Do’s and Don’ts

1. Do’s and Don’ts Some good advice on creating a business plan

2. Do (1) • Produce a word-processed document • Break up the text with headings and short paragraphs • Check your plan for spelling and grammar • Use short sentences and bullet points • Make sure that any tables or graphs use a consistent style

3. Do (2) • Cross reference summaries to Appendices and/or further information • Check any financial information to make sure it is correct • Consider using a cover or folder • Start a new page for each main chapter • Keep consistent formats for headings, bullet points and body text

4. Do (3) • Be consistent in how you write proper names, dates, times etc • Proof-read before giving the document out (watch out for missing words, repetition) • Number each page • Include a contents page (make sure its accurate) • Give the plan a title and date

5. Do (4) • Keep to the point • Consider using a glossary of technical words • Remember not to lose the passion!

6. Don’t (1) • Use long paragraphs and sentences • Use jargon that readers will not understand • Make claims you can’t back up – but do make claims about which you are confident • Use fancy paper, plain good-quality is better

7. Don’t (2) • Include references and letters of support without consulting them first • Use abbreviations that won’t be understood • Use a mixture of fonts and styles • Give away your only copy – keep the original, save copies

8. Don’t (3) • Include information that has no relevance • Include confidential information without checking what you can include • Forget to include contact details where more information can be found • Try to be funny – humour may be misinterpreted

9. Don’t (4) • Leave the last words of a sentence or paragraph ‘orphaned’ on the next page • Use colour and pictures randomly (could your plan be photocopied?) • Use words or phrases that require your readers to use a dictionary • Forget this is your plan and don’t be afraid!