| Like any major project, creating a business plan | | | | responsibilities. |
| requires many different disciplines and resources. Here, | | | | At the top of the team hierarchy will be a member |
| four different plan considerations will be discussed. | | | | that is the integration manager. This function is to make |
| They are: 1) creation team members, 2) partitioning the | | | | sure the plan parts fit together and complement each |
| plan parts, 3) assigning team member hierarchy and 4) | | | | other. Effectively, the integration manager is the |
| writing and editing the plan. Each of these areas is of | | | | master of the team and his/her skill will contribute to |
| great importance. | | | | the quality, flow and completeness of the plan. He/she |
| First, appropriate team members must be assembled | | | | will act as dictator, conciliator and cheerleader during |
| that have the expertise to address the plan parts. | | | | the creation process. |
| While it isn't necessary that every one be a skilled | | | | The final complex tasks are the writing and editing |
| writer, they should possess the knowledge needed to | | | | processes. This daunting process brings together all |
| create the plan parts. That knowledge can be explicit | | | | the research, development facts, financial projections |
| (e.g., accounting or business management) or process | | | | and the marketing concepts into a written document. It |
| oriented (e.g., internet researcher or editor). Another | | | | is a process to create a clear, unique and doable |
| very important consideration for a member is to | | | | written plan for the business. It is most of all a |
| assure they are committed to the plan process. The | | | | marketing document and must talk directly to those |
| business plan creation process is complex, arduous, | | | | outside entities that are to be impressed. Plans are |
| stressful and time consuming. Each potential team | | | | used to obtain investors, financing and other backing. |
| member must be assessed during an interview to | | | | It's carefully written to address the unique organizations |
| make sure they are a willing and enthusiastic candidate | | | | and individuals that will be required to help make this |
| and that they have the ability to work with the team to | | | | business succeed. It must sell them that plan |
| complete the desired plan. | | | | documents what is needed and how the business will |
| Next, once the business plan creation team has been | | | | succeed in the accomplishment. While the financials |
| selected, it will be necessary to partition the plan and | | | | are important the sales and marketing aspects are |
| assign parts to the various team members. Some | | | | essential in a positive presentation outcome. |
| members will be doing research (e.g., competitor | | | | In conclusion, the business plan team must have the |
| analysis or internet research), others will be creating | | | | resources, skills and desire to create a quality plan. The |
| plan pieces (e.g., financials or budgets), still others will be | | | | quality, thoroughness and skill of the plan team will |
| assembling the plan pieces and finally someone will be | | | | determine if the business plan presents the appropriate |
| required to write and edit the business plan package. | | | | facts, sells the business opportunity and demonstrates |
| Another important element of the business plan | | | | a mastery of the business environment necessary to |
| process will be setting up the team member hierarchy. | | | | be successful. It doesn't matter how wonderful the |
| The business plan creation process is complex and | | | | product or service is, someone must get it to those in |
| there are many opportunities to overlap, conflict and | | | | need--The business plan gets this process started |
| waste effort. It is necessary for each team member | | | | correctly. |
| to understand his or her exact duties and | | | | |