Writing a Business Plan: Part 2

If you missed the first chapter of this post, Writing a Business Plan: Part 1 How on Earth Did I Get Here?, you can read it here. This week I will talk more about writing my business plan and my hopes and dreams for the future.

Part 2: How on Earth Do I Get There?

OK, enough reminiscing, it’s time to get down to business. I’ll be honest, many details of a business plan are easier to avoid, ignore, skip or set aside for a later date (possibly never). Thankfully, I forced myself to address the details. Three years late is better than maybe tomorrow, right?

I began with the easy stuff. Who I am, what I do, my products and services… but wait, it turns out those details are not as easy and obvious as I’d expected. Last week I mentioned I took on a lot of work in 2008 and 2009 that helped me build the world’s most schizophrenic portfolio. Recognizing this lapse in judgement, I began creating an uber-detailed outline for a cohesive and structured stationery line. It will reflect who I am as an artist, be easy to build upon and marketable to a larger demographic. In addition to addressing products and services, I’ve sized up my competition, analyzed the stationery industry, researched my target market, examined my operating costs and created a marketing plan.

Phew. Just thinking about it makes me want a nap.

I’ve honestly evaluated what I’ve done wrong (a lot) and what I’ve done right (more than I thought). I’ve learned what is truly important for the future. The last step I addressed was “Business Growth”. This is the part where I analyze my dreams for the future. What’s realistic. What’s not. And, the all important, how on earth do I get there? I won’t bore you with details, but I hope to grow steadily in the next two years. I plan to begin wholesaling my boxed note cards and holiday greetings, continue creating customized event stationery, streamline my paper color and size options, promote my website and grow my blog readership.

Somedays I wish I’d tackled this three years ago, but I wasn’t ready. I needed to get stuck in the mud to appreciate the value of a business plan, approach the task with some perspective and not expect to accomplish unrealistic goals. Yes, I’d love to have a tiny storefront with cozy chairs, coffee, tasty treats and a small print shop in the back (where the magic would happen). Passers by could purchase my stationery and local art, clients would stop in for design consultations, and my family would run the show. Someday. Or maybe not. For now I will continue to build my biz with my personal flair and the love and support of each of you.

If you are interested in Bakery‘s business e-course you can find more information here.