Disclaimer: this is pure Jay Kubassek. But I enjoyed it so much I had to share it and I take no credit for it
How to start a business
(By Jay Kubassek)
The first step to starting anything is writing
a business plan.
Here is a business plan outline, listing the
sections of the business plan in the order in
which they will appear in your completed
business plan with a brief explanation of each
section to help you get organized and guide you
through the writing a business plan process.
The Executive Summary
While appearing first, this section of the
business plan is written last. It summarizes
the key elements of the entire business plan.
The Industry
An overview of the industry sector that your
business will be a part of, including industry
trends, major players in the industry, and
estimated industry sales. This section of the
business plan will also include a summary of
your business’s place within the industry.
Market Analysis
An examination of the primary target market
for your product or service, including
geographic location, demographics, your target
market’s needs and how these needs are being
met currently.
Competitive Analysis
An investigation of your direct and indirect
competitors, with an assessment of their
competitive advantage and an analysis of how
you will overcome any entry barriers to your
chosen market.
Marketing Plan
A detailed explanation of your sales strategy,
pricing plan, proposed advertising and promotion
activities, and product or service’s benefits.
Management Plan
An outline of your business’s legal structure
and management resources, including your
internal management team, external management
resources, and human resources needs.
Operating Plan
A description of your business’s physical
location, facilities and equipment, kinds of
employees needed, inventory requirements and
suppliers, and any other applicable operating
details, such as a description of the
manufacturing process.
Financial Plan
A description of your funding requirements,
your detailed financial statements, and a
financial statement analysis.
Appendices And Exhibits
Any additional information that will help
establish the credibility of your business idea,
such as marketing studies, photographs of your
product, and/or contracts or other legal
agreements pertinent to your business.
It’s a pretty thorough document, but is required
when starting anything on your own, for a couple
reasons.
It helps you articulate your business and your
vision.
It will help you place yourself in the
marketplace strategically.
And, if you need startup capital, banks will
need to see it!
Changeinadvance 
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