What is a Business Plan? Types, Benefits, and Steps to Make Them

26 March 2024

Business Plan: Definition, Types, Benefits, and Steps to Prepare It

A business plan is the most important thing that every business must have. The reason is, there is research that explains that businesses that have a written business plan tend to be more successful in achieving their goals.

Then, in a study conducted by the Harvard Business Review, it was found that business owners who prepare a business plan have a 16% higher chance of achieving success.

Interesting right? This shows how important a business plan is to help guide your business in the right direction.

What is a Business Plan?

A business plan is a document that details the company's goals and the methods that will be used to achieve them.

In a business plan, we write in detail about the company's goals and the steps that will be taken to achieve them.

For example, a goal could be increasing sales, expanding into new markets, or developing new products.

For startups, having a business plan is very crucial. This is because a business plan can help convince lenders or investors that their business has potential and a clear plan for success.

Without a good business plan, it is difficult for startups to get the funds they need to start or grow their business.

Meanwhile, for long-standing companies, a business plan is also very important.

The reason is, a business plan can help run a business so that it does not deviate from its initial goals.

By updating business plans regularly, companies can adapt their strategies to market changes and ensure sustainable growth.

So, it can be said that a business plan is very important for all types of companies, both new and long-standing.

Types of Business Plans

There are two types of business plans that are commonly used, including:

Traditional Business Plan

These business plans tend to be longer and contain a lot of detail.

This business plan contains market analysis, marketing strategies, financial projections and other complete information.

Creating this business plan requires a lot of time and effort to prepare. However, it can be more convincing to investors because it provides a comprehensive picture of the business.

Lean Startup Business Plan

This type of business plan is shorter and focuses on key elements.

Usually only contains basic information such as company vision, business model, and product launch strategy.

Even though it is simpler, this business plan can still be used to obtain financial support.

However, if investors or lenders require additional details, the company must be prepared to provide them.

These two types of business plans have their respective advantages and disadvantages.

A traditional business plan provides a more complete picture, while a lean startup is easier and quicker to prepare.

The choice of business plan type depends on the company's needs and situation.

Benefits of a Business Plan

The following are some of the benefits that entrepreneurs can get from making a business plan:

Helps in Decision Making

A business plan helps in making important decisions about your business. For example, how to use your money, how many employees are needed, or what marketing strategy to use.

By having a structured business plan, you can avoid impulsive decisions and take more planned steps.

Determining a Clear Marketing Strategy

A business plan allows you to establish a clear marketing strategy. Then, you can also determine who the target market is, how to reach it, and how to differentiate yourself from competitors.

Financial Support

Most investors or banks will ask to see a business plan before providing funds to your business.

A business plan gives them a clear picture of how your business will make money.

According to Toptal data, companies that have a business plan get up to 30% more funding from investors and financial institutions.

Attraction of Prospective Employees

Business plans are not only for investors, but also for potential employees or potential business partners.

A clear business plan can attract talented people to join your company.

Giving Structure to Business

A business plan can also provide structure to your business.

By having a structured plan, you can measure your company's progress, identify areas that need more attention, and stay focused on achieving your goals.

Steps to Prepare a Business Plan

When you want to create a business plan, there are several steps you need to follow.

Although there are many templates that can be used, it is best to create a plan that reflects your business well. Here are the steps:

Executive Summary

This is the section that provides a brief overview of your business. Explain your vision, mission and business goals. Also include information about the products or services you offer.

Products and Services

In this section, clearly explain the product or service you provide. Tell them about the price, advantages and benefits they get from your product or service.

Market Analysis

Study the market well. Who are your competitors? Who are your customers? How can you compete with competitors?

These are some of the questions you need to answer in this section.

Marketing strategy

In this section, explain your plan to attract customers.

For example, think about how you will promote your product or service. Then, what distribution channels will be used.

Financial plan

A financial plan is one of the important elements in a business plan. You need to show how to manage business finances later.

Some of the data that should be in this section includes estimates of revenue, costs, and net profit.

Additionally, provide information about the source of the funds and how you will use them.

Implementation Plan

At this stage, explain the concrete steps you will take to run the business. Starting from daily operations to short and long term targets.

By following these steps, you can create a strong and purposeful business plan for your business. Remember to always update your business plan according to the development of your business.

Understanding the meaning, types, benefits and examples of business plans will give you a strong foundation to plan your business's future better.
Want to improve your ability to create a business plan? Join the Business Development Training program now! Click here to sign up!

Business Plan: Definition, Types, Benefits, and Steps to Prepare It

A business plan is the most important thing that every business must have. The reason is, there is research that explains that businesses that have a written business plan tend to be more successful in achieving their goals.

Then, in a study conducted by the Harvard Business Review, it was found that business owners who prepare a business plan have a 16% higher chance of achieving success.

Interesting right? This shows how important a business plan is to help guide your business in the right direction.

What is a Business Plan?

A business plan is a document that details the company's goals and the methods that will be used to achieve them.

In a business plan, we write in detail about the company's goals and the steps that will be taken to achieve them.

For example, a goal could be increasing sales, expanding into new markets, or developing new products.

For startups, having a business plan is very crucial. This is because a business plan can help convince lenders or investors that their business has potential and a clear plan for success.

Without a good business plan, it is difficult for startups to get the funds they need to start or grow their business.

Meanwhile, for long-standing companies, a business plan is also very important.

The reason is, a business plan can help run a business so that it does not deviate from its initial goals.

By updating business plans regularly, companies can adapt their strategies to market changes and ensure sustainable growth.

So, it can be said that a business plan is very important for all types of companies, both new and long-standing.

Types of Business Plans

There are two types of business plans that are commonly used, including:

Traditional Business Plan

These business plans tend to be longer and contain a lot of detail.

This business plan contains market analysis, marketing strategies, financial projections and other complete information.

Creating this business plan requires a lot of time and effort to prepare. However, it can be more convincing to investors because it provides a comprehensive picture of the business.

Lean Startup Business Plan

This type of business plan is shorter and focuses on key elements.

Usually only contains basic information such as company vision, business model, and product launch strategy.

Even though it is simpler, this business plan can still be used to obtain financial support.

However, if investors or lenders require additional details, the company must be prepared to provide them.

These two types of business plans have their respective advantages and disadvantages.

A traditional business plan provides a more complete picture, while a lean startup is easier and quicker to prepare.

The choice of business plan type depends on the company's needs and situation.

Benefits of a Business Plan

The following are some of the benefits that entrepreneurs can get from making a business plan:

Helps in Decision Making

A business plan helps in making important decisions about your business. For example, how to use your money, how many employees are needed, or what marketing strategy to use.

By having a structured business plan, you can avoid impulsive decisions and take more planned steps.

Determining a Clear Marketing Strategy

A business plan allows you to establish a clear marketing strategy. Then, you can also determine who the target market is, how to reach it, and how to differentiate yourself from competitors.

Financial Support

Most investors or banks will ask to see a business plan before providing funds to your business.

A business plan gives them a clear picture of how your business will make money.

According to Toptal data, companies that have a business plan get up to 30% more funding from investors and financial institutions.

Attraction of Prospective Employees

Business plans are not only for investors, but also for potential employees or potential business partners.

A clear business plan can attract talented people to join your company.

Giving Structure to Business

A business plan can also provide structure to your business.

By having a structured plan, you can measure your company's progress, identify areas that need more attention, and stay focused on achieving your goals.

Steps to Prepare a Business Plan

When you want to create a business plan, there are several steps you need to follow.

Although there are many templates that can be used, it is best to create a plan that reflects your business well. Here are the steps:

Executive Summary

This is the section that provides a brief overview of your business. Explain your vision, mission and business goals. Also include information about the products or services you offer.

Products and Services

In this section, clearly explain the product or service you provide. Tell them about the price, advantages and benefits they get from your product or service.

Market Analysis

Study the market well. Who are your competitors? Who are your customers? How can you compete with competitors?

These are some of the questions you need to answer in this section.

Marketing strategy

In this section, explain your plan to attract customers.

For example, think about how you will promote your product or service. Then, what distribution channels will be used.

Financial plan

A financial plan is one of the important elements in a business plan. You need to show how to manage business finances later.

Some of the data that should be in this section includes estimates of revenue, costs, and net profit.

Additionally, provide information about the source of the funds and how you will use them.

Implementation Plan

At this stage, explain the concrete steps you will take to run the business. Starting from daily operations to short and long term targets.

By following these steps, you can create a strong and purposeful business plan for your business. Remember to always update your business plan according to the development of your business.

Understanding the meaning, types, benefits and examples of business plans will give you a strong foundation to plan your business's future better.
Want to improve your ability to create a business plan? Join the Business Development Training program now! Click here to sign up!

Prasetiya Mulya Executive Learning Institute
Prasetiya Mulya Cilandak Campus, Building 2, #2203
Jl. R.A Kartini (TB. Simatupang), Cilandak Barat, Jakarta 12430
Indonesia
Prasetiya Mulya Executive Learning Institute
Prasetiya Mulya Cilandak Campus, Building 2, #2203
Jl. R.A Kartini (TB. Simatupang), Cilandak Barat,
Jakarta 12430
Indonesia