1. Copyright © 2003 Center for Farm Financial Management, University of Minnesota Business Plan Once the research is complete, questions answered, and strategy decisions made – it’s time to write the business plan.

2. Copyright © 2003 Center for Farm Financial Management, University of Minnesota Business Plan Sometimes, writing the plan can seem more intimidating than the research that went into it.

3. Copyright © 2003 Center for Farm Financial Management, University of Minnesota Business Plan If using the software all along, writing the plan may simply mean: Pushing “print” on your computer!

4. Copyright © 2003 Center for Farm Financial Management, University of Minnesota Business Plan If using the Business Planning Guide and worksheets exclusively, you’ll have a bit of typing and organizing to do.

5. Copyright © 2003 Center for Farm Financial Management, University of Minnesota Business Plan Information to organize: Farm description (history and current situation) Values, goals, mission Strategy summaries Financial analyses, tax returns Implementation plan Contingency statement Historical tax returns Resources

6. Copyright © 2003 Center for Farm Financial Management, University of Minnesota Business Planning Begin by preparing an outline. The purpose of your business plan will determine how it is organized. The Guide contains six business plan outlines related to purpose of the plan on pages 234-235.

7. Copyright © 2003 Center for Farm Financial Management, University of Minnesota Business Plan Outlines in Guide differ according to: Overall strategy (new product vs. buyer) Intended use (internal vs. external) Business structure (individual vs. coop.)

8. Copyright © 2003 Center for Farm Financial Management, University of Minnesota Business Plan Next, prepare the strategy sections for: Marketing Operations Human Resources Finances

9. Copyright © 2003 Center for Farm Financial Management, University of Minnesota Business Planning The executive summary is typically the last section written. It summarizes all the work you have put into developing your plan. Example of Cedar Summit Farm “Executive Summary” on page 185 in Guide.

10. Copyright © 2003 Center for Farm Financial Management, University of Minnesota Business Planning When writing the plan, remember: Only use the sections needed Make it concise and to the point If you want someone to read it, remember their time is valuable

11. Copyright © 2003 Center for Farm Financial Management, University of Minnesota Business Planning More writing and organization tips: Don’t include graphics without substance Always prepare an executive summary Communicate clearly

12. Copyright © 2003 Center for Farm Financial Management, University of Minnesota Business Planning Additional writing/organization tips: Don’t use technical language or jargon Make sure presentation is professional presentation (typed, proofed)

13. Copyright © 2003 Center for Farm Financial Management, University of Minnesota Business Planning Take-home ideas: Talk to others, ask questions Study your markets Be honest with yourself when evaluating ideas Reject a strategy if it doesn’t make money on paper Ask for feedback from family, team members Get started!

14. Copyright © 2003 Center for Farm Financial Management, University of Minnesota Business Planning Lastly, remember that a business plan should be used: Distribute copies to those involved in business Review plan periodically Monitor progress, meet with planning team Keep records Compare actual outcomes to projected outcomes Make changes to plan as needed