your audit? Download our business networking plan template here.

Step 3: Find the right people for your network

Once you know your goals and where you are currently with your network and networking activities, now you can start putting your strategy together for finding the right people to fill the gaps. ( Does a networking strategy really matter? ) Ask yourself:

• What are the names/roles of the people I would like to meet?
• What am I going to do to meet these people?

Make a note of the daily, weekly, monthly and/or yearly actions that you need to do as well as the one-off actions and set yourself time goals to make sure that you are on track.

We have a great course in our subscriber-only site Progress to Partner   called How to Make the Time for Business Development. It takes about 2-hours to work through and create a daily business development habit that you can stick to.

Step 4: Strengthen the important relationships

By this stage of building your business networking plan, you would have identified your most valuable client relationships. You will want to keep these clients happy, so think about how you can strengthen these relationships. Ask yourself:

• Could I improve my communication with these clients? Do I always communicate in a timely, efficient, and consistent manner?
• Could I make myself more available to these clients?
• Could I exceed their expectations by offering them something of value?
• Could I go above and beyond and help them with any challenges or issues that they are currently facing?

Try to be honest when evaluating whether you can improve existing relationships. You can even ask your clients for their feedback or if there is anything else you can help them with, just be prepared to address any concerns that they may have.

We have a great course in our subscriber-only site Progress to Partner   called How to Make time for Business Development .   The course gives you the structure, clarity, and guidance to create a daily business development habit and a business development plan that is focussed and not just based on friendly coffees!

Step 5: Maintain the strong and important relationships

It’s not enough just to wow your clients initially and form strong relationships only to let your standards slip a few months down the line; you have to maintain these relationships to keep your business running strong. Always ask yourself the above questions every few months to make sure that you are giving your client everything that they need and want from you.

Time is money, so network effectively

Networking can lead to a lot of wasted hours, so invest some time into building a solid plan and use it to start networking effectively!

In just 5 steps, you can start seeing results from your networking efforts. Don’t forget to save yourself even more time by downloading our business networking plan template !

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Network Marketing Business Plan

Network marketing is one of the marketing methods that has made waves the past few years. Unfortunately, network marketing has also been on the wrong end of business scams and frauds. Nonetheless, network marketing continues to be a very effective tool to increase the visibility of business organizations not only to their customers but also to potential clients. You may also see importance of business plan .

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Network Marketing Plan Template

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A network marketing business plan will help you increase the effectiveness of your network marketing business as well as identify internal and external issues that prevent you from reaching the full potential of your networking business.

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What Is Network Marketing?

Network marketing, also called as multilevel marketing or pyramid selling, is a business model that follows the massive recruitment of individuals in which the the said individuals cannot earn or be compensated if they are not able to recruit other people. The pyramid starts with person A recruiting person B and C. You may also see how to make a business plan .

The pyramid is formed (or goes lower) when person B recruits person B1 and person C recruits person C1. The cycle then continues until there is no one else to recruit anymore, that is when the organization will go bankrupt.

For clarification purposes, legitimate network marketing businesses rely on products and not on people. Legitimate networking companies use a combination of products and human resources to sell their brand, but products still take a front seat over anything else. Human resources are more utilized to recruit, sell products, and create strategies on how to sell them. The more they sell and the more they recruit, the more commission they receive. You may also like company plan examples .

Network marketing is just not about recruiting the next person you see on the street, but passing on the benefits of the products you are selling to them. The more the recruits see the benefits of your products, the easier it is for them to sell the products as well as recruit other people to join your network organization. You may also check out  business plan outline with examples .

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Tips in Creating a Network Marketing Business Plan

Creating a network marketing business plan , similar to other marketing business plans, is not difficult. You just need to incorporate the correct and detailed information and avoid the pitfalls of adding unnecessary data that provide nothing to your simple business plan . Here are some tips in creating a network marketing business plan:

1. Provide specific company information

Your network marketing business plan should always begin with your company information. Among the information you will be incorporating must include the company name, company address, company website and other online portfolio ( social media pages), and the nature of your network business.

Some companies indicate all of these information in the cover page or heading of the business plan. These information are very basic, that is why they should be the ones seen first by the reader.

Don’t forget to include your company logo in the business plan as it adds a bit of visual aesthetics to the business plan.

2. Clarify organizational structure

Organizational structures in network marketing businesses can be quite confusing. You have the person on the highest peak of the pyramid (most of the time the CEO, business owner, managing director, etc.), then what comes after is a sea of individuals having no clear roles or position in the organization. You may also see how to create a business plan ?

To help solve this dilemma, don’t place all your employees in one pyramid, forming an endless row of people that have no specific position in the company.

Rather, set a limit on the number of people that can be recruited in a pyramid. The process should focus on having a specific number of recruits in one pyramid, then the next set or number of recruits should be placed in the next pyramid. To keep employees motivated and productive in the lower levels of a pyramid, a manager or supervisor should be assigned. This should apply in all of the organization’s pyramid. You may also like implementation plan examples .

3. Focus on payment terms

The payment terms will determine how the employees will get paid. In a networking business, most of the employees are working in a part-time basis. Depending on the size of the organization, networking companies usually only pay for the salaries of full-time admin and accounting personnel. Every person working in the pyramid will only get paid once he sells a product or recruits another person. You may also check out  annual plan examples .

Payment terms in a networking business is important as most employees only get compensated once a sale or recruitment has been made.

Make sure the payment terms are flexible and will not only focus more on the individuals on the higher levels of the pyramid but on the lower levels as well.

4. Also focus on marketing

Marketing is key for network marketing businesses to survive. Employees can only do so much in marketing, that is why a marketing strategy should also be developed to make sure the networking business reaches a number of market segments.

Demographics is very important in marketing especially for network marketing companies. Numerous market segments can be targeted in a network market business, and if you manage to find a strategy that does not only grab the attention of different of target markets but also convert them into potential customers, then you can maximize the revenue earning potential of your organization. You might be interested in evaluation plan examples .

5. Discuss investment opportunities

Similar to other businesses, network marketing companies need investment as well. Networking businesses need investment for two things: expansion and recruitment. No business, whether a small enterprise nor large corporation, will want to get stuck in a market position that has no chance in improving. Progress is always a requirement and one method to achieve that professional goal is to get an investment.

Expanding a network marketing business will require a new office (most possibly a new office building) and new staff. Investment is needed to fund these projects. Additionally, network marketing businesses need investment to fund for recruitment. These days, recruitment is no longer limited to giving out flyers to random strangers in the streets and inviting them to join your company or organization. You may also see transition plan examples .

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Biggest Investment/Networking Scams in US History

As previously mentioned, not all networking companies have a reputation of being ethical companies. Some of the biggest scams in US history have involved networking or investment companies. You may also see how to do market analysis of a business plan .

Here is a list:

The fall of one of the country’s biggest energy companies resulted in the passage of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The fraud also resulted in a loss of $78 billion in stock market value for the company.

2. Lehman Brothers

Charges have yet to be filed for investment bank Lehman Brothers, which shut down in 2008. But with the bank having $600 billion in assets suddenly filing for bankruptcy, it is highly plausible that top executives are involved in the fraud. You may also like management plan examples .

3. MF Global

The brokerage firm, led by former Goldman Sachs Chairman and politician Jon Corzine, had $41 billion in assets before failing in October 2011. But a year later, over $1 billion in customer assets were still missing and no charges have been filed. You may also check out business plan examples .

4. WorldCom

WorldCom once had $6 billion in assets before it filed for bankruptcy in 2002. A lawsuit was then filed that resulted to former CEO Bernard Edders now serving 25 years in a federal prison.

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5 Easy Steps To Create a Networking Plan (with template)

• September 21, 2023

If you struggle with networking and putting yourself out there, don’t worry. 

A networking plan can help with this.

And you’re not alone. 

Networking can be uncomfortable in spaces where people are different from you.

But I’d be lying to you if I said networking wasn’t important.

A 2016 survey says that 85% of all jobs are found through networking . 

Having a networking plan is the first step to mastering networking .

Let’s talk about networking plans and how you can create one. 

What is a Networking Plan?

A networking plan is a series of strategic steps you take to grow your professional network. 

The goal of a networking plan is to offer clear step-by-step actions to help you achieve your career goals.  

A networking plan typically includes — networking goals, an assessment of your current professional contacts, and a list of those you wish to add to your network. 

5 Steps To Create a Networking Plan

Now that you know what a networking plan is, let’s talk about how to create one.  

Follow these five steps to create your networking action plan.

Step 1. Understand who’s in your network

Think about the most important people in your current network.

This can be friends, family, co-workers, mentors, or sponsors.

Now think of the quality of each of these relationships.

If you reached out after not speaking to this person in a year, would it be awkward?

Or would you quickly pick up from where you left off?

Quality is more important than quantity when it comes to your network.

Step 2. Assess your Network

Now you should have a clear idea of who’s in your network.

The next step is to take a closer look at your connections.

You can learn a lot from evaluating your network.

You can find out who’s missing from your connections.

And where your community needs improvement.

For example, if you’re job searching outside your company.

Everyone in your contacts shouldn’t be a co-worker at your current job.

Here are some questions to ask yourself:

What are my career goals?

How can the people listed in my network help me achieve them?

What value can I bring to the people listed in my network?

What value can my network offer me?

Is my network well-rounded?

Is there anyone missing from my network that can stand in the way of my goals?

Step 3. Create your network wish list

You may realize you have work to do after reviewing your network. 

That’s okay. 

Make a list of people you’d like to get to know.

Don’t be afraid to think big.  

This can be people already in your network that you want to

get to know better.

Or someone you don’t know well but admire — like an influencer in your industry.

The key here is to think win-win. 

How can you add value to those on your wish list? 

And what value can they bring to you? 

Step 4. Set networking goals

Now it’s time to hold yourself accountable.

Creating networking goals will help you track your progress. 

Set detailed goals for each relationship you want to build.

What are some networking goals?

Networking goals can include becoming more confident with putting yourself out there. 

Growing your number of  connections, or building rapport with others. 

Networking goals are unique to you and your professional goals. 

Use this formula to create your networking goals

1) Within the next month, I will… (Describe what you will accomplish) 

So that… (Describe the benefit of this to your career goals)

Signs of my progress will include… (What evidence will prove you’re heading in the right direction)

2) The networking activities I will take to meet my goals include… (Describe what you’ll do to grow your network)  

There are many steps you can take to grow your network. 

Creating business cards , going to networking events, attending conferences are things you can do to get started. 

Your networking goals should help you reach your career development goals.  

Step 5. Take Action

Now let’s recap.

By now, you understand who’s in your network.

You’ve accessed your network. And know what’s working and what’s not.

You’ve created a wish list of people you want to get to know.

And you’ve set detailed networking goals. 

The final step is to take action. 

None of these steps will matter unless you’re willing to put yourself out there. 

Here’s what you can do to get started with networking 

1. Reach out to those on your networking wish list

2. Follow up if you don’t get a response 

3. Commit to attending one networking event per month

4. Be consistent and persistent 

You’ve got this!

Getting Started

A networking plan can help you level up your community and contacts. 

Hopefully, this gives you confidence and steps to network like a pro.

If you’re serious about upgrading your professional network, consider enrolling in our Master Networking course. 

It coaches you step-by-step through the process of networking with confidence. 

You’ll learn simple yet powerful strategies and mindset exercises. 

You’ll put yourself, your brand or business, out there like never before. Learn more here ! 

Now it’s your turn

Which step are you applying today to level up your network?

Head over to our comments section on social @netwerkmovement and let us know!

And share this with someone who needs it. 

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by Anna Runyan

Happy Friday!!  Today I am going to share with you some of the networking challenge resources .  The key to knocking down your barriers to networking  is to have a networking plan.  So use these resources to create your very own step-by-step networking plan.    But first, here are a few important questions to think about that will help you figure out who you should contact.

5 simple steps to create the perfect networking plan, to create your networking plan, take a few moments to answer these questions:, 1. my specific career focus or what i want to investigate is, 2. in the next three years, my short term career goal is, 3. in the next 5-10 years, my long term career goal is, 4. what is working in my network, 5. what is not working in my network where am i under-invested and where am i over-invested, 6. given my career goals, what kinds of people should be in my network, [ related :  top 10 networking and informational interview questions ], tune in to learn exactly how to create a networking plan. in this video, i will also share with you how i got out of my comfort zone as an introvert and started networking like crazy.

Sample 5 step networking plan that you can use to start networking today:

1.  list people to connect with, sally who works in hr, fred who goes to my church, 2.  organizations to join, society of human resource managers, professional women’s society, 3.  ways to improve my networking skills, ask friends for referrals, introduce myself to others, 4.  what are my specific plans and commitments, plan one lunch per week, spend two hours per week making phone calls and staying in touch with friends by email. attend one organization meeting per month., 5.  to keep myself accountable i will:, review and revise my strategy once per month, get together with a friend and review my goals once per month., now it’s time for you to take action.  what is your networking plan for this month, rather than relying on online job searches, if you have someone who can get you into a company, that is gold. it’s not what you know, it’s who you know., connect with others on a personal level. build a friendship. then, you can reach out and ask for a personal favor. “i am going to apply for a job at ___ company. could you please introduce me”, what if you don’t know anyone, get on linkedin. add leaders within the companies you want to work at. stalk them and comment on what they are posting. then, send a message that says, “i really like what you said about…. i want to join your company. can we do coffee on zoom for 15 minutes”, most people say yes..

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If you’re going to open up your very own business or if you’re already running one, then you should know just how important it is that you’re able to forma and maintain relationships with other small businesses . This means that you will need to plan out what you’ll have to do in order to do just that.

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Internet Company Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Internet Company Business Plan

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 500 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans to start and grow their internet companies.

If you’re unfamiliar with creating an internet business plan, you may think creating one will be a time-consuming and frustrating process. For most entrepreneurs it is, but for you, it won’t be since we’re here to help. We have the experience, resources, and knowledge to help you create a great business plan.

In this article, you will learn some background information on why business planning is important. Then, you will learn how to write an internet business plan step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here >

What is an Internet Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your internet business as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategies for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans.

Why You Need a Business Plan for an Internet Provider

If you’re looking to start an internet business or grow your existing internet company, you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your internet business to improve your chances of success. Your internet business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes.

Sources of Funding for Internet Businesses

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for an internet business are personal savings, credit cards, bank loans, and angel investors. When it comes to bank loans, banks will want to review your business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to ensure that your financials are reasonable, but they will also want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business. Personal savings and bank loans are the most common funding paths for internet companies.

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

How to write a business plan for an internet business.

If you want to start an internet business or expand your current one, you need a business plan. The guide below details the necessary information for how to write each essential component of your internet business plan.

Executive Summary

Your executive summary provides an introduction to your business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each key section of your plan.

The goal of your executive summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the kind of internet business you are running and the status. For example, are you a startup, do you have an internet business that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of internet businesses?

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan.

• Give a brief overview of the internet industry.
• Discuss the type of internet business you are operating.
• Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target customers.
• Provide a snapshot of your marketing strategy. Identify the key members of your team.
• Offer an overview of your financial plan.

Company Overview

In your company overview, you will detail the type of internet business you are operating.

For example, you might specialize in one of the following types of internet businesses:

• WISP (wireless internet service provider): This type of internet business is often used to provide internet service to meet basic household needs in rural communities.
• Wholesale internet provider: This type of internet business involves buying white label internet lines from large internet service providers (ISPs) such as AT&T or Frontier to then rebrand and resell to end-users.
• Fiber broadband internet provider: This type of internet business specializes in providing service through fiber optic cables. Many customers prefer fiber over other types of internet because it is faster and supports heavy use.
• Digital Subscriber Line (DSL): This type of internet provider connects users to the internet through a phone line. A significant portion of the U.S. population has access to this type of service.
• Satellite internet provider: This type of internet business provides internet service via satellite and, although it is slower and less reliable than other types, it is often the only option for customers in very rural areas.

In addition to explaining the type of internet business you will operate, the company overview needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to questions such as:

• When and why did you start the business?
• What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include the number of customers served, the number of geographical locations served, and reaching $X amount in revenue, etc.
• Your legal business Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

Industry Analysis

In your industry or market analysis, you need to provide an overview of the internet industry.

While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the internet industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating.

Secondly, market research can improve your marketing strategy, particularly if your analysis identifies market trends.

The third reason is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in the industry analysis section of your internet business plan:

• How big is the internet industry (in dollars)?
• Is the market declining or increasing?
• Who are the key competitors in the market?
• Who are the key suppliers in the market?
• What trends are affecting the industry?
• What is the industry’s growth forecast over the next 5 – 10 years?
• What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential target market for your internet business? You can extrapolate such a figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your local population.

Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section of your internet business plan must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments: individuals, schools, families, and corporations.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of internet business you operate. Clearly, individuals would respond to different marketing promotions than corporations, for example.

Try to break out your target customers in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regards to demographics, including a discussion of the ages, genders, locations, and income levels of the potential customers you seek to serve.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target customers. The more you can recognize and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers.

With Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template you can finish your plan in just 8 hours or less!

Competitive Analysis

Your competitive analysis should identify the indirect and direct competitors your business faces and then focus on the latter.

Direct competitors are other internet businesses.

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from that aren’t directly competing with your product or service. This includes other types of internet service providers and large corporations that provide internet service such as AT&T or T-Mobile. You need to mention such competition as well.

For each such competitor, provide an overview of their business and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as

• What types of customers do they serve?
• What type of internet business are they?
• What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
• What are they good at?
• What are their weaknesses?

With regards to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective. And don’t be afraid to ask your competitors’ customers what they like most and least about them.

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

• Will you make it easier for customer to acquire your product or service?
• Will you offer products or services that your competition doesn’t?
• Will you provide better customer service?
• Will you offer better pricing?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.  

Marketing Plan

Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a internet business plan, your marketing strategy should include the following:

Product : In the product section, you should reiterate the type of internet company that you documented in your company overview. Then, detail the specific products or services you will be offering. For example, will you provide cable, satellite, or fiber internet?

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections of your plan, you are presenting the products and/or services you offer and their prices.

Place : Place refers to the site of your internet company. Document where your company is situated and mention how the site will impact your success. For example, is your internet business located in a busy retail district, a business district, a standalone office, or purely online? Discuss how your site might be the ideal location for your customers.

Promotions : The final part of your internet marketing plan is where you will document how you will drive potential customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

• Advertise in local papers, radio stations and/or magazines
• Reach out to websites
• Distribute flyers
• Engage in email marketing
• Advertise on social media platforms
• Improve the SEO (search engine optimization) on your website for targeted keywords

Operations Plan

While the earlier sections of your business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your internet business, including answering calls, planning marketing and sales campaigns, billing customers and collecting payments, etc.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to acquire your Xth customer, or when you hope to reach $X in revenue. It could also be when you expect to expand your internet business to a new city.

Management Team

To demonstrate your internet business’ potential to succeed, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a company.

Ideally, you and/or your team members have direct experience in managing internet businesses. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act as mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in managing an internet business or successfully running a small WISP.  

Financial Plan

Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statements.

Income Statement

An income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenue and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.

In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, will you use a three-tiered subscription model, and will you offer a free month to new subscribers? And will sales grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.

Balance Sheets

Balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. While balance sheets can include much information, try to simplify them to the key items you need to know about. For instance, if you spend $50,000 on building out your internet business, this will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a lender writes you a check for $50,000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.

Cash Flow Statement

Your cash flow statement will help determine how much money you need to start or grow your business, and ensure you never run out of money. What most entrepreneurs and business owners don’t realize is that you can turn a profit but run out of money and go bankrupt.

When creating your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing a internet business:

• Cost of equipment and office supplies
• Payroll or salaries paid to staff
• Business insurance
• Other start-up expenses (if you’re a new business) like legal expenses, permits, computer software, and equipment

Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include your office location lease or testimonials from happy customers.   Summary Writing a business plan for your internet business is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the business plan outline above, by the time you are done, you will truly be an expert. You will understand the internet industry, your competition, and your customers. You will develop a marketing strategy and will understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful internet business.  

Internet Business Plan FAQs

What is the easiest way to complete my internet business plan.

Growthink's Ultimate Business Plan Template allows you to quickly and easily write your internet business plan.

How Do You Start an Internet Business?

Starting an internet business is easy with these 14 steps:

• Choose the Name for Your Internet Business
• Create Your Internet Business Plan
• Choose the Legal Structure for Your Internet Business
• Secure Startup Funding for Your Internet Business (If Needed)
• Secure a Location for Your Business
• Register Your Internet Business with the IRS
• Open a Business Bank Account
• Get a Business Credit Card
• Get the Required Business Licenses and Permits
• Get Business Insurance for Your Internet Business
• Buy or Lease the Right Internet Business Equipment
• Develop Your Internet Business Marketing Materials
• Purchase and Setup the Software Needed to Run Your Internet Business
• Open for Business

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Information Technology Business Plan

Start your own information technology business plan

Information Management Hawaii

Executive summary executive summary is a brief introduction to your business plan. it describes your business, the problem that it solves, your target market, and financial highlights.">.

By focusing on its strengths, its key customers, and the underlying values they need, Information Management Hawai’i, Inc. (IMH) will increase sales steadily in its first three years, while also maintaining the gross margin on sales, with a focus on cash management and working capital.

This business plan leads the way. It renews our vision and strategic focus: adding value to our target market segments, and reinforcing our ties with businesses in our local markets. It also provides the step-by-step plan for improving our sales, gross margin, and profitability.

This plan includes this summary, chapters on the company, products and services, market focus, action plans and forecasts, management team, and the financial plan.

1.1 Objectives

1. Achieve healthy earnings (EBIT) in the first year of operation.

2. Maintain a midrange gross margin throughout the entire operation.

3. Maintain just-in-time (JIT) inventory levels, or 11 turns per year.

4. Increase sales modestly but steadily in the second and third years.

1.2 Mission

To provide the Hawai’i business community with quality brand-name Information Technology business information solutions, reliable and professional Technical Support, and unparalleled Customer Service through the application of the principles of Kina`ole and heartfelt aloha, and to earn a fair profit for our employee-owners and stakeholders by embracing sound, ethical business practices.

1.3 Keys to Success

The keys to our success are:

• Customer Satisfaction Goals vs. Results

Company Summary company overview ) is an overview of the most important points about your company—your history, management team, location, mission statement and legal structure.">

Information Management Hawai’i, Inc., will sell and service digital office information systems for Hawai’i’s businesses, with a focus on the Neighbor Island business community. IMH will be formed as the result of the acquisition of three existing businesses: Maui Office Machines, Inc.; Electronics Hawai’i, Inc.; and, Kauai Office Equipment, Inc.

2.1 Company Ownership

IMH will be privately-held [C corporation] owned in majority by the IMH Employee Stock Ownership Trust. There are currently 15 employees, and all will own equal shares in the ESOT. New employees will be given the opportunity to become vested in the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) after a suitable probationary period.

2.2 Start-up Summary

Our start-up costs will be $1M, which includes $450,000 for the acquisition of the Maui and Hilo operations of Servco Integrated Office Technology.

The remainder of the funds will be used for:

• Legal, Insurance, Rent & Misc: $125,000

The start-up funding will be financed by loans arranged through the Small Business Development Center, and by the Hawai’i Community Loan Fund, and the Small Business Administration as a guarantor. Start-up assumptions are shown in the following table and chart.

2.3 Company Locations and Facilities

We have two locations, one in Kahului, Maui and the other in Hilo, Hawai’i. The two offices are presently being leased by Servco Pacific, Inc., and we will rent from them on a month-to-month basis until we are able to relocate to more suitable facilities. On Kauai, we have a sub-contractor agreement with Kauai Office Equipment to handle installations and service.

Products and Services

IMH will acquire an existing operation whose primary business has been the sale and service of business appliances (copiers, facsimiles, printers, etc.) and has operated as a part of the office equipment industry. We will build from this base to transform the business into a value-added provider of the emerging services and technologies of the new Information Industry. Following the lead of Canon, USA and other manufacturers which we represent, we will approach the marketplace from a total systems solutions viewpoint.

This new paradigm will begin with an analysis of the client’s existing and planned business processes, and will provide total workflow solutions utilizing multifunctional imaging platforms and information distribution systems. These systems will be backed by professional and reliable technical service and proactive customer service. By forming strategic alliances with local Information Industry Value-Added Resellers, we will be able to offer turnkey Local Area Network (LAN) systems and the ability to retrofit existing LAN and peer-to-peer systems.

3.1 Sales Literature

Copies of our product and sales literature are attached as appendices. Of course, one of our first tasks will be to change the message of our literature to make sure we are selling the company, rather than the product.

3.2 Product and Service Description

IMH will market and sell brand name business information distribution systems and hardware, technical service and support for these products, and the consumable supplies used by these systems. We will be a single-source provider for business information and imaging products and services.

After researching our various manufacturer’s offerings and evaluating our core competencies, we will focus our marketing and sales efforts around the digital products offered by Canon USA and eCopy, Inc. We will supplement this product line with Lexmark and Hewlett Packard printer products. As we continue to transition the company into the digital marketplace, we will form alliances with additional IT manufacturers and suppliers who can round out our product and services line.

Hardware product offerings will include:

• Hewlett Packard Printer products (laser)

Software offerings will include:

• Canon Image Platform (document distribution)

Service Products include:

• Sale of consumable products for all brand names (Canon, Ricoh, Xerox, HP, Lexmark)

Professional Services include:

• Network design and installation (sub-contracted)

3.3 Competitive Comparison

The only way we can hope to differentiate well is to define the vision of the company to be an information technology ally to our clients. We will not be able to compete in any effective way with the large mainland-based office equipment companies by selling boxes or products as appliances. We need to offer a real alliance to our local customers.

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Unfortunately, we cannot sell the products at a higher price just because we offer services; the market has shown that it will not support that concept. We have to also sell the service and consumable supplies and charge for them separately. This monthly recurring revenue is the foundation of our financial stability.

3.4 Technology

New technology has changed almost everything about the traditional office equipment (copier) industry, and for all practical purposes it no longer exists. The new Information Industry has emerged because of the technology of convergence. The primary driver of convergence of different forms of information is technological change, specifically the rapid diffusion of digital technology into an ever-wider array of information businesses. Beyond digitization, dramatic changes in computing and telecommunications industries (mainly in faster microprocessors and increasing bandwidth) are also driving convergence.

IMH will make convergence the theme of its vision, planning, and marketing strategies. We will move into the new Information Industry’s technology with the aim of bringing the most efficient workflow solutions to our clients while providing value-added customer support and service, and earning a reasonable profit in the process.

3.5 Service and Support

Our strategy hinges on providing unparalleled service and support, which is critical to setting us apart from the competition. We need to differentiate on service and support in order to become true partners with our clients. Our service offers will include:

• Upgrade analysis : we will periodically assess our client’s business processes and requirements, and offer cost-effective upgrade solutions to meet changing needs.

3.6 Future Products and Services

Beginning at start up, we will explore and research new information technologies for inclusion in our product offerings. The products which we choose will be in line with our vision to transition the company from being an appliance seller, to being a provider of total information management solutions. These convergent information products will include:

• Media transport and reproduction (distribute and print)

3.7 Fulfillment

We have an established relationship with our manufacturers and suppliers, and will be able to take advantage of all discounts and promotions in order to keep our margins at roughly 49% throughout the operation. We will also implement and employ “just-in-time” inventory strategies for hardware, supplies, and service parts orders to further strengthen our margins.

As we continue to grow the business, we will evaluate other IT industry manufacturers and product lines to strengthen our offerings with a view primarily to quality and margin advantages.

Market Analysis Summary how to do a market analysis for your business plan.">

IMH will focus on local markets, including small offices and home offices (1-9 employees), medium to large businesses (10-99 employees), corporate Hawai’i (multiple locations or 100+ employees), and local government offices.

4.1 Market Segmentation

Our market segmentation scheme is fairly straightforward, and focuses on all Neighbor Island businesses. The information contained in our customer analysis table is taken directly from the 2000 US Census and government directories, and clearly shows that our largest market potential is the small office and home office (SOHO) segment. This segment is largely overlooked by most of our competitors because of its “low end” buying habits, and a reluctance to compete with the major retail chain box movers. We will target the SOHO market segment with value-added and affordable business solutions customized to its unique needs, and offer the same quality of service and support as are afforded the larger businesses.

The next largest market segment is medium to large businesses, and is the arena where we now focus most of our sales efforts. We will continue to target this segment, but with a different approach than our predecessors. The strategy used by former management has been to bring in selected products, and then attempt to find a buyer. This resulted in inventory overstock, and obsolescence. We will work with the medium to large businesses to determine their needs, and design customized solutions before ordering the required systems (JIT inventory strategy). This segment will remain an extremely important part of our marketing mix, and contains a large portion of our current clients. A majority of our systems upgrade opportunities and repeat business will come from this market segment initially.

Although the Corporate Hawai’i market segment is the smallest in numbers, it has the potential to provide a significant share of our revenues and growth (the 80/20 rule). We have a scattering of current clients in the Corporate Hawai’i segment, but we need to do a better job of penetrating this lucrative end of the market. We will accomplish this by offering professional services to include workflow and network design, MIS support, and other value-added support benefits such as “uptime guarantees.” We will develop long-term relationships within this segment, and earn their business.

The local government market segment is unique in that we act primarily as a “middle man” for our manufacturers due to GSA price schedules and other national government-only programs. This segment is fiercely competitive, very price-focused, and buying decisions are often influenced by “who you know,” as well as price. We are fortunate in that we have long-established relationships within the County and State government agencies, and have many loyal clients in this segment. We will increase our share of this market segment by offering the same value-added service and support benefits that we bring to our commercial clients.

4.2 Target Market Segment Strategy

Developing a market strategy is a departure from the way the company has been managed in the past. We will change the paradigm of being a product- and price-focused sales organization, to that of becoming a customer- and market-focused organization, with all departments sharing responsibility for customer satisfaction. We will accomplish this paradigm shift through the implementation of a balanced scorecard philosophy of management, with special attention to employee learning and growth.

As mentioned previously our market segmentation strategy is straightforward, and addresses all components of the Neighbor Island business community. Planning and implementing specific strategies for each of the four identified segments will be an on-going process, and we will consult with marketing specialists, and our manufacturers, to further refine these efforts as we develop our marketing plan.

4.2.1 Market Trends

That is the primary reason that IMH has chosen Canon USA as its preferred manufacturer. Canon has led the way in the industry with it’s digital technology innovations, and its ability to bring both the product and the concept to the marketplace. We will follow Canon’s lead and bring this efficient, productivity-enhancing technology to Neighbor Island businesses.

4.2.2 Market Growth

As computer prices continue to fall, unit sales increase. The published market research on sales of personal computers is astounding, as the United States market alone is absorbing more than 30 million units per year, and sales are growing at more than 20 percent per year. We could quote Dataquest, Infocorp, IDC, or others; it doesn’t matter, they all agree on high growth of CPU sales.

This rapid growth rate holds true for productivity systems which connect to the computers being sold. The stand-alone analog systems and appliances which abound in the business marketplace today, will be replaced by connected digital convergence systems in the coming months and years. IMH will position itself to be a value-added provider of this rapidly emerging technology for new businesses, while continuing to maintain and upgrade our current analog customer base.

4.2.3 Market Needs

All businesses have in common a need to be continuously productive, and they rely on their service providers and vendors to sustain their productivity. Effectively filling this need requires that the vendor bring to the table sound planning, quality products, reliable service, and a true partnership and support relationship.

Specific business needs include the ability to gather, compile, analyze, and distribute information in various media formats. This is where IMH’s strengths will be most beneficial to our clients, both big and small. Anyone can sell the “box” at an attractive price, but only a true value-added provider can offer the peace-of-mind that comes from a customer-focused approach to the relationship.

Primarily due to geographic isolation and smaller populations, the Neighbor Island business community has an additional common need of being able to rely on other locally-based vendors and suppliers for quick, reliable, customer service and support. Having to call someone on Oahu, or the mainland, to place a service call, or to order supplies, or get an answer to a simple billing question, is both an irritant and a hindrance to most Neighbor Island-based businesses. Our primary goal is to fill this need by bringing true pro-active, and total, customer service to the Neighbor Island business community, and to gain their confidence and loyalty. This will become one of our underlying strengths.

4.3 Service Business Analysis

IMH is a part of the Information Industry, and specializes in providing information management systems and technology for business processes. We envision that a converged information industry operating within the context of an advanced information infrastructure will be a huge boost for U.S. businesses. Several Washington think tanks estimate that it could spur more than $300 billion annually in new sales and increase worker productivity by 20 to 40 percent.

At the present time, an estimated two-thirds of all American jobs are information related, and that number will increase as the shift from manufacturing to service industries continues. The convergence of information industries will continue because the technological and business imperatives are compelling. If one company does not see the possibilities, another will.

4.3.1 Competition and Buying Patterns

Business decision makers and finance managers understand the concept and value of service and support, and are much more likely to pay for it when the offering is clearly stated.

There is no doubt that we compete more against the box pushers than against other service providers. We need to effectively compete against the idea that businesses should  buy information platforms as plug-in appliances that don’t need ongoing service, support, and training.

Our research and experience has indicated that our target market segments think about price, but would buy based on quality service if the offering were properly presented. They think about price because that is what is traditionally presented to them first. We have very good indications that many would rather pay 10-20% more for a relationship with a long-term vendor providing back-up and quality service and support. They end up in the box-pusher channels because they are not aware of the alternatives.

Availability is also very important. The business decision makers tend to want immediate, local solutions to problems.

4.3.2 Distributing a Service

Medium to large business segment buyers are accustomed to buying from vendors who visit their offices. They expect the copy machine vendors, office products vendors, and office furniture vendors, as well as the local graphic artists, freelance writers, or whomever, to visit their office to make their sales.

Unfortunately our SOHO target segment buyers may not expect to buy from us. Many of them turn immediately to the retail superstores (office equipment, office supplies, and electronics), the Web, and mail order to look for the best price, without realizing that there is a better option for them for only a little bit more. We will overcome this hurdle through innovative service offerings, and targeted marketing.

4.3.3 Main Competitors

In our higher-end targeted segments (medium to large businesses, corporate Hawai’i, and government offices), the primary competitors are Xerox and Lanier. The secondary “low end” competitors on the Neighbor Islands are Maui Office Machines and Business Equipment on Maui, and Electronics Hawai’i and Stationers on the Big Island. Our overall competitive strategy in these segments will be Canon’s superior technology, and superior value-added service and support.

In our SOHO target segment, the primary competitors are the superstores: Office Max, Office Depot, Sears, and to some extent Costco, Hopaco, and the Web. While these outlets can offer lower prices, they offer no (or very little) aftermarket service or support. That is our competitive advantage in this segment, and will differentiate us from these “box movers.”

4.3.4 Business Participants

The traditional office equipment (copier) industry has been dominated by only a few major manufacturers: Xerox, Canon, Oce, and Ricoh (and its OEM products – Lanier, Savin, and Gestetner); and then come the low-end players: Sharp, Toshiba, and Minolta. With the exception of Xerox, which maintains its own sales force, the other manufacturers distribute and sell mainly through authorized dealers.

The rapidly emerging Information Industry’s digital convergence products will most likely be dominated by the same participants as described above. While Xerox has been a past leader in the manufacture and sales of analog products, Canon has emerged as both an innovator, and the leader, in the new Information Industry with their ImageRunner digital products and Image Platform information distribution systems. Canon is also (and has been for many years) the front runner in color repro-graphic systems, and holds the most patents of any manufacturer in the industry.

Strategy and Implementation Summary

We must differentiate ourselves from the box pushers. We need to establish our business offering as a clear and viable alternative for our target markets, to the price oriented sales pitch to which they are accustomed.

• 30-day sales window – war with competition mainly on price.

The industry’s cheese has been moved. In order to shift to a more contemporary paradigm, our marketing and sales efforts will need:

• A new marketing concept – customer oriented, profit oriented, integrated efforts.

5.1 Competitive Edge

Our competitive edge is our positioning as a strategic ally with our clients, who are clients more than customers. By building a business based on long-standing relationships with satisfied clients, we simultaneously build defenses against competition. The longer the relationship stands, the more we help our clients understand what we offer them and why they should both stay with IMH, and refer us to other businesses. In close-knit communities like the Neighbor Islands, reputation is extremely important, and word-of-mouth advertising is invaluable.

5.2 Strategy Pyramid

Our main strategy will be placing emphasis on service and support, and our main tactics are networking expertise, systems training, and implementing a customer relationship management system (CRM) from e-automate. Our specific programs for networking include mailers and internal training. Specific programs for end user training include direct mail promotion, and on-site customer programs. Implementing the CRM software and training will be coordinated with the e-automate Corporation.

Our second strategy is emphasizing relationships. The tactics are marketing the company (instead of the products), more regular contacts with the customer, and increasing sales per customer. Programs for marketing the company include new sales literature, and direct mail. Programs for more regular contacts include call-backs after installation, direct mail, and sales management. Programs for increasing sales per customer include upgrade mailings and sales training.

5.3 Value Proposition

IMH offers its clients peace-of-mind by being a vendor who acts as a strategic ally, and delivers quality products backed by premium service and support, at a premium price.

5.4 Sales Strategy

We will sell the company and its ability to act as an ally. We will sell IMH, and the reputation of the industry-leading manufacturers it represents.

We will sell our service and support. The hardware is like the razor, and the support, service, software, and training, are the razor blades. We need to serve our customers with total solutions, and not just product features. The products are a means to arriving at end solutions.

The Yearly Total Sales chart summarizes our conservative sales forecast. We expect sales to increase from $3.1 million in the first year to more than $4 million in the third year of this plan.

5.4.1 Sales Forecast

The important elements of the sales forecast are shown in the following Chart, and Table 5.4.1. Non-hardware sales increase to almost $2 million total in the third year, or 47% of total sales.

5.5 Milestones

The following table lists important program milestones, with dates and managers in charge, and budgets for each. The milestone schedule indicates our emphasis on planning for implementation. The most important programs are the sales and marketing programs listed in detail in the previous topics.

5.6 Marketing Strategy

The marketing strategy is the core of our main strategy:

• Develop specific programs for each target market segment:
• Government Offices – workflow/process surveys, uptime guarantees, GSA rates and incentives

5.6.1 Sales Programs

Specific sales programs will be included in our new Marketing Plan, and will be included in this Business Plan as they are finalized. In general however, our sales programs will be centered around conducting workflow and information distribution analyses, direct mail, and placing an emphasis on the benefits which IMH and its manufacturers will be able to offer its clients through “total care” service and support.

5.6.2 Positioning Statement

For businesses who want to be sure their information distribution systems are always working reliably, IMH is a vendor and trusted strategic ally who makes certain their systems work, their people are trained, and their down time is minimal. Unlike the product/price oriented vendors, it knows the customer and goes to their site when needed, and offers proactive support, service, training, and installation.

5.6.3 Pricing Strategy

We must charge appropriately for the high-end, high-quality service and support we offer. Our revenue structure has to match our cost structure, so the salaries we pay to assure good service and support must be balanced by the revenue we charge.

We cannot build the service and support revenue into the price of products. The market can’t bear the higher prices and the buyer feels ill-used when they see a similar product priced lower with the competition. Despite the logic behind this, the market doesn’t support this concept.

5.6.4 Promotion Strategy

We will employ the following general promotional strategies for the various market segments:

• SOHO: We will depend on periodic local newspaper advertising, to reach new buyers in this segment. We will also utilize direct mail and and the resources of the local Chambers of Commerce and other affinity groups to reach this segment. The message will emphasize service first, and “complete product and service packaging” as a secondary theme.
• Medium to Large Businesses: Direct face-to-face contact (direct sales) will continue to be our primary strategy for this market segment. Direct selling will be supplemented by periodic promotional direct mailings and personalized system upgrade opportunities.
• Corporate Hawai’i: This segment will be handled by direct contact and relationship building only. We will make personal presentations to the decision makers in this group, and stress our service and technical benefits and advantages.
• Government Offices: We will utilize a combination of direct mail and face-to-face promotional strategies with this segment, and the message will be the local service and technical advantages of IMH. We will produce an attractive RFQ/RFP response package to accompany our submissions.

5.6.5 Distribution Strategy

IMH is first and foremost a direct sales organization, meaning that we must present our services and products directly to the majority of our customers and clients. Having said that, for our planned penetration into the SOHO market, we will need to establish a presence as a Value-Added Reseller (VAR) for certain low-end product lines which don’t carry the margins necessary to sustain the costs of direct sales. We will plan our new locations accordingly.

5.6.6 Marketing Programs

As we work to complete this Business Plan, we are simultaneously working on our Marketing Plan. As you can see from the milestones table, we anticipate completion of our detailed Marketing Plan by 9/30/01, or one month from start-up. Because we are acquiring an on-going business, the shift to our vision of customer- and market-focused strategies will not happen overnight. We must plan this shift carefully, and implement it judiciously, so as not to disrupt our immediate operations. We have budgeted for, and will utilize, marketing advisors and consultants (including our manufacturers) in the design of our Marketing Plan.

5.7 Strategic Alliances

Our alliances with our manufacturers, and especially Canon USA, will be the most pivotal to our success. We will remain a Canon Authorized Dealer, and continue to enjoy all of the benefits of this long-standing relationship.

We will form alliances with other locally-based VARs and computer network providers to enable us to provide complete turnkey packages for our clients. These relationships will be included in our Marketing Plan.

Management Summary management summary will include information about who's on your team and why they're the right people for the job, as well as your future hiring plans.">

Our management philosophy is simple and is an integral part of our values: doing right things right, the first time (Kina’ole).

IMH will be an employee-owned company and we all share the same vision of providing our clients (who in many cases are friends and neighbors) with the very best in customer service – period. We will encourage personal growth, creativity, and enable individual empowerment to achieve this goal. We will manage the business by setting achievable Balanced Scorecard goals, measuring them, and making mid-stream adjustments as necessary.

6.1 Organizational Structure

Our team includes 15 employees initially, and is organizationally flat. The departmental divisions are sales and marketing, service, and administration. Operational managers include:

• Systems Manager (two positions – Big Island and Maui): Oversees all service issues including service agreements, service call prioritization and response, carry-in service, customer support, and systems training and development. Will be assisted by Systems Engineers, and Systems Technicians.

6.2 Personnel Plan

The total head count moving over from Servco at the time of the acquisition will be 13. We are adding two former employees at startup to round out our team, for a total startup head count of 15.

There are an additional six positions shown as “vacant” in the Personnel plan. During each quarterly business plan review, we will assess the need to fund these positions to sustain our growth, and more evenly distribute the workload.

6.3 Management Team

Bill Harding, president and general manager:  XX years old, and has lived on Maui for 43 years. Joined SIOT in 1998 as Maui branch manager, and became general manager for Neighbor Island operations six months later. Prior management experience includes: BTA market manager of the Neighbor Islands for VoiceStream Wireless, Neighbor Island area sales manager for Central Security Systems, and radar project manager for Telcom International in Nigeria, West Africa. Bill has attended numerous management and sales training courses and seminars throughout his career.

Laurie Watson, secretary/treasurer and administrative manager: XX years old, and local Maui resident. Has been at the same location through three different owners prior to Servco’s acquisition of The Office Place in 1995, for a total of 15 years of local office equipment industry experience. Laurie has extensive knowledge of service procedures and dispatching, A/R and A/P procedures, inventory control and tracking, as well as an intimate knowledge of our customer base. Her experience and knowledge will be invaluable in recovering our customer base, and in growing the business.

Anne Tioganco, office manager (Hilo): XX years old, and local Hilo resident. Anne has also been with the company through all of the acquisitions, and has XX years experience in the office equipment industry. She will assist Laurie by handling the administrative and customer service tasks for our Hilo branch, and will be instrumental in our Big Island customer recovery efforts.

Earle Oshiro, systems manager (Big Island): XX years old, and local Hilo resident. Like Laurie and Anne above, Earle has been with the company through four different owners, and has XX years of local office equipment service management experience. Earle has also completed Canon’s “train the trainer” course, and will be a great asset in the on-going training and development of our systems engineers and technicians.

Joseph Alfonsi, systems manager (Maui): XX years old, and local Maui resident. Joe joined the Maui branch of SIOT in 1999 as field service manager, after transferring from the SIOT Honolulu branch. He has XX years of local office equipment industry service experience, and is familiar with both Canon and Ricoh products. Joe is an asset to the Maui team, and has outstanding customer service skills.

6.4 Management Team Gaps

We believe we have a good team for covering the main points of the business plan. Key members have the experience and knowledge to manage and grow the business, and are highly motivated by the employee-owner concept.

The obvious management gap is a plan to fill the general manager’s position at some point in the future, before the current GM reaches retirement age. As an employee-owned company, the preferred strategy will be to promote from within, and fill vacancies as they occur. As the company grows, we will seek out additional talent in all operational areas.

Financial Plan investor-ready personnel plan .">

Although we are treating the business as a start-up company, the financial plan is solidly based on past performance. We have taken actual SIOT P&L income and expenses from the past three years, and eliminated corporate overhead expenses such as warehouse and administrative costs, inventory penalties, and corporate nominal interest. We then projected income based on actual past performance, and factored back in the revenue base that was relocated to Honolulu over the past two years (mainly service and supplies).

We approached the financial planning from a conservative standpoint, and based those numbers on achievable gross margins. Also, our actual interest and tax rates will most likely be lower than the assumed rates due to our being structured as an employee-owned corporation (ESOT).

7.1 Important Assumptions

The financial plan depends on important assumptions, most of which are shown in Table 7.1. As mentioned previously, we assumed interest and tax rates based on a “worst case” scenario, and these will be adjusted once we have finalized the initial funding and establish the ESOT. We have also assumed our personnel burden at 30% of payroll in order to allow for above-average benefits for our employees. As we shop around for benefits vendors, this assumption will be subject to revision as well.

Other key business assumptions are:

• We assume access to the start-up funding necessary to re-shape and re-build the company, and to provide adequate initial capitalization.

7.2 Key Financial Indicators

As shown in the Benchmarks chart below, our key financial indicators are:

• Inventory Turnover: We will maintain just-in-time inventory levels, or 11 turns per year. This will require accurate sales forecasting, and working closely with our manufacturers. We have already begun this process under SIOT, and the Neighbor Island inventory levels are well below previous years.

7.3 Break-even Analysis

For our break-even analysis, we assume running costs which include our full payroll, rent, and utilities, and an estimation of other running costs. Payroll alone, at present, is about $65,500 per month (including benefits and taxes).

We will monitor gross margins very closely, and maintain them at a midrange percentage by taking advantage of all promotions and discounts offered by our manufacturers. Canon USA has tentatively agreed to offer us “end column” pricing as a new dealer incentive.

The chart shows what we need to sell per month to break even, according to these assumptions. This is about 78% of our projected sales for our first year, and is well below what we have achieved annually over the past three years under more adverse operating conditions.

7.4 Projected Profit and Loss

Our Pro Forma Profit and Loss statement was constructed from a conservative point-of-view, and is based in large part on past performance. By strengthening our service position, and rebuilding our customer relationships, we will widen our customer base and increase sales.

Month-to-month assumptions for profit and loss are included in the appendix.

7.5 Projected Cash Flow

Because we are treating the new company as a start-up, the cash flow for FY2002 is somewhat exaggerated by the instant influx of new capital. Subsequent years however show a healthy growth in cash flow, mainly due to the short 60-month repayment of the start-up loan and increased sales.

7.6 Projected Balance Sheet

The Projected Balance Sheet is quite solid. We do not project any trouble meeting our debt obligations as long as we achieve our specific objectives.

7.7 Business Ratios

The following table shows our main business ratios, and is compared to national averages. Our SIC industry class is currently: Office equipment, nec – 5044.99.

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Restaurant Business Plan PDF Example

• February 28, 2024
• Business Plan

Creating a comprehensive business plan is crucial for launching and running a successful restaurant. This plan serves as your roadmap, detailing your vision, operational strategies, and financial plan. It helps establish your restaurant’s identity, navigate the competitive market, and secure funding for growth.

This article not only breaks down the critical components of a restaurant business plan, but also provides an example of a business plan to help you craft your own.

Whether you’re an experienced entrepreneur or new to the food and beverage industry, this guide, complete with a business plan example, lays the groundwork for turning your restaurant concept into reality. Let’s dive in!

Our restaurant business plan is structured to cover all essential aspects needed for a comprehensive strategy. It outlines the restaurant’s operations, marketing strategy , market environment, competitors, management team, and financial forecasts.

• Executive Summary : Offers an overview of the restaurant’s business concept, market analysis , management, and financial strategy.
• Restaurant & Location: Describes the restaurant’s prime location, size, seating capacity, and distinctive design, emphasizing its appeal to the target demographic.
• Supply & Operations: Outlines the supply chain management, focusing on local sourcing and quality ingredients, and details the operational aspects, including kitchen layout, equipment, and front-of-house operations.
• Key Stats: Shares industry size , growth trends, and relevant statistics for the full-service restaurant market.
• Key Trends: Highlights recent trends affecting the restaurant sector, such as health-conscious dining, sustainability, and technology integration.
• Key Competitors : Analyzes the main competitors in the vicinity, showcasing the restaurant’s unique selling proposition in comparison.
• SWOT: Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analysis.
• Marketing Plan : Strategies for promoting the restaurant to maximize visibility and customer engagement.
• Timeline : Key milestones and objectives from the initial setup through the launch and operational optimization.
• Management: Information on who manages the restaurant and their roles.
• Financial Plan: Projects the restaurant’s financial performance, including revenue, profits, and expected expenses, aiming for profitability and sustainable growth.

Restaurant Business Plan

Fully editable 30+ slides Powerpoint presentation business plan template.

Download an expert-built 30+ slides Powerpoint business plan template

Executive Summary

The Executive Summary introduces your restaurant’s business plan, offering a concise overview of your establishment and its offerings. It should detail your market positioning, the variety of cuisines and dining experiences you offer, its location, size, and an outline of day-to-day operations. 

This section should also explore how your restaurant will integrate into the local market, including the number of direct competitors within the area, identifying who they are, along with your restaurant’s unique selling points that differentiate it from these competitors. 

Furthermore, you should include information about the management and co-founding team, detailing their roles and contributions to the restaurant’s success. Additionally, a summary of your financial projections, including revenue and profits over the next five years, should be presented here to provide a clear picture of your restaurant’s financial plan.

Make sure to cover here _ Business Overview _ Market Overview _ Management Team _ Financial Plan

Dive deeper into Executive Summary

Business Overview

For a Restaurant, the Business Overview section can be concisely divided into 2 main slides:

Restaurant & Location

Briefly describe the restaurant’s physical environment, emphasizing its design, ambiance, and the overall dining experience it offers to guests. Mention the restaurant’s location, highlighting its accessibility and the convenience it offers to diners, such as proximity to entertainment venues or ease of parking. Explain why this location is advantageous in attracting your target clientele.

Supply & Operations

Detail the range of cuisines and dishes offered, from appetizers and main courses to desserts and specialty beverages. Outline your sourcing strategy, ensuring it reflects a commitment to quality and sustainability, and matches the market you’re targeting.

Highlight any unique culinary techniques, exclusive ingredients, or innovative kitchen technologies that set your restaurant apart. Discuss your operational strategies, including inventory management, supplier relationships, and kitchen workflow, to ensure efficiency and consistency in delivering exceptional dining experiences.

Make sure to cover here _ Restaurant & Location _ Supply & Operations

Market Overview

Industry size & growth.

In the Market Overview of your restaurant business plan, start by examining the size of the restaurant industry and its growth potential. This analysis is crucial for understanding the market’s scope and identifying expansion opportunities.

Key market trends

Proceed to discuss recent market trends , such as the increasing consumer interest in farm-to-table dining, ethnic cuisines, and experiential dining experiences.

For example, highlight the demand for restaurants that offer unique cultural dishes, the growing popularity of health-conscious and dietary-specific menus, and the integration of technology in enhancing the dining experience.

Key competitors

Then, consider the competitive landscape, which includes a range of dining establishments from gourmet fine dining to fast-casual eateries, as well as the rise of food delivery services and meal kits.

For example, emphasize what makes your restaurant distinctive, whether it’s through a unique culinary approach, a niche market focus, or a strong commitment to sustainability and local sourcing.

Make sure to cover here _ Industry size & growth _ Key market trends _ Key competitors

Dive deeper into Key competitors

First, conduct a SWOT analysis for the restaurant , highlighting Strengths (such as a unique menu and exceptional customer service), Weaknesses (including potential high operational costs or strong competition in the area), Opportunities (for example, a growing interest in diverse cuisines and healthy eating), and Threats (such as economic downturns that may decrease consumer spending on dining out).

Marketing Plan

Next, develop a marketing strategy that outlines how to attract and retain customers through targeted advertising, promotional discounts, an engaging social media presence, food blogger outreach, and community involvement, such as local events or charity sponsorships.

Finally, create a detailed timeline that outlines critical milestones for the restaurant’s opening, marketing campaigns, customer base growth, and expansion objectives, ensuring the business moves forward with clear direction and purpose.

Make sure to cover here _ SWOT _ Marketing Plan _ Timeline

Dive deeper into SWOT

Dive deeper into Marketing Plan

The management section focuses on the restaurant’s management and their direct roles in daily operations and strategic direction. This part is crucial for understanding who is responsible for making key decisions and driving the restaurant towards its financial and operational goals.

For your restaurant business plan, list the core team members, their specific responsibilities, and how their expertise supports the business.

Financial Plan

The Financial Plan section is a comprehensive analysis of your financial projections for revenue, expenses, and profitability. It lays out your restaurant’s approach to securing funding, managing cash flow, and achieving breakeven.

This section typically includes detailed forecasts for the first 5 years of operation, highlighting expected revenue, operating costs and capital expenditures.

For your restaurant business plan, provide a snapshot of your financial statement (profit and loss, balance sheet, cash flow statement), as well as your key assumptions (e.g. number of customers and prices, expenses, etc.).

Make sure to cover here _ Profit and Loss _ Cash Flow Statement _ Balance Sheet _ Use of Funds

Privacy Overview

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Introducing GPT-4o: OpenAI’s new flagship multimodal model now in preview on Azure

By Eric Boyd Corporate Vice President, Azure AI Platform, Microsoft

Posted on May 13, 2024 2 min read

• Tag: Copilot
• Tag: Generative AI

Microsoft is thrilled to announce the launch of GPT-4o, OpenAI’s new flagship model on Azure AI. This groundbreaking multimodal model integrates text, vision, and audio capabilities, setting a new standard for generative and conversational AI experiences. GPT-4o is available now in Azure OpenAI Service, to try in preview , with support for text and image.

Azure OpenAI Service

A step forward in generative AI for Azure OpenAI Service

GPT-4o offers a shift in how AI models interact with multimodal inputs. By seamlessly combining text, images, and audio, GPT-4o provides a richer, more engaging user experience.

Launch highlights: Immediate access and what you can expect

Azure OpenAI Service customers can explore GPT-4o’s extensive capabilities through a preview playground in Azure OpenAI Studio starting today in two regions in the US. This initial release focuses on text and vision inputs to provide a glimpse into the model’s potential, paving the way for further capabilities like audio and video.

Efficiency and cost-effectiveness

GPT-4o is engineered for speed and efficiency. Its advanced ability to handle complex queries with minimal resources can translate into cost savings and performance.

Potential use cases to explore with GPT-4o

The introduction of GPT-4o opens numerous possibilities for businesses in various sectors: 

• Enhanced customer service : By integrating diverse data inputs, GPT-4o enables more dynamic and comprehensive customer support interactions.
• Advanced analytics : Leverage GPT-4o’s capability to process and analyze different types of data to enhance decision-making and uncover deeper insights.
• Content innovation : Use GPT-4o’s generative capabilities to create engaging and diverse content formats, catering to a broad range of consumer preferences.

Exciting future developments: GPT-4o at Microsoft Build 2024 

We are eager to share more about GPT-4o and other Azure AI updates at Microsoft Build 2024 , to help developers further unlock the power of generative AI.

Get started with Azure OpenAI Service

Begin your journey with GPT-4o and Azure OpenAI Service by taking the following steps:

• Try out GPT-4o in Azure OpenAI Service Chat Playground (in preview).
• If you are not a current Azure OpenAI Service customer, apply for access by completing this form .
• Learn more about  Azure OpenAI Service  and the  latest enhancements.  
• Understand responsible AI tooling available in Azure with Azure AI Content Safety .
• Review the OpenAI blog on GPT-4o.

Let us know what you think of Azure and what you would like to see in the future.

Provide feedback

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