12th August 2008
(London, U.K.) The 6th series of Dragons’ Den returned to our screens on BBC on July 21st.
For those unfamiliar with the concept, Dragons’ Den is a popular TV show in the U.K., where entrepreneurs pitch their business plans to prospective investors...
25th April 2007
After a business plan has been written, the next stage often involves pitching the plan to prospective investors. This very fact means that the plan authors and management team should be one and the same and that ‘outsourcing’ the business plan writin...
05th April 2007
A marketing plan is a core component of a business plan. It relates specifically to the marketing of a particular product or service and it describes:
o An overall marketing objective
o A broad marketing strategy
o The tactical detail related to spec...
19th February 2007
Do you run a business but believe that a business plan is just for starting up? Or are you one of those people who believe they just don’t have the time to plan? Well, I have news for you. Business planning is not just for start-ups; it is an essential ...
15th January 2007
Now that the New Year has dawned, the top priority for any entrepreneur should be the creation of a business plan. Ideas that exist in entrepreneurs’ heads tend to stay exactly where they are, unless they are documented in a formal business plan. By co...
07th September 2006
Top 10 Business Plan Mistakes to Avoid
Introduction
The importance of business planning is widely documented; however, guidance as to what constitutes good business planning is less clearly defined. This article aims to redress that imbalance by des...
01st June 2006
1. Introduction
In a world increasingly affected by globalisation, increased competitiveness and maturing products, the need for creativity and entrepreneurship has never been greater. Luckily, the attractions of becoming an entrepreneur have never bee...
24th April 2006
Writing a business plan is one of the most important things an entrepreneur must do when starting a new business. However, writing a compelling business plan is easier said than done, particularly when time can be so precious. This article outlines the ke...
23rd March 2006
by Alan Gleeson, Palo Alto Software Ltd
There has never been a better time to enter a business plan competition. However, despite a number of new competitions being launched in the UK in recent months, for many entrepreneurs, the rewards have not seeme...
23rd March 2006
by Alan Gleeson, Palo Alto Software (UK and Ireland)
One of the greatest misconceptions about business planning is that a business plan is useful only for start-ups. While start-up companies are indeed one significant segment of business planners, busi...
23rd March 2006
by Alan Gleeson Palo Alto Software (UK and Ireland)
The Dragons' Den on BBC 2 pits entrepreneurs seeking funding for their businesses against a panel of celebrity investors. Aside from the entertainment, there are a number of valuable lessons that can ...
22nd March 2006
When I am asked to explain why business planning is so important, my first inclination is to quote Lewis Carroll. In Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Alice comes to a fork in the road and asks:
Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from h...
22nd March 2006
Before writing a business plan, it is best to undertake some research to help you develop the various sections in the plan.
1. Research All the Relevant Sections
Before commencing with your business plan, make sure you understand the s...
22nd March 2006
When it comes to starting a business, entrepreneurs face a number of challenges, not least the issue of whether there is actually a demand for their particular product or service. The more unique the concept, the greater the challenge in predicting future...
08th March 2006
Writing a business plan can seem a daunting challenge. However, this skill is a vital requirement for any entrepreneur or business seeking to increase their chances of survival. Here is a list of my top ten tips for writing that winning plan:
1. Write ...