You are on page 1of 9

THE ONE PAGE

BUSINESS PLAN
Start With a Vision,
Build a Company!
JIM HORAN

JIM HORAN is president and founder of his own consulting firm, The One Page Business Plan Company.
Prior to the establishment of this firm in 1990, Mr. Horan worked for 20 years in senior level financial positions
with Fortune 500 companies. As developer of the One Page Planning and Performance System, Mr. Horan
has consulted with thousands of businesses which have used this methodology to simplify their business
planning processes.
The Web site for this book is available at www.onepagebusinessplan.com.

SUMMARIES.COM is a concentrated business information service. Every week, subscribers are e-mailed a
concise summary of a different business book. Each summary is about 8 pages long and contains the
stripped-down essential ideas from the entire book in a time-saving format. By investing less than one hour
per week in these summaries, subscribers gain a working knowledge of the top business titles. Subscriptions
are available on a monthly or yearly basis. Further information is available at www.summaries.com.
The One Page Business Plan - Page 1

MAIN IDEA
Business plans don’t need to be long to be good. In one page, you should be able to communicate where you want to take your
company in the future and how you’re going to get there. The most important result of preparing a business plan is to clarify your
thinking so that your employees, your partners, your suppliers and even your customers work with you rather than against you.
A good business plan will answer five specific questions succinctly and clearly in a few concise, well thought out sentences:

Business Plan

1 Vision What, exactly, are you trying to build?


2 Mission Why will customers buy this product or service?
3 Objectives What metrics will be used to measure success?
4 Strategies How will the business be built?
5 Plans What is the work that needs to be done?

For people who have become conditioned to spending six months writing a long business plan, the concept of summarizing the entire
business plan in one page seems too good to be true, but the reality is most conventional business plans never actually get used.
They exist solely to create the impression that much thought and effort has gone into the planning process rather than as something
that is of practical use day-in and day-out. By contrast, a one page business plan is simple enough that it can be used to explain where
your business is heading to everyone from potential employees through to bankers, boards of directors and potential partners.
In summary, a one page business plan works because:
• It takes a complex subject (your business) and makes it simple to understand what’s happening and why.
• It focuses on what’s important rather than how big and impressive the business plan is.
• It is readily understandable and comprehendible.
• It can be adapted to many circumstances – communicating with employees, meeting with bankers or potential backers, etc.
• It is consistent in that it sends the same message to everyone who reads it.
• It’s flexible and able to be changed quickly to reflect your latest thinking rather than your thinking of six months ago.
• It can be expanded upon – by the addition of budgets and other reference materials as required.
• It uses everyday language, not the terminology of an accountant or business specialist.
• It focuses attention on delivering results rather than spending endless time planning.
• It allows every key objective to be highlighted, monitored and tracked in real-time rather than with a significant delay.
• It acts as an excellent management training template.
• It allows everyone in the organization to be on the same page rather than guessing about the status of any projects.
• It provides everyone with a map of how to build the business and add value.

1. The Vision Statement – What, exactly, are you trying to build? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 2
A good vision statement will describe the idea behind your business in a manner that captures the passion
of your idea. A good vision statement will be expansive, idealistic and loaded with invitations to see the
possibilities. A good vision statement will describe your dream in a memorable way.
2. The Mission Statement – Why will customers buy this product or service? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 3
The mission statement describes why your business exists in short and memorable statements. It speaks
directly as to why anyone would want to buy and use your products and services. A mission statement
articulates and specifies the commitment you make to your customers and stakeholders.
3. The Objectives – What metrics will be used to measure success? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 4
Objectives set out your well-defined targets and then specify how you will measure progress towards the
accomplishment of those goals. Objectives are tightly focused, specific, prioritized and important. In short,
if you’re achieving your objectives, your business will be a success.
4. The Strategies – How will the business be built? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 5
Strategies set the direction and values of your organization. They also establish your boundaries, thereby
helping you to stay on track. If you have firmly established strategies in place, it will become easier to make
important business decisions because they will become obvious.
5. The Plans – What is the work that needs to get done? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 6
Plans are the specifics which must be actioned in order to achieve the objectives. Clearly, the business’s
strategies, objectives and plans must integrate and be consistent with each other if anything worthwhile is
going to be accomplished.
6. Sample One Page Business Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 7 - 8
The One Page Business Plan - Page 2

To craft your own vision statement:


1. The Vision Statement
1 Take a blank piece of paper and write down your answers
to these questions:
A good vision statement will describe the idea behind your
business in a manner that captures the passion of your idea. A n What do you want your company or organization to be
good vision statement will be expansive, idealistic and loaded known for, and where do you fit in personally?
with invitations to see the possibilities. A good vision statement n Where are your business and your customers located?
will describe your dream in a memorable way. n What types of customers, strategic partners, advisors
and collaborators do you want to attract?
The vision section of your one page business plan is not a place n If a start-up, when do you plan on launching?
for analytical thinking. Instead, this is the section where you n Why are you creating or expanding this business, and
should paint a graphic picture of the type of business you aspire what will be your main point of differentiation?
to build. Of necessity, this section should be full of passion so
that the reader’s thinking is stimulated. At the end of reading your n How will your business be financed?
vision, you want the reader to be inspired by the business n How do you aspire to interact with your future
possibilities embedded in your dream. employees, customers, suppliers and partners?
A good vision statement: n What are your personal beliefs about the line of
n Will be expansive and idealistic – dwelling on “what could be” business you’re in, and how do those beliefs impact on
rather than hard-nosed facts and figures. the way you do business?
n Will be fun to read – because it will trigger emotional reactions n What are the three key characteristics of:
in the reader as he or she relates to what’s said. • Your products or services.
• Your best potential customers or clients.
n Will be intensely graphic and full of vivid mental imagery. • The type of business you want to emulate.
n Will push the edge of the envelope outwards.
n Conveys the passion and enthusiasm you feel for your 2 Create the first draft of your vision statement – by filling in
business. the gaps of this generic vision statement:
n Will invite the reader to consider the possibilities of the future “Within the next ___ years, we will grow_____________
– in an engaging and attractive manner. into a local/regional/national/international company with
annual sales of $______ by providing ______________
n Isn’t set in stone – but will evolve over time as your business to _______________________.”
concept become more defined or as you add to and expand
your vision in the future.
3 Next, rewrite your draft vision statement using your own
Examples of memorable vision statements:
words and integrating into it some of the thoughts and
n To build Acme Electronics Inc. (EEI) into the West Coast’s ideas you wrote down in Step 1.
premier industrial process control company. To achieve that
status, we will grow EEI’s revenues to $20 million within the 4 Now write a wildly optimistic, no-holds-barred vision
next five years by moving from solely manufacturing to offer
statement which is an outrageously passionate
more value-added services like engineering consulting, field
expression of what your business can accomplish.
servicing and integrated engineering consulting.
n Within the next three years, Therapeutic Herbs Inc. Will grow 5 Share your draft vision statement with someone whose
to become a $5 million company specializing in the
judgement you respect and ask for their feedback. Take a
manufacture and marketing of high-quality non-prescription
few days to reflect on what they suggest, and try to
orthopedic materials for chiropractors, physicians and
incorporate their ideas into your vision statement.
therapists.
n Over the next three years, we will grow the Zurich Garden
6 Keep rewriting your vision statement using your own
Window Company into a $50 million home products company
specializing in manufacturing and distributing new and words and style until you arrive at something you really
replacement garden windows and skylights. like and relate to.

n GeoTech is an L.A. based company which will become


famous world-wide for its: “The most important reason to have a business plan is to clarify
• Commitment to sharing Earth’s finest treasures. your thinking, regardless of the size of your company.”
• Range of innovative products offered. – Jim Horan
• Educational and enrichment marketing programs.
• Customer orientation and personal services. “A business plan brings out the best and worst in most business
Locally, GeoTech will become well established and professionals. It facilitates creative and analytical thinking,
well-known for its impressive and artistic offices, its highly problem solving, communications, interfunctional sharing and
motivated employees who deliver legendary customer teamwork. It also brings out procrastination, frustration,
service and its contributions to the wider community as a differences of opinion, and possibly anger. It is not a benign
whole. The company will excel by offering products that process. But when done well, the process is very valuable and
highlight the richness and diversity that exists in untamed has its own sense of satisfaction.”
nature. – Jim Horan
The One Page Business Plan - Page 3

To craft a great mission statement:


2. The Mission Statement
1 Take a blank piece of paper and write down your answers
The mission statement describes why your business exists in to these questions:
short and memorable statements. It speaks directly as to why n What, exactly, is your product or service?
anyone would want to buy and use your products and services. A
n What differentiates you from your competitors?
mission statement articulates and specifies the commitment you
make to your customers and stakeholders. n What are the characteristics of your ideal customer?
n What value do customers derive from what you sell?
A good mission statement will communicate volumes about your n What unique benefits do you provide customers?
business aspirations and goals. This is where you spell out n What personal passions are you attempting to satisfy
what’s in it for you and your company’s customers. A successful by being in business?
business always balances meeting the customer’s needs with its n What is the highest good your business can deliver?
own. Unless you can get this delicate balance exactly right, you
won’t be able to attract and retain enough customers to stay in n What are the values which drive your business?
operation over the long haul.
Mission statements: 2 Create the first draft of your mission statement – by
coming up with between one and six key words which
n Are not about money – but focus on what’s being provided to
describe why your company exists from your customer’s
the customer.
point of view.
n Should reflect the passion and commitment of the business
owner – so as to provide staying power and substance when
3 Review your draft mission statement and rewrite it,
temporary setbacks are encountered.
working in some of the ideas generated in step 1.
n Are clear and concise – so that people will read it and
immediately know what your main focus is. A good mission
statement will get to the point rather than dilute the message 4 Discuss your mission statement with a few people you
with excess verbiage. respect. Use their feedback to come up with a better final
n State why your business will be successful. version of your mission statement.

Examples of effective mission statements:


5 Take a few days to reflect on what you’ve come up with.
n Video Arts is in business to help people take their ideas and Does it capture the essence of what you’re about? Can it
move them to the big screen! be improved or summarized still further? T ry
n We find the right employees to make your business experimenting with different words and adjectives.
successful.
n We bring light, air and the beauty of nature into homes
through the use of creative window designs. “There is a current trend towards making mission statements
very clear and focused. Often just a few words can truly describe
n We simplify the business of business for entrepreneurs by
a company’s essence. For example, Nike’s ‘Just Do It’, Tandem
making available professional business building tools.
Computer’s ‘Total Reliability, No Limits’ or FedEx’s ‘The World
n The mission of the North Shore Entrepreneur Association is to on Time’ are powerful statements about their mission. While
positively impact the broader community by creating viable these examples are more typically considered tag lines or
new businesses and successful business leaders. We will company slogans, they communicate volumes about these
achieve this by providing networking, support and companies in just a few words. That’s what a good mission
connectivity tools and resources to our members. statement should do. Your initial mission statement is likely to be
n AFL’s mission is to help people take care of their concerns multiple sentences, but try to keep it concise and powerful.”
about financial security. We do that by providing the peace of – Jim Horan
mind which comes from knowing adequate arrangements are
in place in the event of death, sickness, disability or the loss of “Writing takes time, usually more time than talk. The written word
a partner. We also cater for the provision of long-term requires a certain level of artfulness and thoughtfulness in
financial resources after retirement. expression. In writing, we do not ramble on and on, as we do in
speech. We choose our words more carefully. The words remain
n We convert the spoken word to the written word with integrity to be reread, refined, a source for reflection and mindful change if
and confidentiality. necessary.”
n We provide growing companies with a single purchasing point – Thomas Moore
for office furniture, professional advisors and business
planning services. “The most important reason to have a business plan is to clarify
your thinking, regardless of the size of your company. To have a
n United Parcel Services moves at the speed of business. business plan is to be clear about where you are taking your
n We bring the taste of Japan to your home. business. When you’re clear, and it’s in writing, others will know
n LensCrafters helps people see better, one hour at a time. and understand your vision and how you plan to get there. What
could you accomplish if everyone in your organization really
n We help you get out of bed feeling great so you can
knew what you were trying to do?”
experience life the way you want to.
– Jim Horan
The One Page Business Plan - Page 4

To develop good objectives for your business plan:


3. The Objectives
1 Visualize the three key achievements you would like to be
Objectives set out your well-defined targets and then specify how celebrating at the end of the coming year. Write down
you will measure progress towards the accomplishment of those what they are on a blank piece of paper.
goals. Objectives are tightly focused, specific, prioritized and
important. In short, if you’re achieving your objectives, your 2 Next, think about the successes, mistakes and ideas of
business will be a success. the past. How will you build on these elements in the
future? Write down what your future success elements will
be in as much detail as possible.
Whereas a vision statement is idealistic and a mission statement
is memorable, the objectives section of the one page business
plan is where you get down to business. Here, you specify where 3 Now get specific. What targets will you aim for?
you will be focusing your resources in order to generate • Financial (sales, profit, cash flow, inventory, debt)
meaningful and significant results. As a general rule-of-thumb, • Marketing (units sold, revenue, # of customers)
most business plans tend to incorporate eight or nine objectives: • Operations (head count, service time, shipping time)
• One on revenue. • Human Resources (turnover, training, overtime, morale)
• One on your profitability targets. • R&D (projects completed, cost reduction, productivity)
• Two or three on marketing activities. • Manufacturing (capacity, quality, efficiency, downtime)
• Four or five on operations (manufacturing, personnel, etc.) • Personal (work hours, take home pay, personal growth)
Good objectives: • Other (awards, shareholder dividends, community)

n Are very specific and tightly focused.


4 Come up with a working set of about six main objectives
n Can be measured and quantified – so that progress can be using the material from steps 1, 2 and 3. For each of these
tracked and evaluated on a regular basis. objectives, go through and:
n Are a good tool for corporate accountability – in that they can • Describe the activity required.
be assigned to specific people within the organization. • Add what will happen and when.
n Where possible state how the goal will be achieved. • Specify what the financial impact of each will be.
n Are specific – stating names and details rather than
ambiguous phrases that can be misinterpreted. 5 Rewrite your objectives looking for ways to be as clear
n State when the goal will be accomplished – so there is no and concise as possible. Come back to them again a few
wriggle room for misunderstandings. days later and see whether these objectives still ring true.
Rewrite them until you’re satisfied they’re correct.
n Integrate clear, measurable goals into the description – so
that everyone in the organization is on the same page rather
than working at cross purposes. “Zig Ziglar, a nationally known motivational speaker, says in
order to achieve the goals that are important, you must become a
n Align with the vision and mission statements – that is, when
‘meaningful specific’. Meaningful specifics are those individuals
you achieve your objectives, you will automatically be fulfilling
who know what they want to achieve in very specific terms and
your vision and your mission aspirations.
have targets and time frames written down to help them get
For example, the objectives of a sports apparel company might there. People who have vague ideas, with no target dates, never
be as follows: get to the finish line. Zig refers to these people as ‘wandering
n Grow sales to $5.5m in 2005, $7.0m in 2006 and $9.0m in generalities’.”
2006. – Jim Horan
n Achieve a before-tax profit of $480,000 in 2005, increasing to “The purpose of a well-defined objective is to cause meaningful
10% of sales in subsequent years. action”.
n Introduce 10 new products in 2005, with these products – Jim Horan
generating sales that year of $750,000 or greater.
“Business owners need a way to test their ideas without having
n Increase the channels of distribution in 2005 by establishing to put their cash or their business at high risk. It’s too difficult,
at least seven new retailers. expensive and nonproductive to produce working models or
n Secure two new product licensing arrangements with the NBA samples for every potential idea that comes our way. Most
and the NFL during 2005 with the aim of each license individuals in business check out their ideas in conversation with
generating at least $500,000 in new sales. trusted associates, friends, consultants and relatives.
n Reduce the company’s shipping expenses from its current Unfortunately, the spoken word is subject to much greater
level of 5% of sales to 3% or less starting in Q1 of 2005. ambiguity when delivered. The written word allows the sharing of
our ideas with others in a consistent, clear fashion. The business
n Aggressively manage inventory to stay within budgeted limits,
plan is, in effect, our modeling tool. It provides the sketch, the
thereby maintaining the active inventory at a level of around
vision, the road map for our ideas. In many ways, it’s just like the
93% utilization.
composer’s first few chords; the musician gets to hear it and so
n Reduce overtime to 3% or less of total manufacturing hours. do others. The business plan works the same way. You get to
n Achieve at least 98% on time delivery with at least 98% order see your ideas in writing and so do others.”
accuracy. – Jim Horan
The One Page Business Plan - Page 5

To come up with the appropriate strategies for your business:


4. The Strategies
1 Do your basic research. For your line of business:
Strategies set the direction and values of your organization. • What opportunities exist?
They also establish your boundaries, thereby helping you to stay • How can you capitalize on those opportunities?
on track. If you have firmly established strategies in place, it will • What threats are most obvious?
become easier to make important business decisions because • How can those threats be minimized or deflected?
they will become obvious. • What industry issues are “hot” at present?

Every industry has approximately four to six “standard practices” 2 Next, think about your current customers:
for the way most things get done. If you pay attention to what the • What attributes do they have in common?
leaders do in your line of business, that will usually be a • What is the best way to sell to them at present?
reasonably good indicator of how you should go about • What’s likely to be a good way to sell in the future?
capitalizing on the opportunities which are available to you. • How can you promote what you offer to more people?
For example, the key commercial strategies of the 21st century
(so far) in most industries are:
3 Now think more about what you’re currently doing:
1. Price isn’t everything – and loads of customers are willing to • What is working very well at present?
pay more for products and services that add more value. • How can we improve that?
2. Attract the best talent – and give everyone a stake in the • What are our biggest problems right now?
outcome. • How can we address those problems and move forward?
3. Think fast and act quickly – or competitors will get to the
market before you do.
4 Select three critical issue which are limiting your growth,
4. It’s better to have a reasonable product and superior profitability or effectiveness. On a piece of paper, list each
execution than a great product but poor implementation. and write down:
5. Volunteer your time and expertise to be visible – by becoming • The root cause of each problem.
a resource to any group that wants to hear from you. • What needs to change.
6. Don’t try and do it all alone – but specialize in what you do • How results can be measured in the future.
best and outsource everything else.
Strategies are common knowledge in an industry. If you read a 5 From all the material put together in steps 1 - 4, come up
trade publication, you’ll quickly pick up on the key strategies with a list that states all the success factors and limiting
within that field. The underlying strategies will be reflected in factors of your current business, and the corresponding
everything the industry leaders are saying and doing. Well success factors and limiting factors of the business you
established strategies will endure until an industry breakthrough would like to create in the future.
occurs which will move the industry off into a different direction.
Genuine breakthroughs like that, however, are rare.
Strategies address the external and the internal influences that 6 Finally, select approx. five areas that are critical to
will affect your business. External strategies focus on building your company. Draft a strategy statement for
opportunities to grow your business or meet outside threats. each area which describes succinctly:
Internal strategies address the business’s strengths and • How that area will be built and managed.
weaknesses in terms of culture, capabilities, efficiency and • How emerging opportunities will be exploited.
profitability. • How critical problems will be addressed.
Effective strategy statements are industry focused but broad at
the same time. For example, a publishing company’s strategy 7 Ponder your first draft for a few days and reflect on it. Then
might be:
go back and rewrite your strategies again. Try to state
n To self-publish at first, build credibility and then seek a your strategies in less words to enhance their clarity and
national publisher. focus. Keep going until you’re happy with the results.
n To continue to look for ways to turn consulting processes into
products or programs that can be packaged and resold.
n To use my network of personal contacts to seek out “One way of understanding strategies is to think of them as
opportunities to speak or get articles published which will ‘industry practices’. Every industry has its leaders, its followers,
raise my profile. and its rebels, and each has an approach for capturing market
n To build my brand and corporate identity through personal share. Pay careful attention to the successful businesses in your
endorsements from CEOs and notable authors or industry and you can learn important lessons. Miss an important
consultants. lesson and your business may not even get off the ground.”
n To collaborate and work with others in ways that are intelligent – Jim Horan
and results oriented.
“Strategies provide the answer to the question: ‘What will make
n To have in place an exit strategy in 5 - 7 years of selling to a this business successful over time?’”
major publisher or business training company. – Jim Horan
The One Page Business Plan - Page 6

To develop good plans:


5. The Plans

1 For each strategy or objective, come up with a project that


Plans are the specifics which must be actioned in order to would make a big difference to your business. Then
achieve the objectives. Clearly, the business’s strategies, answer three questions for each project:
objectives and plans must integrate and be consistent with each • What impact will completing this project have?
other if anything worthwhile is going to be accomplished. • How will we measure the results achieved?
• What are the next three steps for this project?
The plans are the action items of projects which need to get
done. Almost everyone in business has a to-do list which 2 Go through the list of potential projects and choose the
contains far more items than they can reasonably expect to get five or six which will have the greatest impact. Write these
done. The plans section of your one page business plan should down, along with a projected completion date for each and
help you prioritize which of those items are important in terms of who will be responsible.
genuinely growing your business.
Accordingly, good plans:
3 Next, rewrite the five or six plans into sentences or
n Correspond directly to an objective and a business strategy.
phrases that are concise.
n Are action oriented – with deadlines, identification of who is
responsible, etc.
n Accurately reflect the time and costs involved – and what the 4 Again, reflect on your projects for a few days. Come back
probable payoff will be along with the best methods for and look at each again and check you have selected the
measuring success. five or six most important. Redraft and refine your
description for each until you are happy with each.
n Ensure that you don’t get started until sufficient resources are
in place to complete each project.
n Are centered around activities that build the business – rather “He who chooses the beginning of a road chooses the place it
than peripheral issues that sound good but actually add little leads to. It is the means that determine the end.”
or no value. – Harry Emerson Fosdlick
Examples of good plans are:
“Useful plans drive decisions and actions and get everyone
n Launch the new “Bug-Free Living” marketing campaign by
working toward the same goals. Decisions and actions that help
June 15.
implement the plan are positive and support the success of the
n Hire and train the first 25 new technicians by March 30, with company. Decisions and actions that go in different directions
the balance to be hired and trained by November 30. significantly reduce the probable success of the business. We
n Attend the London trade show in June, Tokyo in August and plan in order to focus our actions and decisions to achieve the
New York in November. desired result.”
n John Smith to complete and submit the grant application to – Jim Horan
the funding committee by February 28. “Words which sum up the one page business plan process are:
n Upgrade the sales brochures for the tax preparation seminar Focus-->Action-->Results. The plan provides the focus, and
in 3rd quarter. Henry Smith to lead the project team. then we implement through actions guided by the plan. The
n Collect 20 success stories from established customers by planned actions lead to the results. When in doubt at this point,
August 1. These stories then to be integrated into new public act. Sometimes try several actions, monitor the results quickly
relations program by September 1, in time for launch of new and carefully, and then decide on the best course of action to
product on October 1. continue.”
– Jim Horan
n Complete the development of the new Web-based employee
training module by December 31, ready for launch in Q1 next “Business is complex, resources are limited, and time is of the
year. essence. Business owners can’t know it all and do it all by
n Hire a new executive director by May 15. themselves. Therefore, other people will become involved.
Other people and ‘other people’s money’ necessitate having a
n Host two seminars for our key clients: June and December.
written business plan. It’s no longer optional.”
n Move to the new manufacturing facility located in Dunedin by – Jim Horan
October 15; John Jones project team leader.
“The one page business plan was inspired by my work with
n Introduce the new skin care range by June 30; M.Jones
entrepreneurs. These individuals like to think fast and move fast,
project leader and manager.
and the concept of a traditional business plan was out of the
n Hire new sales reps by end of April; Have the new staff focus question. The one page business plan is designed to act as a
on selling the timeshare properties by end of year; Ron Smith catalyst for your ideas. It’s a powerful tool for building and
to act as team leader and training coordinator. managing a business in the 21st century. It’s short, it’s concise,
n Install and implement the new MRP software package by July and it delivers your plan quickly and effectively. There can be no
31; Reduce inventory progressively to 3.3 months using the question as to where you are going when it’s in writing. Start with
new software by Nov 30; G. McDonald project head. your vision, build a company.”
– Jim Horan
The One Page Business Plan - Page 7

6. Sample One Page Business Plans

Professional Business Interior Systems


2004 Business Plan

To build Professional Business Interior Systems (PBIS) into a highly successful business
1 Vision furniture company which specializes in providing competitively priced office furniture and other
business systems with superior service to companies which have between 10 and 15 employees.

To provide emerging growth companies a single source for the purchase of all their office furniture
2 Mission and other business equipment from an experienced professional who understands how to create
attractive, functional, flexible, pleasant and affordable office layouts.

n Generate sales of $500,000 and after-tax profits of $100,000 in FY 2005.


n Increase the gross margin achieved by PBIS from 28% to 35%.
n Increase the average size of the orders so that 50% are for more than $10,000
3 Objectives and 20% exceed $25,000.
n During the year, conduct at least 15 “Workshop Efficiency” seminars for our clients.
n Limit personal work time to no more than 40-hours per week; Hire an assistant in February to
assist with this.

n Build a strong reputation for superior service; make a definitive attempt to be viewed as the
Nordstrom of office furniture and systems.
n Focus on serving the emerging growth companies operating in the Chicago region.
n Do some targeted marketing programs aimed at financial institutions, insurance companies
and computer companies within this geographic area.
4 Strategies
n Maintain current competitive advantages in pricing by keeping overheads low.
n Sell through print catalogs and other direct sales methods rather than investing in showrooms
or carrying an extensive inventory of equipment.
n Centralize all our distribution activities in one location, thereby reducing our costs.
n Simplify manufacturing activities by lowering the number of suppliers worked with from five to
three, thereby achieving greater economies of scale.

n Complete revising and updating the sales brochure by January 31, 2004.
n Complete the first mail-out of 5,000 brochures by February 28, 2004.
n Research potential new equipment suppliers and negotiate supply contracts by June 30, 2004.
n Announce new equipment supply agreements by August 30, 2004.
n Purchase new PC-based design and layout software by May 30, 2004.
5 Plans n Launch new service to provide layout design option to clients by August 30, 2004.
n Redesign internal databases to simplify tracking marketing responses by April 30, 2004
n Notify the people within our personal networks that I have a vacancy for a personal assistant by
January 15, 2004.
n Develop new packaging design and point-of-sale materials by July 30, 2004.
n Develop a new employee incentive program which can come into effect as of July 1, 2004.
The One Page Business Plan - Page 8

Galactic Technologies, Inc.


Business Plan Summary

Over the next three years, build Galactic Technologies, Inc. (GTI) into a $100 million enterprise as
1 Vision a technology company specializing in the development and commercialization of innovative new
technologies which are energy efficient.

To develop and successfully bring to the market a range of mass consumer technologies which
2 Mission will enhance the customer’s quality of life whilst at the same time using as small an amount of
energy as is practicable.

n Grow annual revenues by a minimum of 25% per year.


n Raise GTI’s margins from current rate of 18% to target rate of 25%.
n Generate a return for shareholders of $1 per share per year without requiring any additional
3 Objectives capital to be injected into the business.
n Display the company’s new technologies at this year’s consumer electronics show to be held in
August in Las Vegas.
n Add three new technologies to the company’s portfolio of intellectual property.

n Complete development work on “SonicBoom” and “Eastwood” technologies by February 28 so


these products can move from development to pre-production.
n Complete enhancements on “CardSupp” technologies so the new generation product can be
manufactured and ready for consumer launch in August.
n Build the company’s network of contract suppliers so as to guarantee continuity of
4 Strategies manufacturing capacity should any Tier One manufacturers be unable to supply products.
n Set up a skunkworks style operation offsite where cutting edge technologies still at
visualization stage can be worked on and enhanced further.
n Recruit five new engineers and integrate them into the existing product development teams.
n Bolster the marketing team by headhunting a high profile marketer and bringing them onboard.
n Increase the company’s PR efforts by hiring a new firm to generate trade publicity for the new
technologies being released.

n Develop three-year budget and plans for capital needs.


n Contact five trade show companies and start work on display for Las Vegas trade show.
n Install and implement new software package to manage development projects and
manufacturing program.
n Hire three new sales reps and have up to speed by time of Las Vegas trade show.
5 Plans n Phase in new packaging for products by end of Q2.
n Run a partners conference with suppliers to focus on manufacturing program for new
technologies.
n Launch new technologies at start of Las Vegas trade show with support marketing program to
kick in around the same time.
n Complete customer surveys to determine the direction the company’s current next generation
development programs should be heading.

© Copyright 2004 All Rights Reserved Summaries.Com

You might also like