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.

Get all the CFO Perspective resources with a FAST (Finance and Strategy Toolkit) membership.

Get the tools, guidance, and support for superior business performance

Get all the CFO Perspective courses plus more in one package. FAST (Finance and Strategy Toolkit) is the membership program that gives you the resources for better strategic financial management. Get direct access to me as well tools for improved decisions that lead to superior business performance.

The right tools save you time, reduce your stress, and improve your effectiveness.

Learn More
>
Success message!
Warning message!
Error message!