Comments for Company Partners Blog

Comment on How to write a business plan – getting started by Tom

Tom — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 13:27:18 +0000

Perhaps the one thing which doesn’t really come through is that this is a simple summary road map ie what I always start with is

Excellent overview – I always start with a simple summary overview as follows -

Where are we and how did we come to be here
Where are we going and what are we trying to achieve
How are we going to get there
What do we need to achieve this
Finally – a financial mapping of the above

Sometimes less is more

Also – be careful not to simply download a pro-forma off the internet as they often end up unwieldy and formulaic

Your Business Plan has to stand up to scrutiny and stand out from the crowd if you are seeking any form of investment which, for the record, includes bank finance

Finally – do not make the mistake of trying to have one version for the bank, one for the investors, etc – it makes us nervous – the plan should be the same plan irrespective!

Comment on How to write a business plan – the structure of the plan by Nikolai

Nikolai — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 10:56:49 +0000

The summary is very good and comprehensive. From my point of view, there are just a couple of point within the financial section, that I would add and which shall be important to a potential investor:
- What could an Exit scenario look like? (potential buyers, Valuation, etc.)
- What if things don’t go as it was planned? (Sensitivity analysis in particular with regards to working capital)
- How quickly does the Investor get the money back?

Comment on How to write a business plan – the structure of the plan by Wendy

Wendy — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 08:35:28 +0000

This is an excellent initiative. Although it is true that many small entrepreneurs such as the corner shop or TV repairman may not start their business with a written plan, the ones on this website who have approached me definitely should.

I was surprised by the number of them who made long sweeping statements of guaranteed ROI for investments above £20k, but each time I asked for financial statements and contracts, I’ve never heard back from them again. Any serious entrepreneurs with sound acumen and seeking capital injection or equity share should definitely have a solid value proposition on paper.

Comment on How to write a business plan – getting started by Lawrence Gilbert

Lawrence Gilbert — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 07:49:07 +0000

Hello Carlos, simply join Company Partners and put your business opportunity on the site. This is the registration page: http://www.companypartners.com/user/register

Comment on Start or grow your business now – what’s holding you back? by Rajesh Rao

Rajesh Rao — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 05:52:04 +0000

Awesome post and really encouraging. This post is not like the run of the mill content that we can see from Angel investor or VC companies ranting about their uniqueness. You are a true mentor. But will you agree to mentor a wannabe mentor?

This wannabe mentor (me) has dabbled in various businesses and has been working too. So I have been on both sides of the negotiating table at various points in time. A nightmare for the HR you may call me. But that is okay because I do not intend to be a rat in the rat race.

Looking forward to be a valuable add in your mailing list.

Thanks and regards,

Rajesh

Comment on How to write a business plan – getting started by Carlos A Canahuati

Carlos A Canahuati — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 02:38:32 +0000

How can I get my business plan to you

Comment on Start or grow your business now – what’s holding you back? by Miles Metzger

Miles Metzger — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 15:40:10 +0000

Nice, short,and easy to understand blog, Lawrence. You point is well taken. It’s not just the money but a person who has a business understanding and experience to team with my own creativity is a must! And what a partnership we are going to make! The sky is the limit so I look forward to the membership with Company Partners and the process of finding a partner.

Comment on Start or grow your business now – what’s holding you back? by Chrissy chance

Chrissy chance — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 18:50:16 +0000

The only thing I need is finding a partner who has the skill set I don’t have. I just have the idea but know nothing about the liquor industry

Comment on Start or grow your business now – what’s holding you back? by Krassimir

Krassimir — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 14:37:09 +0000

Well, I think that the beginning of a new year is not the perfect time to start a new business. It’s similar to all these promices people give for themselves, like quite smoking, meet the man/woman of your dreams, start doing sport…. only to forget about all that stuff a bit later.

Yes I agree that lack of funding is not an issue at all. Finding pilot customers and finding good co-founders/first employees is the key.

Comment on Start or grow your business now – what’s holding you back? by steven lambert

steven lambert — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 12:37:47 +0000

I always welcome news regarding my own business set up however find my one and only obstical is indeed getting a business partner/investor. I have completed my research, stratagy, business plan and viewed all competition I have a web designer still active with me web site. Over the past 13 months now I have the government Job centre plus on board with many businesses ready to register. So have the customers, have the platform, have the 1000′s of clients just require a launch. Unfortunatly have now no employment and no funds to even register with Angels or any-one able to assist that charge funds. My question is can you help ?