The One Page Business Plan

• Business Planning
• Growing a Business

Traditionally a business plan has been a lengthy and all-encompassing document. Though there is a place for comprehensive business plans they tend to be a static representation of past history and future plans and not responsive to the rapidly changing business environment.

For this reason, we recommend using a One Page Business Plan to create a quick and nimble plan for the future. Our plans are based on the Now-Where-How approach, as follows.

NOW Analysis

• where are you now?
• describe your current situation in bullet point form
• you need a clear understanding of the key elements
• where are you now on the key issues such as sales, customers, products, and customers?

WHERE Analysis

• where would you like to be in the future on the now issues?
• it may include elements of the vision and business statement
• it can include the sustainable competitive advantage, key performance measures and objectives

HOW Analysis

• these are strategies that will bridge the gap between the now and the where
• the specific action plans are generated from these strategies
• the timing and responsibility of the action plans are listed

The advantages of the One Page Plan include:

• It takes only minutes to do.
• It can be updated just as quickly.
• It’s a control document for your business improvement process.
• It’s simple and easily understood by all stakeholders, your employees, your bank, your strategic partners (and yourself).

Where a partner, such as a bank, needs more detail such as a market analysis or financial projections, these can easily be added by attaching them to the One Page Plan.  It is essential that you date the plan and to update it on at least a bi-monthly basis.  It’s usually only the action plans that need changing in the short term.

We’re more than happy to set up a plan with you, so please do not hesitate to get in touch.