The people im planning to go with charge $750 this includes three years of financial forcasting, plus 22-25 pages of content. 30 days of unlimited feed back and support. Is there something cheaper? What you guys honestly think?

I created my own and would not pay that kind of money personally for something that I can do myself. That's a big chunk of money to me. Just my thoughts. Have you tried to create your own? Of course I am not an expert on business plans. I look forward to hearing others thoughts on this.

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Rhonda Holscher, Owner
Rhonda's Virtual Office - Hire a Virtual Assistant

I tried and I really procrastinate on writing, but deep down inside the potential is there! Heck this was part of my business school curriculum. LOL thanks for the comment I just don't want to waste money!

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Naomi Vela

I wouldn't pay that amount for a business plan in just starting out. Rhonda has a good point in that there are plenty of free tools out there that can help you write your own. Writing your own isn't just about getting it done, it's about getting a good sense of what you want your business to be and what direction you want to go in.

If you find that this is what's holding you back, then skip it for now and come back to it later. Don't let procrastinating writing a business plan keep you from moving forward. While it's a good idea to have one and I know many VAs that do it, I have been in business for almost 3 years and have yet to do one.

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Kimberly
Facebook Marketing Magic!

Nvela,
I also agree with Rhonda and Kimberly. Particularly when you're just starting out, that's a lot of money to shell out for a business plan... that is, of course, unless you're trying to secure a small business loan. If that's the case, you'll certainly want to go with a professionally drafted business plan. I've been working as a VA for nearly 10 years now and have never had an "official" business plan. If it's something you really feel you need to have, check out the free business plan template offered by SCORE (http://www.score.org/template_gallery.html).

Hope this helps!

-Hilary

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A Virtual Edge - Virtual Assistant Company
Small Biz Web Whiz - Affordable Small Business Web Design

I would have to agree with everyone else, not worth the money. Yes having a professional business plan can be useful, but I have my own 30 page business pan that I wrote up and did all the research on and I feel as if I gained a lot more by doing it myself. I have more focus and understand what I'm doing and why even more. It also forced me to think of things that I wouldn't have on my own.

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Amanda Mock
My Virtual Little Helper

thanks guys I really feel better about this. I have started my research and Kimberly it makes sense because im not looking for start-up capital as of now. I believe im going in the right direction and this business plan is a head bagger and im starting to procrastinate;however, I'm still going to crat my ideas on paper but won't make such a big deal out of it! Thanks guys!

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Naomi Vela

There's nothing wrong with having a business plan, but when you're on a limited budget, that money is better spent on the equipment and software you need to get started. By the way, check out a book called The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur by Mike Michalowicz. This is a quick read and by far one of the most helpful business books that I have read (it is quite funny too!).

He suggests creating a document called a Prosperity Plan that is three pages long (he provides you with the questions and exercises you need to complete the plan) and I guarantee you will find this a lot more useful than a traditional business plan.

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LaTosha Johnson
http://www.targetstars.com

I have to agree with everyone else. My own 'business plan' has always consisted of a notebook. It's got lots of entries, thoughts, brainstorms, policies, etc. and has evolved over the last five years.

I did not write a formal business plan when I got started and just don't see that it's necessary [especially at that cost!] unless you want to ask your bank or a VC firm for funding. Then of course you would need a formal business plan.

Save your money...

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I went back and forth about my business plan. I knew that I would write it myself because I wouldn't want someone else to choose the goals and plan for my business. $750 is a lot of money!

I'm reading an interesting book about contemporary business practices and the author likens planning to guessing. It's an interesting book that provides a different perspective on traditional business practices. "Rework" by the founders of 37signals.com.

I have decided not to use a traditional business plan. Instead I am concentrating on the parts of the business plan that are most important to me.

Good luck!

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Jamie Davis, Founder
http://www.TheProNerd.com Admin Assistance for Creative Pros