[guest5779]

Hey guys,

For the past few months I've been consuming all of information possible, from making things more effective and efficent, to marketing, to various aspects of design, etc., etc. But now, I'm left with all of these ideas, jumbled up and giving me quite the headache. So I ask you...

"How did you organize all of your business information?"

Did you do scratch notes (which I currently do), create a process chart (the steps that both you and your customer have to go through in order to provide the service), or something more unique?

In a week or so I have 2 SBA meetings planned, and I'd like all of my information spelt out on paper. I know exactly what's going on -- inside my head, but now I need to make it tangible for others. Thanks!

 

[RAHchills]

it sounds like you have your business plan in your head. you just need to get it on paper. check this thread:

http://www.t-shirtforums.com/showthread.php?t=4909

 

[guest5779]

Thanks for the reply.

That's just the thing, a business plan is great and all, but it still has some inherent BS that I don't need to include. I'm not writing this for other investors, just myself -- so I can make sure that everything seems right to me.

I was also thinking about detailin different processes, so that I know exactly what is going on. Such as "purchasing, sending out purchases, refunds, chargebacks, paying various bills, etc."

IDK though. Anyone else?

 

[Rodney]

That's just the thing, a business plan is great and all, but it still has some inherent BS that I don't need to include.

Leave out the BS and just use what you need. A business plan can help you detail the stuff you need to get you from point A to point Z.

I like to "think" things through personally, and after research, I can usually visualize the steps to get me where I need to go (and to get the "customer" where they need to go).

I've seen people use online todo lists, collaboration tools, wikis, forums, flowcharts, powerpoint presentations, scraps of paper, notepad, napkins. Whatever works for you

 

[bac]

Thanks for the reply.

That's just the thing, a business plan is great and all, but it still has some inherent BS that I don't need to include. I'm not writing this for other investors, just myself -- so I can make sure that everything seems right to me.

I was also thinking about detailin different processes, so that I know exactly what is going on. Such as "purchasing, sending out purchases, refunds, chargebacks, paying various bills, etc."

IDK though. Anyone else?

You can include these processes in a business plan. As stated, create your own business plan, but include in that plan specifics regarding processes, vendors, client information, etc. Then you can use your business plan as a working document, and it will follow you through to success!

The bonus is that you can quickly subtract items that investors will not be interested in; and POOF, you've got your business plan if you ever need one ...... and you very well one day! Good luck.

 

[Jasonda]

"How did you organize all of your business information?"

Did you do scratch notes (which I currently do), create a process chart (the steps that both you and your customer have to go through in order to provide the service), or something more unique?

As far as general organization goes, I use Protopage. http://www.protopage.com.

 

[RAHchills]

Thanks for the reply.

That's just the thing, a business plan is great and all, but it still has some inherent BS that I don't need to include. I'm not writing this for other investors, just myself -- so I can make sure that everything seems right to me.

I was also thinking about detailin different processes, so that I know exactly what is going on. Such as "purchasing, sending out purchases, refunds, chargebacks, paying various bills, etc."

IDK though. Anyone else?

Rodney hit it on the nose. Its your plan, so you can put in whatever you want and you can format it however you want. It sounds like you just need to get it all out of your head and onto a piece of paper. Once their you can organize your thoughts in a way that makes sense to you.

I put a financial section in mine, even though I'm financing it all myself, so that I would be forced to tie potential revenue in with production, while keeping my target demographic in mind. Its one thing to think that you can get rich by making shirts... its another thing to relate projected sales to your pool of potential customers, and then figure out how many shirts you'd have to actually make and sell each day to reach your targeted financial goals over a specific period of time.

They all must realistically relate to one another and getting it down on paper helps to make sense of it all, even if you're not asking anybody for money.

 

[guest5779]

Alright, so if I go the business plan way, anyone have a recommendation for reference sites? I realize there is a ton of biz plan related resources... but is there one that people specifically like?

 

[RAHchills]

Alright, so if I go the business plan way, anyone have a recommendation for reference sites? I realize there is a ton of biz plan related resources... but is there one that people specifically like?

hit the link in my earlier post. or google it up. but in all seriousness, you can set up your own categories and organization without using anybody else's format.

its your plan.

 

[guest5779]

Thank you!