Once your business plan has been drafted, you should turn your attention to its presentation. First impressions can be very important and it is essential that your plan makes a good initial impact. Here are some suggestions:-


* Convey a quietly professional impression. Your plan should not come across as either a dry academic thesis or a glowing promotional brochure. Aim for something in between.

* Add an attractive cover page. A color picture of your proposed offering would help distinguish the plan and serve as an introduction to your products or services.

* If the plan is longer than about 30-40 pages, consider dividing it into two volumes. Use the first volume for the main plan and place detailed, backup material in the second volume.

* Get a trusted, experienced outsider to read your plan to check that it makes good business sense, reads well and is clearly presented. Don't be resentful of any criticism - use it to improve the final plan.

* Make sure that pages are numbered and that the plan contains a contents list.

* Be sure to spell check the plan once it has been finalized.

* Use easy-to-read fonts and sizes. Print on one side of pages. By all means use color but in a restrained, business-like way.

* Double check the 2-3 page summary of the plan to ensure that it is interesting and reflects the plan's detail. Remember, many recipients will use this summary to determine whether your plan merits further examination.

* When binding your plan, use a system that allows pages to be opened flat.


Keywords: Business Plan, First Impressions Count,good initial impact, professional impression,glowing promotional brochure,attractive cover page, plan merits