Writing a Business Plan


Recent Writing a Business Plan Articles

Don't Be Afraid to Ditch Your Business Model

When your original business plan goes awry (and it will ...) embrace change. It may save your start-up.  Read more

Why I Told Anonymous to Kiss My Ass

Dana White, President of Ultimate Fighting Championship, decided to fight back when hacker group Anonymous attacked his company.  Read more

9 Most Important Elements of Every Start-up

The best businesses are based on stronger stuff than just your 'vision.' Bring together these nine ingredients and you're well on your way.  Read more

Ex-Cons Relaunching Lives as Entrepreneurs

Defy Ventures offers former criminals a second shot by training them to run their own businesses.  Read more

How We Took On Goliath & Won 

Neil Blumenthal reveals how his company Warby Parker managed to make a dent in a billion-dollar industry.  Watch video

The Myth—and the Truth—About Planning

The pace of change in today's world makes traditional planning virtually meaningless. Even as you plan for your business, be ready for change, and embrace it.  Read more

5 Lessons From Your Worst Nightmare

Want to improve your business? Think of your biggest, baddest competitor and take notes. Here's how.  Read more

Why You Want Your Competitors To Succeed

Cheer on your rivals (and try to beat them, of course). If they flourish, here's how they could help you win, too.  Read more

What College Students Can Teach Entrepreneurs

Five ways I was recently amazed by undergrads competing in a business plan competition at Texas Christian University.  Read more

The Startup Owner's Manual

Ever wished you had a startup manual? Now there is one. Read exclusive excerpts from it on Inc.com.  Read more

Get Maximum Customer Info for Minimum Cost: 5 Tips

In a start-up’s early days, your most important task is to sort out the good ideas from the bad--without spending a ton of money. Here’s how.  Read more

Make Good Decisions: 4 Tips

Wise decision making is not a constant, research shows. But you can set yourself up for success in these straightforward ways.  Read more

So Why Haven't You Started Your Business Yet?

Let go of the belief that entrepreneurs are born, not made. Here's four steps to turning your pipe dream into an action plan.  Read more

5 Secrets of a Great E-Newsletter Business

An e-newsletter has relatively low costs of entry and can quickly scale up to millions in revenues per year. Here's how to get started.  Read more

Your Business Can Be More Than Just a Job

Did you fantasize about the lifestyle you would have as an entrepreneur? Surprised it hasn't turned out that way? It's not too late to turn things around.  Read more

Elevator Pitch: Can Poshbrood Earn $500,000?

Poshbrood helps parents plan upscale getaways, with kids in tow. Will investors tag along for a $500,000 ride?  Read more

New Concept? Ask These 3 Questions First

To rigorously evaluate a new idea, business plan, sales pitch, or product feature, be sure you ask these three simple questions. They will save you.  Read more

The 9 Most Common Start-up Mistakes

Mistakes are a great way to learn. But why not skip the pain and suffering yourself--at least on these 9 mistakes.  Read more

Start-up Step 1: A Culture Plan

The formula for a great company is not a business model, or financial projection.  Read more

Know Thy Enemy, Befriend Rivals

Scrutinize your competitors, and become friends with them, too. You just might partner to pitch a client, buy one out (or vice versa), or grow the industry t...  Read more

A Powerful (Mission) Statement

How Brooklyn-based Holstee's mission statement, which it styled into a poster, inspired millions of people.  Read more

The 2 Things About Your Start-up Idea That Actually Matter

Y Combinator's Garry Tan hands you the only yardstick you need when starting a technology company. How does your idea measure up?  Read more

Who Will Survive After CES?

The Consumer Electronics Show is great for getting buzz, but it's no guarantee for success for start-ups. Here's what it takes to survive after Las Vegas.  Read more

3 Ways to Outwit Your Competition

Is it time to wage battle, leverage your business model, or just poke fun of your rival? Here's how to tell.  Read more

Let Your Employees Pick Their Titles

Have you ever met a general counsel who goes by "Juggler of Justice" or a CFO known as "Duke of Dollars?" Why not?  Read more