How to write a one-page business plan

If you’ve been putting off writing your business plan, you are not alone. Writing a business plan can seem like a daunting task and an easy one to avoid.

But, it doesn’t have to be. An easy way to start is with a one-page business plan.

There’s really not any difference between a “one page business plan” and a good executive summary. The only real possible difference is the that the “one page plan” must absolutely fit on one page in a font that most people can still read, while a traditional executive summary can extend to two or three pages, but really should never be longer than that.

If you can condense your executive summary to one page, that’s great. Investors don’t have lots of time to read and a one-page executive summary will get the idea of your business across succinctly. It’s actually a very good exercise to trim down your executive summary to the absolute minimum. This will force you to trim needless words and communicate your business idea clearly and with minimal clutter.

Whether you want to call it a “one page business plan,” an executive summary, or an elevator pitch, it should contain the following:

1. Customer Problem
2. Your Solution
3. Business Model (how you make money)
4. Target Market (who is your customer and how many of them are there)
5. Competitive Advantage
6. Management Team
7. Financial Summary
8. Funding required

The content of your executive summary is by far the most important thing. Too many companies spend time focusing on presentation and graphical display of their plans when what they are saying and how they are saying it is really the most critical aspect of your executive summary. Don’t get me wrong, you don’t want to have an ugly presentation, but focus on the content more than anything else.

Remember, the executive summary (or one-page business plan) is usually your introductory communication with investors, so it will be your first impression. Investors will use this document to get an understanding of your communication skills as well as your ability to think critically about your business. You should spend more time on this part of your plan than any other section.

5 Reasons to Write a Follow Up Email After an Interview

Going on a job interview can be stressful, especially given the number of applicants that may be in the running for one position. Set yourself apart from the rest by sending a follow up email to the employer. Dropping a few lines to the interviewer can only help your chances of landing the position.

Show Them You’re Persistent

Sending a follow up email to a prospective employer lets them know you truly are interested in the job, and you’re not willing to give up too quickly. An email thanking them for their time and reiterating your interest in the position can be the one thing that puts you ahead of another potential candidate.

Expand on the Actual Interview

Interviewing for a job can make your nerves go haywire, so you might not be as level-headed during the interview as you should be. Sending an email after the interview gives you an opportunity to expand on points that you may not have expressed the way you wanted to. Once you’re out of the interview, you begin to think of things you should have said. A follow up email is the perfect way to touch on these points, and to correct any mistakes you may have made during the interview.

Good Manners Go a Long Way

Just like you send a thank you note when you get a gift, sending a follow up email to a prospective employer lets them know you appreciate the time they’ve given you. It shows your character, which may be just the thing that sets you apart from other candidates.

Don’t Let Them Forget About You

Many employers are inundated with tons of resumes and applications, and even though you’ve interviewed with them, you don’t want them to put you on the back burner. Keep your name in their heads by sending an email a day or two after the interview.

Tell Them You’re Interested

Of course the employer knows you want the job, but sending a follow up email can reiterate this claim. Let them know how much you appreciate their time and how much you enjoyed getting to know them. Tell them what you love about their company and the position and why you think you’d be a perfect match. Make sure there is no doubt in their mind that you want this job and are confident you can do it well.

Even if you think your interview went well, make sure to send a follow up email to solidify your interest. This simple gesture may determine whether or not you get the job.

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