Writing Winning Business Plans

Sutton (Start Your Own Corporation, 2012) provides a handbook for entrepreneurs on the secrets behind successful business plans. Businesses often start with a flash of inspiration for a product or service. According to the author, the difference between a good idea and a prosperous business is a well-written business plan. At its most basic level, a business plan helps organize an entrepreneur's thoughts, Sutton writes; at its highest level, it provides a tightly structured outline of what the business will accomplish, how it will be funded and its requirements for long-term success. Sutton's provides advice on how to establish a vision for what the business will do, how to gauge the potential company's competition and how to find funding. "Ideally, a business plan is the intersection of everything inside the business (costs, products, services, personnel, etc.) and everything outside the business (competition, market trends, political forces, etc.)." The book provides several examples of how structured plans have helped individuals understand their opportunities and challenges and, as an example, also supplies a detailed plan of a potential restaurant. The author writes with authority, giving concrete reasons behind each section of a plan, but offers plenty of encouragement along the way, motivating readers to undertake what is essentially a soul-searching exercise as well as a financial one. Sutton is also objective and truthful when highlighting the pitfalls that entrepreneurs may encounter. He reminds business owners that once a business is up and running, it's essential to consult the original business plan from time to time to ensure they are achieving their original goals. A wide-ranging, detailed primer for potential entrepreneurs. COPYRIGHT(1) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Starred review from June 1, 2018
This book is recommended by BlueInk Review, a fee-based review service devoted exclusively to self-published books. Booklist is happy to partner with BlueInk to bring you the best self-published titles for adults and youth. Stars reflect the decisions of BlueInk reviewers and editors.Winning business plans can be the single most effective strategy for not only attracting investors but also clarifying goals that can take businesses to the next level. A part of his Rich Dad Advisors series, Sutton's book offers how-to advice based on the principles outlined in personal-finance consultant Robert Kiyosaki's best-selling book, Rich Dad, Poor Dad (1997). With chapters like Structure and Strategy and Mission and Goals, the book guides readers through the thinking needed to create an effective business plan. Kiyosaki's followers will recognize the book's consistent message: that for all their financial vernacular, business plans are, above all, critical marketing tools. But what truly sets Sutton's book apart are the sections explaining the optimum entrepreneur mind-set: the commitment to using business plans as evolving, living documents that can steer entrepreneurs back on track should they go astray. Sutton includes many stories of businesses that failed or flourished based on such commitment. New and experienced business owners alike should consider reading this book?to learn how to write a business plan and, equally important, to remind themselves of their original vision and assess where they've come since then.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)