Plan to Avoid the Dream Crusher

Quick Insight

There's nothing magical about a business plan document. The magic is the thought that went into it. Identify a believable path toward cash flow for your business. It should only take a paragraph. Everything else in the business plan is details.

There's nothing magical about a business plan document. The magic is the thought that went into it. Can you translate your dream into a workable business? Can you take it from concept to cash flow?

I know an SBA lending officer nicknamed "The Dream Crusher" by his co-workers. He meets with many people who have business ideas. Few have developed them into a business plan capable of repaying the loan. He spends much of his time offering ideas on what they need to work on to get a loan. He truly wants to help them.

A business plan reflects the thought needed for a successful business. Put yourself in the shoes of a lender or investor who isn't as emotionally attached to your idea. Is your plan believable?

Identify a believable path toward cash flow for your business. It should only take a paragraph. Everything else in the business plan is details.

I wish you a believable path to cash flow. I wish you well.

- Rob Stephens

Further Insight

  • Looking for a good free business plan template? Check out the free plan templates at bplans.

CFO Perspective Resources

  • Free Download: One Page Strategic Plan Worksheet - This simple PDF template allows you to quickly define in one page the key items for a strategic plan.
  • Free Download: Cash Flow Projection Template - This easy template will reduce the stress of cash flow surprises and position you to capture the next big opportunity.
  • Video: Get a Better Business Loan Rate - Just a few easy moves could save you thousands in interest and fees on your business loan. Let me show you seven tips that could lower your loan costs.
  • Course: ACE - Strategic Planning for Small Businesses - Small business strategic planning should quickly lead you from defining where you are going to deciding how to get there. Getting there takes a well-built strategy and implementation plan. Get planning and management tools with the basics of how to use them.
  • Course: Business Loan Basics – Get the basics on how to business loans work. I’ll show you how to navigate the loan process. You’ll also learn tips on how to get lower loan rates.

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