Pushing To Business Success

During the next few articles, we are going to provide specific strategies and ideas in order to help you create a marketing plan.
The marketing plan is only one part of your overall plan or your business plan.
A business plan can be used for a few key reasons:
1. to state your objectives so that you have a clear picture of where you want your business to go
2. to be used as a financial proposal
Provided directly below, you will find a sample outline for a business plan. You can see how your marketing plan would fit into this approach. (V and VI are a general outline of your marketing plan.)


I. Summary

1. Objectives
2. Description of the business
3. Products and Production
4. Marketing Strategy
5. Management
6. Finances

II. Company

1. Ownership
2. Location and facilities
3. History
4. Goals and milestones

III. Products

1. Description
2. Features and comparison
3. Research and development

IV. Production Plan

1. Labor
2. Suppliers
3. Equipment
4. Property and facilities
5. Subcontractors
6. Manufacturing costs

V. Market Research and Analysis

1. Target market
2. Market survey
3. Industry analysis
4. Competition

VI. Marketing Strategy

1. Sales and distribution
2. Advertising and public relations
3. Positioning
4. Pricing
5. Strategic alliances

VII. Management

1. Description of management team
2. Remuneration
3. Shareholders
4. Consultants

VIII. Financial Strategy

1. Reason for financing
2. Sources of financing
3. Financial package
D. Time line

IX. Budget

X. Supporting Documents