My manager at work David, is also my mentor. I have learned a great deal from David and I would like to share with you what he calls “The 6 Cs of a Winning Business Plan”.

Complete – No missing sections.

Clear – Concept of your product/service, its market, and business model are explained completely during the first read of the plan.

Credible – The plan makes ‘sense’.  No crazy revenue projections, outrageous market share claims, belief in a lack of any competition, etc.

Compelling – Draws the reader into the business concept the way a good novel draws in a reader.  The reader buys into your idea because your plan is convincing and your narrative is persuasive.

Customer Focused – Show you understand your customer and how you will relieve their pain.

Concern for Investor/Lender – Show how, and when, debt/equity is returned and return on investment (ROI) is developed.

I find the 6Cs incredibly useful and whenever I write a business plan I make sure that it covers all of them.

Related posts:

1. Writing the Product/Services Section of Your Business Plan