Hello,

I'm looking for samples of simple, no whistles or bells, business
proposals.

I have the numbers and most of the studies to back them up, what would
now roll them up in a nice package and present them right is a
document.

A table of contents would be a good base.  When it's not vague and
general explanations by the author of the example in his descriptions
of the document, it would be of great use.

Glorafying examples are not what I want.  Down to earth and humble
language is my goal.

Thank you.

/Lizardnation

There is a saying about your business plan, (paraphrased) If you can't
clearly describe your business plan while riding down on an elevator
from the 10th floor to the ground, you haven't got a plan...Your quest
for a simple and direct plan is admirable.  Of course there are
several pieces of software out there which can assist you (for a fee).
 Some of these are listed below.  I'll also give a personal opinion as
to format from my experience.

The following link gives you examples of business plan outlines and
sample language. The software package costs $99.95.  (don't buy yet)
     http://www.bplans.com/sp/?a=st

also a mini plan free example:
     http://www.bplans.com/mp/

The following ink gives you examples of business plan outlines in
freeware form:
     http://www.planware.org/freeware.htm

Bulletproof planning offers a free demo template trying to sell you
their software:
     http://www.bulletproofbizplans.com/bpsample/Sample_Plan/sample_plan.html

A British accent (very classy) is offered by Royal Bank (for free):
     http://www.royalbank.com/sme/bigidea/

A fair amount of information about business planning for free is
offered at:
     http://eweb.slu.edu/bpsites.htm

The search strategy for the information provided above was a google
search using the search terms:   "business plan"+examples

My personal experience would suggest the following:
1.  Write an executive summary first. (one page max)  This is the most
difficult part of the plan.  It should contain a clear description of
the product or service from a benefit standpoint to the customer
(don't just talk about features), why this business is distinct from
competition, what you are asking for, and what is the return on
investment (when??).  The last line should clearly ask for the order
(what do you want and when) Remember the old feature/benefit model.
Features are things that are inherent in the product/service; benefits
are what they can do for the customer. My contention is that there are
only two universal benefits which are value and peace of mind. You may
wish to make a short statement of your exit strategy in this
summary...but it is most important to be clear and brief.
2.   The following pages should expand on the summary...Development
plans, phased, costing,etc then Marketing plans, phased, costing, etc,
Financial projections phased, Capital requirements, cash flow
analysis...all the good things about money. Charts and flow diagrams
demonstrate the axiom that a picture is worth a thousand words.
3.    Be clear in what you are asking for....
4.    If your plan depends on your "team", be sure to give a detailed
bio of each person with examples of their committment.
5.    If you can summarize your plan into a slogan/mission statement
(don't spend a lot of time here unless it jumps out at you...the
mission statement thing is a bit passe)  ie: Honda's supposed
statement was "Six Honda's in Every Garage"  Most of them are drivel.

I hope this information is what you were looking for. If not, I'll be
glad to provide clarification to satisfy your requirements.

seedy 
Google with GA again. Great questions stimulate our community

---

Clarification of Answer by seedy-ga on 10 Jun 2002 08:47 PDT

Lizardnation:

I have a feeling that I have missed the point of your original
question since you have not commented on the answer (and you usually
do).  Did you want a business plan document template (provided)or
sales proposal template? or some other sort of "business proposal"?? 
If we have not covered your question adequately, please give some
clarification, so a more statisfactory answer can be developed.  If
you are satified with the answer, no need to comment further.
seedy

---

Clarification of Answer by seedy-ga on 27 Jun 2002 03:44 PDT

Lizardnation:

While reading the July 2002 issue of PC Magazine, I noticed there is a
website offering "business proposal" templates for customer
presentation rather than for acquiring funding.  This site is pretty
nifty....so I thought I'd add the information to your original
question to cover that base as well..

  http://www.eposal.com   Pricing $20 for 40 credits

Great questions stimulate the GA community....

seedy

---

Request for Answer Clarification by lizardnation-ga on 27 Jun 2002 11:40 PDT

Hello Seedy,

Thanks for the added value link, I'm so grateful! :-)

/Lizardnation

---

Clarification of Answer by seedy-ga on 30 Jun 2002 06:05 PDT

Since I posted eposal.com as a clarification rather than a comment
(sorry), I now have to add this answer clarification in order to
neutralize the clarification....I guess that makes sense....

seedy

Thanks Seedy for a wonderful job.  I took my time in looking over the
results before rating the answer. :-)

/Lizardnation

Good morning, Lizardnation!

As an additional note, I'll point out that the Royal Bank's site is
not the only free business planner available online in (ahem) Canada.

The Federal Government operates a site for entrepreneurs called the
Canada Business Services Centre.  While most of the info is of course
Canadian-focussed, they do offer an interactive business plan builder
at this URL

http://www.cbsc.org/ibp/

which I've heard good things about.  You may find other tools on the
site's home page that would be of use, but this certainly worth a
look.

Hi Liz!

The U.S. Small Business Administration has an interesting little web
site, too. http://www.sba.gov/  There are a number of white papers on
"strategic business plans" though I don't think that is exactly what
you're looking for ("business proposals").

I loved Seedy's comments - particularly his 10th floor elevator
analogy - great common sense stuff.

:-)

Tom

Excellent suggestions, all.

An additional, personalized resource for business planning is
available through S.C.O.R.E. (Service Corps of Retired Executives).
This free program, underwritten by the US Small Business
Administration, offers advice and personalized assistance, both online
and through individual appointments with experts in SBA field offices.
I can highly recommend SCORE's services as an ultra-satisfied
customer.

http://www.score.org/

Hello Chromedome,

Thanks for the site, it sure is interesting... I'm going through its
features and there's a lot to look at closely. :-)

/Lizardnation

Hello Weisstho,

Indeed, the more complicated and thick worded they are, the faster I
fall to sleep reading them, let alone writing them. 8-)

I'm also interested in using the simplicity of the document to test
the attitude of the investor.  If they can appreciate the idea with
the thickness being in the detailed numbers instead of the words
explaining them, then we're in Bu$iness. ;-)

/Lizardnation

Hello Larre,

That would be great to get personalized assistance and guidance from
people whom have really been there.  Thanks!

/Lizardnation