2013 Business Plan?

You are on the Ball, Patty.
I have worked with many declared on-line "business people" who just do not seem to understand what a Business Mindset is and how to implement the very simple structure.

Chuck, I actually do have a written business plan that I update each quarter. I guess that comes from my business background and having to be accountable for not only the money going out and coming in but also goals to move the business forward. I could be audited anytime and would not have to make anything up... lol

My 5 main categories are:

1. Market Analysis
2. Competitive Analysis
3. Products/Services
4. Marketing and Sales (includes quarterly goals)
5. Balance Sheet

God advice and comments above by all....
BUT if in the USA or Canada and you are taking advantage of small business deduction on your TAX return, you better have a WRITTEN overall Business plan if ever called for audit. (do not think you can 'make one up' just after the notice)
And the written documentation especial for mileage and travel deductions.
A good business plan show annotations for directional changes as the business grows and it is that History that will probably allow an easy pass on

That's an understatement Patty! :D

Thanks Bruce for sharing how you plan. That is also a big part of my biz plan is goal setting. I do that every 3 months because things can change fast :)

Thanks Bruce!

That clears up some of the questions I had about business goals. Makes things a lot easier to understand. :D

I generally don't do formalized business plans as I tend to think that business is a living entity and as such any plans one makes for business may never be possible when the business changes and those plans are no longer fitting.

Rather than a plan, I just set goals.

For example: In 6 months time I have a goal to have partnerships or sponsorship's from a minimum of 5 major media advertising networks for my cooperative.

I have a goal to have a new website design ready in the next month.

I

No, actually I know how they work - I just don't know how to start one. I do have access to downloads for business plan software.