This chapter sets the stage for the development of the actual business plan document. Five major elements of the business plan are defined in specific terms | CHAPTER 2 The Practical Guidelines for Building a Business Plan in Five Pages This chapter explains the five major elements that make up the business plan defines the critical terms used in business planning demonstrates how the components of a business plan fit as an integrated model defines logical steps in writing a business plan and describes the complete business planning cycle. You will learn the activities required to implement a correct planning cycle and the methods to develop a 5-Page Business Plan model. 25 26 Seven Steps to a Successful Business Plan This chapter sets the stage for the development of the actual business plan document. Five major elements of the business plan are defined in specific terms. While the five are discussed as separate elements the information for each is developed during a single planning session. Do not hold separate sessions to build strategic plans then operational plans. The efforts would be redundant and overlapping. Over a long period of time I tested the methods described here with clients and found the single session to be the most cost-effective and efficient way to manage the process. As information is completed at the one session it is grouped into the five subordinate plans. Defining Your Business Plan A business plan is a consolidation document that defines the parameters of how a business operates. It communicates strategic direction as well as specific goals methods of achieving the goals and the management development activities needed to reach the vision. It is a master document that serves as an umbrella for all events taking place within the company. A business plan is the one place you turn to for completeness in your story. Since it contains the key elements of both hard and soft processes it must be inclusive. Hard processes are those normally thought of as goals and objectives. Soft processes are the intangible but critical elements such as values philosophy and principles. In years past planners .
