Overall Verdict:
This is a very down-to-earth, easy-to-read, “practical” handbook that will reward you richly – far beyond the price you pay. The handbook is worth its weight in gold. In fact, for real entrepreneurs, it’s worth even more. There are many books on business plans and planning – but this one stands out on many counts as our reviewers discovered. The first reviewer is a consultant who has been involved with big businesses from the very beginning of his career – advising billion dollar corporations, raising capital, etc. The second reviewer is a senior professional adviser – a consultant to the consultants.
This handbook promises many things:
* You’ll learn how to minimize risk
* Why knowing the bottom line is so critical – and how you can be on top of things
* Using competitive intelligence to maximize success
* Preparing your business plan confidently so it radiates success
* Explore strengths and weaknesses
* Get an immediate start by using ready-to-go templates and checklists
* Email and Internet support
Does Dan deliver?
He does more than that. He shares with full generosity his 25 years of actual business experience, knowledge and time tested outcomes. He shatters the dry, boring, academic image most people might have about business plans; thus making business plans accessible to anyone who is serious about starting a business or those who wish to take their existing businesses to higher levels.
Even if you are just interested in running your business, and you either don’t have a business plan or you simply let your professional adviser handle it all for you, by reading this material you’ll find it opens up many interesting ideas and opportunities for you. You can then instruct your professional adviser in far more detail. Also, by doing your homework and research first, you’ll save on professional fees.
Although mainly aimed at “do-it-yourself entrepreneurs” the book is also an essential addition to the professional library. Even if you only learn that there is a place for compassion and that there are real human costs and stories behind the figures, then that will enrich you as a human being. The same applies to authority officials.
There are many lessons to learn and enjoy. More importantly, you will be able to put the knowledge to practical use in the shortest possible time:
* Entrepreneurship – the good and the bad – the harsh realities
* Your Personal Toolkit – organizing your life for success
* Start a business – but beware of pitfalls and gatekeepers
* Pre-business planning – an essential time-saving primer
* The RoadMap™ – market research and business plan development – a comprehensive 99 step process chunked down into manageable units
* Sample Business Plan – one that works (a real time, energy and money saver)
* A shorter version of the business plan to Fast Track the process
* Glossary Checklists and reality checks
* Excellent support and online resources
We also liked the words of wisdom, affirmations, the many tips, truisms, insights, myths, tasks and worksheets.
Here’s just a tiny sample of the highlights, apart from the real meaty stuff:
* Entrepreneurs have highs and lows but they all have one thing in common – they are “free spirits”
* A seasoned entrepreneur, who has also provided business planning workshops for more than 5000 entrepreneurs, Dan had a smart business plan for this very book
* The guide provides countless lessons, methods and solutions.
* Personal stories give you the feeling that you know the writer or that he is dealing with you on a one-to-one basis.
* From poverty … to abundance …
* “Convert some of your crazy ideas into a thriving business.”
* From $400 to $1.6 million within three years.
* The pitfalls … and the lessons “Each lesson is a gift.”
* “Far too many businesses live just a couple of blows from bankruptcy.”
* The writer “inspires you to follow your dreams.”