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I have been diligently working on a business plan for a small business that I am setting up to create digital storybooks – and I have to say that I have a new respect for all those business owners who have gone before me and created a business plan!

It has been a lot of work – but it is worth it.  I never thought I would say that.  I was only really working on it in the beginning because it is a requirement for getting financing.

But, after spending weeks on the plan, I have realized just how vital a solid plan really is to setting up a business that will have a chance to survive.  You need to really think about everything – your marketing plan, your financial plan, how you can compete with other similar businesses – there is so much that you need to work out.

I have really learned a lot about myself, and a lot about what I will need to build my business in this process.  I have had to try imagining any problems I might run into, and how I plan to overcome them.  I have had to think about how I want to advertise and market – and who my target market even is!

Through all of this, I have already been having to overcome little obstacles along the way – finding suppliers, working out pricing, deciding on the best possible business model – and one monumental hurdle I have been facing is where to get the software that I need to create the business I am envisioning.

I have just kept pushing forward – and every little setback I try to just step over top of and find another way.  I have been in touch with numerous people, who have given me all sorts of prices and quotes.  I have even been told by one person (who had not even seen my business plan at all – I just gave him software specs and asked for a quote!) that my business idea was not well thought out!

My point is:  If you are wanting to start and grow a successful home busines – or any business for that matter – you need to have a plan.  And, you really need to put everything you can into putting that plan together.  You will realize little details that you otherwise would have missed.  And, your business will suffer in the long run if you haven’t planned for what you need to do.

Find someone who can advise you and guide you through creating the plan for your business.  I have been fortunate to have the help of a woman from our local Women’s Enterprise Center who has helped me tremendously – offering feedback and suggestions to help me get my business plan created.  And, she has even helped to push me a bit over some of the little bumps in the road as I came across them.

Build your plan, then use that plan as your guide to building your business into something that you can be proud of!  Don’t cut corners in the beginning, or you will struggle down the road.