Business Plan?

[Andre Trudel]

Hi all,

I am in the process of researching business plans. I have to complete one as soon as possible but, I?m having trouble finding information that is ?steadicam? and ?film industry? specific. I was wondering how all of you went about writing your Business Plans to help you get financing? Where did you go for research information such as marketing, financial and supporting documents, and so on? As always, thanks for all you comments and to everyone, happy 2006.

[Marc Abernathy]

dave grove had a great plan that was nicely executed... there has also been posts about this in the archives also so if you have not already just do a simple search...

[Andre Trudel]

Hey Marc,

Thanks for the response. I did do a search and found three posts on the topic but, they really didn?t cover anything about how to write a business plan. You said that Dave Grove had a great plan that was nicely executed. Has he ever posted it on-line or e-mailed it to anyone on the forum? I will try to get a hold of Dave on his forum e-mail. Thanks again.

[Marc Abernathy]

i think dave posted it im petty sure. i aksed him a few years ago when i was getting ready to the same thing.

 

bascially, the ingredients you shuold use are some footage of steadicam and how it works well in a particular scene. this should give the loan official some idea of what it does. also show some photos of the rig and some info on the components used to construct it. the official may not know what Steadicam is and why it costs so much, so explaning the components and why they are made of titanuim, carbon fiber, etc.. and hand made parts... hand machined to keep certain tolerances, etc.. all of that adds up the cost and you should highlight that.

 

also, show them you have companies who will hire you and the ROI you expect to get form the jobs.

 

 

collateral!!

 

 

just some ideas you should touch on. im sure others wil post their suggestions also.

 

if you go to a company specializing in film equipment loans than you are half way there...

[Dave Wowchuk]

Hi Andre,

 

When writing a business plan, there are some key essentials required. 18 months ago I spent over 300 hours completing a 75 page business plan for my company - then it had to be reviewed and critiqued by analysts, bank execs, and other entrepreneurs.

 

Here are the 6 key essentials:

 

1. Business Description: Your business name, type of organization, when it is planning to open, where it will be located and an outline of the services and/or products your company will offer.

 

2. Market Research: Primary & Secondary Sources - personal interviews, surveys, private research firms, business consultants, government statistics agencies, business resource centres. Your market research MUST verify a demand for your product/service and prove that customers will pay your price.

 

3. Marketing Plan: Competitive Analysis - identify and discuss yoru direct and indirect competition. How are you unique and how you are going to compete with them. What percentage of the market you hope to capture.

Product, price, distribution, promotion & advertising.

 

4. Management:Who you are, the duties you will be performing and your experience & education that relates to the operation of the business.

 

5. Risk Assessment: Convince the reader that you have identified any major risks that could jeopardize the success of your business and have developed a contingency plan, in event that the risks should manifest themselves.

 

6. Financial Plan: state the dollar amount of the capital items and cash you are bringing into the business. State if you need or don't need financing. If you're purchasing equipment, state how you will purchase it. Include projected costs, financing sources, a forecasted cashflow, balance sheet and income statement.

 

Sounds like a lot huh? It is ... plain and simple. If you want a business plan that becomes your business "Bible" and be a great tool to secure financing ? work hard at it, don't take any shortcuts, don't copy someone elses ... it has to come from you. Under scrutiny, a copied business plan might get rejected.

 

Just a few tips, but there are some great books on how to write effective business plans. Your local bookstore should have them.

 

Dave