FAQ's about Business Planning

FAQ's about Marketing

What is a Business Plan? A Business Plan is the well researched document that serves as a foundation to a new business.  It is a comprehensive analysis and definition of everything that is involved with giving your new business the best possible start.  It is often used as a well thought out and structured pitch designed to convince investors that your business idea can be profitable in the current market place and make a good return on their investment with you for an acceptable amount of risk.

So what is in a Business Plan? Despite what you may read elsewhere, there is no “standard” business plan outline.  Nor should there be?  No two businesses are exactly alike and so their business plan should be different from every other business.  This is why we do not use templates or provide samples.  All of Biz Guru's Business Plans are tailored to each individual business after we have discussed your business with you.  There are common elements to a business plan and these include:

• Executive Summary

• Company Profile

• Operational Overview

• Product and Service Descriptions

• Management and Staffing Structure and  Credentials

• Market and Competitor Analysis

• Strategic Positioning, Differentiation and Competitive Advantage

• Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunity and Threats faced by the Company

• Marketing Strategy and Plan

• Financial Plan, Budgeting, & Forecasts

Why do I need a Business Plan? A Business Plan is used by all investors (i.e. venture capitalists, the SBA, banks, and “angel” investors) as the primary decision criteria as to whether or not to grant a loan for a business idea.  Furthermore, it lays out the necessary targets and goals your business will need to be successful.  It is also an organizational tool used as a map by entrepreneurs to navigate through the road to success and profitability.

Why should I use Biz Guru instead of making my own plan? Biz Guru’s core business is researching and developing viable business plans and assisting your business to stand out in a competitive arena.  Formulating a functional Business Plan can be a tricky task, so BizGuru will work with you as you fill in the “what” and we demonstrate the “how” of making your business work.  Furthermore, our network of business professionals housed in our “Circle of Success” make it easier to penetrate into your market and break-even on your investment quickly. 

Why should I think of in order to give my business the best possible chance?  There are a number of reasons why businesses fail - but a well thought out and structured business plan will give you a great start to your new business. 10 Reasons why businesses fail.

What can I do if I do not have any money to invest in my own business? The Small Business Association (SBA) is the U.S. government agency whose job is to offer discounted loans to people with viable business ideas; they can finance up to 75% of a project if the Business Plan is convincing enough and well supported.  However, there are numerous means available for attracting capital.  Investors of all walks of life are always looking for alternative ways of beating the market and investing in small businesses and start-ups.  However, every investor is going to want some kind of Business Plan and the better the plan, the more money you attract for your idea. You should note that every investor in your business will expect you to also invest in your own business as well - sharing the risks and the rewards - if you do not believe enough in your business to invest in it - why should they? 

What is Venture Capital? is a fund raising technique for companies who are willing to exchange equity in their company in return for money to grow or expand their business. It can be raised for all types of business, both technology and non-technology businesses. Venture Capital also invests across stages – from the early stage seed venture, to later stage mezzanine financing. Venture capital firms usually require a high rate of return on their investment (20%+ per annum) and finance provided to the business is typically in the range of $500,000 to many millions of dollars.

What is an Angel Investor? They generally want less control of your company and a slower return on investment, however the criteria for investment are likely to be similar. Angel investor groups are great sources of private capital and frequently invest angel money into new companies.

It follows that both venture capitalists and angel investors are looking for capital growth and revenue increases and evidence that your business can deliver continued growth over time, to provide a return on investment.

What if I have no name, logo, or niche for my business, just an idea? The idea is all you need!  BizGuru is an experienced team of professional and creative consultants ready to tackle the challenge of branding and differentiating your business idea so that you can hone in on your own niche within your market.  We are constantly analyzing the contemporary markets so it is easy for us to distinguish what will work and what will not. 

I want a visa for the USA but am not sure how to prepare the business plan they are asking for. Biz Guru writes many business plans for people seeking L and H business and investment visas to enter the USA.  We can also put you in touch with a visa lawyer and company incorporation service if you need these as well.

Contact us to see how Biz Guru can assist you.

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FAQ's about Marketing

Why don't you promise me top 10 positioning on the major search engines? Because to do so would be an empty promise that we could not keep - nor can anyone else.  If a company could promise a top ten listing - don't you think that everyone would want it?  Then how do you fit all the millions of web site into the top 10!  What we will do it get you as high up the search engines as possible, make your web site far more attractive to both search engines and potential buyers.

I have a new web site - how long will it take to appear in the major search engines? Google has a new concept called Sand Boxing - where new sites are reviewed and not placed into the main database for about 3 months.  This is believed to prevent fraud from "get me rich quickly" web sites and the like.  With the volume of new web sites it takes time unfortunately - we'll show you how to advertise while waiting for this to happen and how to market your site to give it the best possible chance.

How many links will you get me each month? The answer to this is as many as possible - but it depends upon your web site and how new it is. Getting links is a lengthy process - the more links and the more popular your web site is the easier it is to get links - and conversely the less links you have the harder it is!  We have a group of quality web sites we will provide links from to get you started and then we will work very hard to find you some more!

Contact us to see how Biz Guru can assist you.

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