networking business plan sample pdf

• Sample Business Plans
• Retail, Consumers & E-commerce

Network Marketing Business Plan

The ability to generate residual revenue is one of the key benefits of network marketing. As a result, even if you are not actively involved in the sales process, you can still receive commissions. Thus, are you thinking of starting your network marketing business, if yes, then you will need a plan.

Need help writing a business plan for your network marketing business? You’re at the right place. Our network marketing business plan template will help you get started.

Free Business Plan Template

Download our free network marketing business plan template now and pave the way to success. Let’s turn your vision into an actionable strategy!

• Fill in the blanks – Outline
• Financial Tables

How to Write a Network Marketing Business Plan?

Writing a network marketing business plan is a crucial step toward the success of your business. Here are the key steps to consider when writing a business plan:

1. Executive Summary

An executive summary is the first section planned to offer an overview of the entire business plan. However, it is written after the entire business plan is ready and summarizes each section of your plan.

Here are a few key components to include in your executive summary:

• Introduce your business: Start your executive summary by briefly introducing your business to your readers.
• This section may include the name of your network marketing business, its location when it was founded, etc.
• Market opportunity: Summarize your market research, including market size, growth potential, and marketing trends. Highlight the opportunities in the market and how your business will fit in to fill the gap.
• Product and services: Highlight the network marketing products and services you offer your customers. The USPs and differentiators you offer are always a plus.
• For instance, your products and services may include health & wellness products, home goods, travel & vacation services, financial services, etc.
• Marketing & sales strategies: Outline your sales and marketing strategies—what marketing platforms you use, how you plan on acquiring customers, etc.
• Financial highlights: Briefly summarize your financial projections for the initial years of business operations. Include any capital or investment requirements, associated startup costs, projected revenues, and profit forecasts.
• Call to action: Summarize your executive summary section with a clear CTA, for example, inviting angel investors to discuss the potential business investment.

Ensure your executive summary is clear, concise, easy to understand, and jargon-free.

Say goodbye to boring templates

Build your business plan faster and easier with AI

Plans starting from $7/month

2. Business Overview

The business overview section of your business plan offers detailed information about your company. The details you add will depend on how important they are to your business. Yet, business name, location, business history, and future goals are some of the foundational elements you must consider adding to this section:

• Single tier networking
• Multi-level marketing
• Affiliate marketing
• Cooperative marketing
• Describe the legal structure of your network marketing company, whether it is a sole proprietorship, LLC, partnership, or others.
• Explain where your business is located and why you selected the place.
• Owners: List the names of your network marketing company’s founders or owners. Describe what shares they own and their responsibilities for efficiently managing the business.
• Mission statement: Summarize your business’ objective, core principles, and values in your mission statement. This statement needs to be memorable, clear, and brief.
• Business history: If you’re an established network marketing business, briefly describe your business history, like—when it was founded, how it evolved over time, etc.
• Additionally, If you have received any awards or recognition for excellent work, describe them.
• Future goal: It’s crucial to convey your aspirations and vision. Mention your short-term and long-term goals; they can be specific targets for revenue, market share, or expanding your services.

This section should provide a thorough understanding of your business, its history, and its future plans. Keep this section engaging, precise, and to the point.

3. Market Analysis

The market analysis section of your business plan should offer a thorough understanding of the industry with the target market, competitors, and growth opportunities. You should include the following components in this section.

• Target market: Start this section by describing your target market. Define your ideal customer and explain what types of services they prefer. Creating a buyer persona will help you easily define your target market to your readers.
• People who are interested in starting their own business and need one other income, then they might be your target market.
• Market size and growth potential: Describe your market size and growth potential and whether you will target a niche or a much broader market.
• Competitive analysis: Identify and analyze your direct and indirect competitors. Identify their strengths and weaknesses, and describe what differentiates your network marketing services from them. Point out how you have a competitive edge in the market.
• Market trends: Analyse emerging trends in the industry, such as technology disruptions, changes in customer behavior or preferences, etc. Explain how your business will cope with all the trends.
• For instance, the need and demand for personalized services is increasing day by day so explain how will you keep up with the trends.
• Regulatory environment: List regulations and licensing requirements that may affect your network marketing company, such as pyramid scheme laws, consumer protection laws, income disclosure laws, tax laws, etc.

Here are a few tips for writing the market analysis section of your network marketing business plan:

• Conduct market research, industry reports, and surveys to gather data.
• Provide specific and detailed information whenever possible.
• Illustrate your points with charts and graphs.
• Write your business plan keeping your target audience in mind.

4. Products And Services

The product and services section should describe the specific services and products that will be offered to customers. To write this section should include the following:

• Health & wellness products
• Travel & vacation services
• Financial services, etc.
• Product development: Describe your strategies for continuing to develop and improve your products, taking into account market research, team member and customer input, and spending money on new technologies or production methods.

In short, this section of your MLM business plan must be informative, precise, and client-focused. By providing a clear and compelling description of your offerings, you can help potential investors and readers understand the value of your business.

5. Sales And Marketing Strategies

Writing the sales and marketing strategies section means a list of strategies you will use to attract and retain your clients. Here are some key elements to include in your sales & marketing plan:

• Unique selling proposition (USP): Define your business’s USPs depending on the market you serve, the equipment you use, and the unique services you provide. Identifying USPs will help you plan your marketing strategies.
• This could be anything from superior quality or performance to better pricing or packaging.
• Pricing strategy: Describe your pricing strategy—how you plan to price your products & services and stay competitive in the local market. You can mention any discounts you plan on offering to attract new customers.
• Marketing strategies: Discuss your marketing strategies to market your services. You may include some of these marketing strategies in your business plan—social media marketing, Google ads, brochures, email marketing, content marketing, and print marketing.
• Sales strategies: Outline the strategies you’ll implement to maximize your sales. Your sales strategies may include direct sales calls, partnering with other local businesses, offering referral programs, etc.
• Customer retention: Describe your customer retention strategies and how you plan to execute them. For instance, introducing loyalty programs, discounts on annual membership, personalized service, etc.

Overall, this section of your network marketing business plan should focus on customer acquisition and retention.

Have a specific, realistic, and data-driven approach while planning sales and marketing strategies for your network marketing business, and be prepared to adapt or make strategic changes in your strategies based on feedback and results.

6. Operations Plan

The operations plan section of your business plan should outline the processes and procedures involved in your business operations, such as staffing requirements and operational processes. Here are a few components to add to your operations plan:

• Operational process: Outline the processes and procedures you will use to run your networking business. Include all of the activities such as taking calls, organising and delivering goods, services, or memberships, monitoring online orders and payments, etc.
• Training and support: Explain how you will train and support your staff, including the training materials, resources, and tools that will be provided to help them succeed.
• Manufacturing and production: If the business involves manufacturing or production of products, detail the manufacturing process, including the equipment and materials required, and the procedures that will be followed to ensure quality control.
• Supply chain management: Specify the supply chain management system that will be employed to guarantee that goods or services are accessible for distribution. Information about suppliers, inventory control, and order fulfillment procedures may be included.

Adding these components to your operations plan will help you lay out your business operations, which will eventually help you manage your business effectively.

7. Management Team

The management team section provides an overview of your network marketing business’s management team. This section should provide a detailed description of each manager’s experience and qualifications, as well as their responsibilities and roles.

• Founder/CEO: Mention the founders and CEO of your network marketing company, and describe their roles and responsibilities in successfully running the business.
• Key managers: Introduce your management and key members of your team, and explain their roles and responsibilities.
• It should include, key executives, senior management, and other communication or product managers including their education, professional background, and any relevant experience in the industry.
• Organizational structure: Explain the organizational structure of your management team. Include the reporting line and decision-making hierarchy.
• Compensation plan: Describe your compensation plan for the management and staff. Include their salaries, incentives, and other benefits.
• Advisors/consultants: Mentioning advisors or consultants in your business plans adds credibility to your business idea.
• So, if you have any advisors or consultants, include them with their names and brief information consisting of roles and years of experience.

This section should describe the key personnel for your network marketing business, highlighting how you have the perfect team to succeed.

8. Financial Plan

Your financial plan section should provide a summary of your business’s financial projections for the first few years. Here are some key elements to include in your financial plan:

• Profit & loss statement: Describe details such as projected revenue, operational costs, and service costs in your projected profit and loss statement. Make sure to include your business’s expected net profit or loss.
• Cash flow statement: The cash flow for the first few years of your operation should be estimated and described in this section. This may include billing invoices, payment receipts, loan payments, and any other cash flow statements.
• Balance sheet: Create a projected balance sheet documenting your network marketing business’s assets, liabilities, and equity.
• Break-even point: Determine and mention your business’s break-even point—the point at which your business costs and revenue will be equal.
• This exercise will help you understand how much revenue you need to generate to sustain or be profitable.
• Financing needs: Calculate costs associated with starting a network marketing business, and estimate your financing needs and how much capital you need to raise to operate your business. Be specific about your short-term and long-term financing requirements, such as investment capital or loans.

Be realistic with your financial projections, and make sure you offer relevant information and evidence to support your estimates.

9. Appendix

The appendix section of your plan should include any additional information supporting your business plan’s main content, such as market research, legal documentation, financial statements, and other relevant information.

• Add a table of contents for the appendix section to help readers easily find specific information or sections.
• In addition to your financial statements, provide additional financial documents like tax returns, a list of assets within the business, credit history, and more. These statements must be the latest and offer financial projections for at least the first three or five years of business operations.
• Provide data derived from market research, including stats about the industry, user demographics, and industry trends.
• Include any legal documents such as permits, licenses, and contracts.
• Include any additional documentation related to your business plan, such as product brochures, marketing materials, operational procedures, etc.

Use clear headings and labels for each section of the appendix so that readers can easily find the necessary information.

Remember, the appendix section of your network marketing business plan should only include relevant and important information supporting your plan’s main content.

The Quickest Way to turn a Business Idea into a Business Plan

Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy.

This sample network marketing business plan will provide an idea for writing a successful network marketing plan, including all the essential components of your business.

After this, if you still need clarification about writing an investment-ready business plan to impress your audience, download our network marketing business plan pdf .

Related Posts

Sporting Goods Store Business Plan

Delivery Service Business Plan

Business Plan Components Checklist

Industry-Specific Business Plan Samples

How to Achieve Business Milestones

Strategic Marketing Process Guide

Frequently asked questions, why do you need a network marketing business plan.

A business plan is an essential tool for anyone looking to start or run a successful network marketing business. It helps to get clarity in your business, secures funding, and identifies potential challenges while starting and growing your business.

Overall, a well-written plan can help you make informed decisions, which can contribute to the long-term success of your network marketing company.

How to get funding for your network marketing business?

There are several ways to get funding for your network marketing business, but self-funding is one of the most efficient and speedy funding options. Other options for funding are:

Small Business Administration (SBA) loan

Crowdfunding, angel investors.

Apart from all these options, there are small business grants available, check for the same in your location and you can apply for it.

Where to find business plan writers for your network marketing business?

There are many business plan writers available, but no one knows your business and ideas better than you, so we recommend you write your network marketing business plan and outline your vision as you have in your mind.

What is the easiest way to write your network marketing business plan?

A lot of research is necessary for writing a business plan, but you can write your plan most efficiently with the help of any network marketing business plan example and edit it as per your need. You can also quickly finish your plan in just a few hours or less with the help of our business plan software.

About the Author

Upmetrics Team

Upmetrics is the #1 business planning software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create investment-ready business plans using AI. We regularly share business planning insights on our blog. Check out the Upmetrics blog for such interesting reads. Read more

Turn your business idea into a solid business plan

Explore Plan Builder

Plan your business in the shortest time possible

No Risk – Cancel at Any Time – 15 Day Money Back Guarantee

Create a great Business Plan with great price.

• 400+ Business plan templates & examples
• AI Assistance & step by step guidance
• 4.8 Star rating on Trustpilot

Streamline your business planning process with Upmetrics .

• Free Resources
• Write For Us

5 Easy Steps To Create a Networking Plan (with template)

• July 26, 2024

If you struggle with networking and putting yourself out there, don’t worry. 

A networking plan can help with this.

And you’re not alone. 

Networking can be uncomfortable in spaces where people are different from you.

But I’d be lying to you if I said networking wasn’t important.

A 2016 survey says that 85% of all jobs are found through networking . 

Having a networking plan is the first step to mastering networking .

Let’s talk about networking plans and how you can create one. 

What is a Networking Plan?

A networking plan is a series of strategic steps you take to grow your professional network. 

The goal of a networking plan is to offer clear step-by-step actions to help you achieve your career goals.  

A networking plan typically includes — networking goals, an assessment of your current professional contacts, and a list of those you wish to add to your network. 

5 Steps To Create a Networking Plan

Now that you know what a networking plan is, let’s talk about how to create one.  

Follow these five steps to create your networking action plan.

Step 1. Understand who’s in your network

Think about the most important people in your current network.

This can be friends, family, co-workers, mentors, or sponsors.

Now think of the quality of each of these relationships.

If you reached out after not speaking to this person in a year, would it be awkward?

Or would you quickly pick up from where you left off?

Quality is more important than quantity when it comes to your network.

Step 2. Assess your Network

Now you should have a clear idea of who’s in your network.

The next step is to take a closer look at your connections.

You can learn a lot from evaluating your network.

You can find out who’s missing from your connections.

And where your community needs improvement.

For example, if you’re job searching outside your company.

Everyone in your contacts shouldn’t be a co-worker at your current job.

Here are some questions to ask yourself:

What are my career goals?

How can the people listed in my network help me achieve them?

What value can I bring to the people listed in my network?

What value can my network offer me?

Is my network well-rounded?

Is there anyone missing from my network that can stand in the way of my goals?

Step 3. Create your network wish list

You may realize you have work to do after reviewing your network. 

That’s okay. 

Make a list of people you’d like to get to know.

Don’t be afraid to think big.  

This can be people already in your network that you want to

get to know better.

Or someone you don’t know well but admire — like an influencer in your industry.

The key here is to think win-win. 

How can you add value to those on your wish list? 

And what value can they bring to you? 

Step 4. Set networking goals

Now it’s time to hold yourself accountable.

Creating networking goals will help you track your progress. 

Set detailed goals for each relationship you want to build.

What are some networking goals?

Networking goals can include becoming more confident with putting yourself out there. 

Growing your number of  connections, or building rapport with others. 

Networking goals are unique to you and your professional goals. 

Use this formula to create your networking goals

1) Within the next month, I will… (Describe what you will accomplish) 

So that… (Describe the benefit of this to your career goals)

Signs of my progress will include… (What evidence will prove you’re heading in the right direction)

2) The networking activities I will take to meet my goals include… (Describe what you’ll do to grow your network)  

There are many steps you can take to grow your network. 

Creating business cards , going to networking events, attending conferences are things you can do to get started. 

Your networking goals should help you reach your career development goals.  

Step 5. Take Action

Now let’s recap.

By now, you understand who’s in your network.

You’ve accessed your network. And know what’s working and what’s not.

You’ve created a wish list of people you want to get to know.

And you’ve set detailed networking goals. 

The final step is to take action. 

None of these steps will matter unless you’re willing to put yourself out there. 

Here’s what you can do to get started with networking 

1. Reach out to those on your networking wish list

2. Follow up if you don’t get a response 

3. Commit to attending one networking event per month

4. Be consistent and persistent 

You’ve got this!

Getting Started

A networking plan can help you level up your community and contacts. 

Hopefully, this gives you confidence and steps to network like a pro.

If you’re serious about upgrading your professional network, consider enrolling in our Master Networking course. 

It coaches you step-by-step through the process of networking with confidence. 

You’ll learn simple yet powerful strategies and mindset exercises. 

You’ll put yourself, your brand or business, out there like never before. Learn more here ! 

Now it’s your turn

Which step are you applying today to level up your network?

Head over to our comments section on social @netwerkmovement and let us know!

And share this with someone who needs it. 

Shop Our Products

Leadership Development Plan

The Networking Plan

The Ultimate Guide For Building A High-Value Network

Resume Cover letter Templates

ATS Friendly Templates To Share Your Achievements With Ease And Sophistication

Underemployment First Aid Kit

Your First Line of Defense Against Underemployment

Leadership Toolkit

A curated collection of must-have tools to get you promoted

Leadership Affirmation Cards

60 Printable Sassy Career Affirmation Cards To End Underemployment

The Brag Book

The Modern Guide To Self-Promotion

10 LinkedIn Profile Picture Do’s and Don’ts

Are you sleeping on your LinkedIn profile picture? Don’t! Here are 10 LinkedIn profile picture do’s and don’ts you don’t wanna miss…

Continue reading

How to Network as a PhD Student to Unlock the Hidden Job Market

• July 25, 2024

Here’s how to network as a PhD student to unlock the hidden job market.

5 Signs You’re Afraid of Networking and What To Do About It

Are you afraid of networking? Here are 5 signs that you’re afraid to network and what to do about it.

How To Schmooze At Work in 5 Easy Steps

• May 30, 2024

Whether you’re a social butterfly or a shy introvert, our guide on the art of how to schmooze will help you achieve your goals.

5 Tips to Master Small Talk at the Office (+ Examples)

• May 23, 2024

Anxious when it comes to small talk? Don’t fret. These 5 tips will make it easier to master small talk at the office.

10 Must-Attend Conferences for Women in 2024

• January 30, 2024

We’ve compiled the best conferences for women this year. If you’re ready to be inspired, look no further.

10 Best Women in Tech Conferences You Should Know

We’ve compiled the best women in tech conferences. If you’re interested in a career in tech, start here..

5 Ways to Improve your Networking Body Language

Your words are saying one thing. But is your networking body language saying something else? Here’s how to change that.

Networking 101: The 14 Do’s and Don’ts of Networking

• December 14, 2023

Don’t go to another event before reading these networking etiquette do’s and don’ts. You might be doing it all wrong.

5 People You Need In Your Network to Succeed

• December 11, 2023

When it comes to your network. Here’s where to put your energy. These are the 5 must-have people in your network to succeed!

20 Best Questions to Ask Your Career Sponsor (The Ultimate List)

We’ve compiled a list of the best questions to ask your career sponsor. Read this before your next sponsorship meeting!

10 Ways to Maintain Your Network Organically (+ Scripts)

• November 13, 2023

You worked hard to build your network. Don’t let it go to waste. Maintaining your network is easier than you think. Here’s how it’s done!

Join Thousands of Future Leaders Worldwide!

Get free access to our career center to grow your career and confidence.

NetWerk® Is On A Mission To Help One Million Women Get Promoted By 2030. Subscribe To Join Our Community!

• [email protected]
• Privacy Policy
• About NetWerk®
• Work With Us

© 2024 NetWerk. All Rights Reserved.

Creating a Successful Network Marketing Business Plan: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re considering starting a network marketing business, it’s crucial to have a solid business plan in place. A network marketing business plan will help you stay organized, attract potential customers and partners, and set achievable goals for your business.

What is a Network Marketing Business Plan?

A network marketing business plan is a document that outlines the details of your network marketing business. It includes information about your products or services, target market, marketing strategies, financial projections, and goals. It’s essentially a roadmap for how you plan to grow and manage your business.

Why do You Need a Network Marketing Business Plan?

Having a network marketing business plan is essential for several reasons. First and foremost, it helps you clarify your business idea and vision. It forces you to think through the details of your business and consider things like your target market, pricing, and marketing strategies.

A network marketing business plan also serves as a reference point for you and your team. It helps you stay on track and ensure that you’re working towards your goals. Additionally, a business plan can be used to attract potential partners and investors, as it provides them with a clear understanding of your business and its potential for success.

How to Create a Network Marketing Business Plan

Creating a network marketing business plan may seem overwhelming, but it’s actually a straightforward process. Here are the steps to follow:

• Define your business idea and target market: Start by outlining the products or services you’ll be selling and the customers you’ll be targeting. Consider things like demographics, location, and needs.
• Develop your marketing plan: Next, create a plan for how you’ll market and sell your products or services. This could include online and offline marketing techniques, such as social media, content marketing, and networking events.
• Set financial goals and projections: Determine how much money you want to make and how you plan to achieve those financial goals. This could include budgeting for marketing and advertising efforts, as well as forecasting sales and profits.
• Create a budget and timeline: Based on your financial goals, create a budget and timeline for your business. This will help you stay on track and make sure you’re making progress towards your goals.
• Review and revise your plan: As with any business, things may change and you may need to adjust your plan. Be sure to review and revise your plan regularly to ensure that it reflects the current state of your business.

Implementing Your Network Marketing Business Plan

Once you’ve created your network marketing business plan, it’s time to start implementing it. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

• Focus on building relationships: Network marketing is all about building relationships, so make sure you’re spending time cultivating connections with potential customers and partners. This could involve networking events, social media outreach, or even one-on-one conversations.
• Leverage your network: Your network can be a valuable resource as you grow your business. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your friends, family, and colleagues for support and introductions to potential customers or partners.
• Stay organized: It’s important to stay organized as you grow your business. Use tools like project management software or a CRM to keep track of your tasks and progress.
• Stay up to date: As with any business, it’s important to stay current on industry trends and best practices. Keep learning and staying up to date with the latest strategies and technologies to ensure that you’re positioned for success.
• Get support: Building a network marketing business can be challenging, so it’s important to have a supportive community to turn to for guidance and encouragement. Consider joining a training center or online community, such as our free WiFi Entrepreneur training center and online community, to get the knowledge, tools, and access you need to quickly succeed online.

A network marketing business plan is a crucial component of your business, providing a roadmap for growth and success. By defining your business idea, developing a marketing plan, setting financial goals and projections, creating a budget and timeline, and implementing your plan, you can set yourself up for success in the world of network marketing. Don’t forget to seek out support and resources, such as our free WiFi Entrepreneur training center and online community , to help you along the way.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Need more referrals from your network?

Download our free Referralology ebook with over 50 tips on how to grow your client portfolio by referral and turn your networking into a referral generating machine.

Pop-up Form

Business Networking Plan Template

Join our development program and have the experts in your corner

Networking Skills Hub

• Networking Courses
• Unlock Referrals
• Activate Networks
• Your Habit Checklist
• The two secrets every networking grandmaster knows!
• Why it isn’t working
• Networking Plan Template
• Build Relationships
• Keep in Touch
• Email vs Phone Call
• Balancing Client Work
• Identify Contacts
• Impromptu Questions
• Acquiring The Referrals
• Being Professional
• Asking Too Soon
• The number 1 myth you need to stop believing if you are going to regularly generate referrals
• The ultimate guide to meeting an introducer for the first time
• 6 Essentials to be Effective
• Do you regularly review the state of your relationships?
• Why every networker needs a credibility story (or two)
• Networking Conference
• How to approach prospects on LinkedIn
• LinkedIn: How to Standout
• Face to Face
• Business Development Clinic
• Creating Footprint
• Inspiration, Why Networking

Save time when networking (in just 5 steps!)

Do you feel like your networking efforts are just meaningful conversations which go absolutely nowhere? Do you know how each networking event will help you achieve your personal and professional goals? Do you know how to use social media to win work and make valuable connections?

The key to networking effectively is to have a networking strategy.

Here is how to build one in just 5 steps (including our business networking plan template!).

A 5-step business networking plan

Step 1: decide on your goals.

You can’t use your time effectively unless you know what you want to get out of that time, so to build a solid business networking plan, you first need to identify your goals. Ask yourself:

• What business development-related results do I want to achieve, and by when?
• How will my network help me achieve these goals?
• How will I know when I am successful?

Answer these questions and write down a few key goals for your network and networking activities. Having these front of mind will make a big difference in how you prioritise and use your time. 

Our subscriber-only  Progress to Partner  membership site has a great Game Plan called “…I’m a good technician but don’t have a client portfolio” to help you get started on your networking and business development journey.

Step 2: Audit your network and networking activities

When building your networking plan, first identify and evaluate the effectiveness of your current network and networking activities. Look at each relationship with your client and evaluate whether it’s at the level that you desire; you can then identify what you need to do to maintain it or to improve it.   Ask yourself:

• What relationships do I need to strengthen or ditch?
• Which relationships do I need to maintain?
• What current networking activities do I need to change or stop?
• What current networking activities do I need to maintain?
• Where do I have gaps in my network?

Do you need help with your audit?  Download our business  networking plan template  here.

Step 3: Find the right people for your network

Once you know your goals and where you are currently with your network and networking activities, now you can start putting your strategy together for finding the right people to fill the gaps. ( Does a networking strategy really matter? ) Ask yourself:

• What are the names/roles of the people I would like to meet?
• What am I going to do to meet these people?

Make a note of the daily, weekly, monthly and/or yearly actions that you need to do as well as the one-off actions and set yourself time goals to make sure that you are on track.

We have a great course in our subscriber-only site  Progress to Partner   called How to Make the Time for Business Development. It takes about 2-hours to work through and create a daily business development habit that you can stick to.

Step 4: Strengthen the important relationships

By this stage of building your business networking plan, you would have identified your most valuable client relationships. You will want to keep these clients happy, so think about how you can strengthen these relationships. Ask yourself:

• Could I improve my communication with these clients? Do I always communicate in a timely, efficient, and consistent manner?
• Could I make myself more available to these clients?
• Could I exceed their expectations by offering them something of value?
• Could I go above and beyond and help them with any challenges or issues that they are currently facing?

Try to be honest when evaluating whether you can improve existing relationships. You can even ask your clients for their feedback or if there is anything else you can help them with, just be prepared to address any concerns that they may have.

We have a great course in our subscriber-only site  Progress to Partner   called  How to Make time for Business Development .  The course gives you the structure, clarity, and guidance to create a daily business development habit and a business development plan that is focussed and not just based on friendly coffees!

Step 5: Maintain the strong and important relationships

It’s not enough just to wow your clients initially and form strong relationships only to let your standards slip a few months down the line; you have to maintain these relationships to keep your business running strong. Always ask yourself the above questions every few months to make sure that you are giving your client everything that they need and want from you.

Time is money, so network effectively

Networking can lead to a lot of wasted hours, so invest some time into building a solid plan and use it to start networking effectively!

In just 5 steps, you can start seeing results from your networking efforts. Don’t forget to save yourself even more time by downloading our  business networking plan template !

Start your journey with Progress to Partner for £35 + VAT annually.

By signing up for Progress To Partner, you gain access to insider knowledge that can help accelerate your career.

Serving Aspiring Partners the World Over

London UK, New York US, Melbourne Australia, Amsterdam Holland, Delhi India, Toronto Canada, Dublin Ireland, Berlin Germany, Singapore, Mexico City.

How To Make Partner is a trading name of Excedia Group Ltd.

Registered address and mailing address: Unit A, Angel Business Centre, 1 Luton Road, Toddington, Dunstable, Bedfordshire, England, LU5 6DE

Free Resources

I need help with.

About Us | Courses | Our Coaches | Testimonials | GDPR Policy | Privacy Statement

All Formats

Plan Templates

11+ network strategic plan templates – pdf.

If you’re going to open up your very own business or if you’re already running one, then you should know just how important it is that you’re able to forma and maintain relationships with other small businesses . This means that you will need to plan out what you’ll have to do in order to do just that.

• 44+ Strategic Plan Samples
• 40+ Strategic Plan Templates

4 Year Network Strategic Plan

Men’s Development Network Strategic Plan

Professional Network Strategic Plan

The Benefits of Coming Up With Forming a Relationship With Other Businesses

1. it provides more opportunities, 2. make deeper connections, 3. raising your profile, 4. positive influence, 5. the satisfaction of helping, sample youth network strategic plan.

Radio Network Strategic Plan

Strategic Plan or Management of Networks

Printable Network Strategic Plan

Health Network Strategic Plan

How to Create a Network Strategic Plan

1. make sure the partnership you enter can help with your goals, 2. know your business’s strengths, action network strategic plan.

Strategic Plan for Network Organization

Engineering Network Strategic Plan

IT Network Strategic Plan

3. See Which Businesses Are Capable of Helping You

4. come up with the action plans that will benefit you and your partners, more in plan templates.

Networking Cover Letter Template

Business networking whatsapp post template, business networking twitter post template, business networking tumblr post template, business networking pinterest pin template, business networking linkedin post template, business networking facebook post template, bi-fold networking brochure template, business networking business card template, business networking id card template.

• 7+ Financial Plan Templates
• 10+ Operational Plan Templates
• 9+ Training Plan Templates
• 5+ Shooting Schedule Template
• 11+ School Counselor Lesson Plan Templates in PDF | Word
• 9+ Interdisciplinary Lesson Plan Templates in PDF | MS Word
• 10+ Business Continuity Plan Templates in Google Docs | Ms Word | Pages | PDF
• 18+ Compensation Plan Templates in Google Docs | MS Word | Pages | PDF
• 10+ Executive Bonus Plan Templates in PDF
• 8+ Facility Management Plan Templates in PDF
• 10+ Diversity Recruitment Plan Templates in PDF | MS Word
• 11+ Audit Corrective Action Plan Templates in MS Word | Excel | PDF
• 9+ Recruitment Agency Marketing Plan Templates in PDF
• 10+ Recruitment Marketing Plan Templates in PDF | MS Word
• 10+ Student Recruitment Plan Templates in PDF | MS Word

File Formats

Word templates, google docs templates, excel templates, powerpoint templates, google sheets templates, google slides templates, pdf templates, publisher templates, psd templates, indesign templates, illustrator templates, pages templates, keynote templates, numbers templates, outlook templates.

• Customer Reviews
• Net 30 Account
• Wise Services
• Steps & Timeline
• Work at a Glance
• Market Research at a Glance
• Business Plan Writing Services
• Bank Business Plan
• Investor Business Plan
• Franchise Business Plan
• Cannabis Business Plan
• Strategic Business Plan
• Corporate Business Plan
• Merge and Acquisition Business Plan (M&A)
• Private Placement Memorandums (PPM)
• Sample Business Plans
• Professional Feasibility Study
• PowerPoint Presentations
• Pitch Deck Presentation Services
• Business Plan Printing
• Market Research
• L-1 Business Plan
• E-2 Business Plan
• EB-5 Business Plan
• EB-5 Regional Centers
• Immigration Attorneys
• Nonprofit Business Plan
• Exit Business Planning
• Business Planning
• Business Formation
• Business License
• Business Website
• Business Branding
• Business Bank Account
• Digital Marketing
• Business Funding Resources
• Small Business Loans
• Venture Capital
• Net 30 Apply

14 Professional Business Plan Samples [Downloadable pdf]

Looking for business plan examples for inspiration? Download or view 14 business plans examples/samples, vetted by our MBA business plan writers. Download in PDF format or read like a book. These real business plan samples would help in writing your own business plan.

View Real Business Plan Examples/Samples

As an entrepreneur, effectively pitching your idea to attract investors and secure funding can be a challenge. Moreover, when launching a business, creating a comprehensive business plan is paramount.

To aid you in these crucial tasks, we offer a collection of real-world and sample business plan examples across diverse industries. A well-structured business plan is indispensable in the fast-paced entrepreneurial landscape, as it delineates your goals, strategies, and financial projections, providing a clear roadmap for your venture.

Our aim is to facilitate the creation of an effective business plan by integrating real-life examples to elucidate the key elements involved. Below, you’ll find a range of 14 detailed business plan examples available for download and use.

Important Sections to Include in Business Plan

To create a robust business plan, ensure inclusion of the following key sections:

• Executive Summary: A brief snapshot of your business and the key highlights of your business plan. Read more
• Product and Services: An elaborate description of the offerings you will provide to your customers. Read more
• Marketing and Sales Plan: A strategic roadmap outlining how you intend to promote and market your business before, during, and after its launch. Read more
• Operating Planning: An explanation of the systems, processes, and tools necessary to efficiently run your business behind the scenes. Read more
• Organization and Management: Organization and management in a business plan outline the structure and leadership of the company. Read more
• Financial Plan: A comprehensive plan mapping out your short-term and long-term financial goals and the associated costs of running your business. If you require funding, this section is where you can outline your request and financial needs. Read more
• Key External Drivers: External drivers encompass factors like outsourcing, economic changes, industry competition, and business legislation complexity. Read more
• Startup Summary: The startup summary offers a comprehensive financial overview of , detailing expenses, asset value, and total requirements, crucial for transparency with entrepreneurs and investors. Read more
• Projected Industry Growth : Projected industry growth forecasts the sector’s expansion, offering a 10-year perspective and average annual growth rate, providing clarity to investors. Read more
• Break-even analysis: The break-even analysis visually presents key metrics and a 12-month revenue forecast to help stakeholders grasp the point where the business covers costs and starts generating profit . Read more
• Management Summary: The management summary provides a concise overview of organizational structure, key personnel, their roles, and financial commitments, ensuring stakeholders understand the business’s operational strength and leadership capability. Read more
• Financial Indicators: The financial indicators section evaluates organizational fiscal health, focusing on year-over-year profitability metrics, leverage ratios, liquidity ratios, and additional metrics, providing a comprehensive understanding of the business’s financial performance and efficiency in revenue generation from equity investments. Read more

Practical Business Plan Examples Illustrating Strategies for Startup Success

1. E-commerce Plan Sample or Example

Something Borrowed Something New is a burgeoning e-commerce enterprise specializing in wedding accessories and personalized gifts. Operating on a drop-shipping model, this business has the capability to make a significant impact in the market.

Moreover, leveraging social networking and blogging can be instrumental in generating awareness and capturing interest, thereby creating a robust online marketing strategy for Something Old and Something New.

To enhance their business operations, they are contemplating the integration of a WhatsApp CRM system. This initiative aims to optimize communication with potential customers, ensuring prompt responses to inquiries and fostering a seamless interaction process.

2. Online Marketplace Business Plan Example or Sample

EPlace Solutions will be an innovative online marketplace business portal offering a variety of products to consumers throughout the globe. Founded by Mr. John Jones, a seasoned business visionary with an eye toward profit and achievement, the organization is set to enter the market in 2023.

Online shopping is at an all-time high with new consumer mindsets calling for them to shop for the types of deals and bargains that will be so much a part of the online marketplace business model.

3. Snack Bar Business Plan Sample / Business Plan Example

There is an increasing demand for snack-type fast food to be consumed while window shopping and walking around inside a shopping mall.

Do you plan to start a snack bar business? Then here’s a complete snack bar startup business plan template and feasibility report you can use FREE of charge. It sounds easy to open a snack bar, but in reality, you need well-planned strategies to ensure that your business stands the test of time. 

Our snack bar business plan sample includes a detailed description of the products and services offered, as well as a market a nalysis  and competitive analysis.

It also includes a financial plan that outlines the startup costs, revenue projections, and break-even analysis. We like this sample plan because it demonstrates how to build a profitable snack bar business by creating a unique menu and offering healthy, high-quality snac ks that meet custome r demand.

Your snack shop business plan can look as polished and professional as the sample plan. It’s fun and easy, with Wise Business Plan. Let’s review the  snack shop business plan sample  and adjust them according to your audience for the best results.

4. Coffee Shop Business Plan Sample/Business Plan Example PDF

A coffee shop business plan is a document that outlines what your business idea is and how it will be implemented. Its purpose is to answer questions such as what it costs to start a coffee shop, how these costs will be financed, and how much money you can expect to earn from your cafe.

Are you looking for the right business plan for your cafe? Let’s review the  Coffee shop business plan sample  to find out how cloud-based software can make your day-to-day work more efficient.

Our coffee shop business plan sample includes a detailed description of the products and services offered, as well as a market analysis and competitive analysis.

It also includes a financial plan that outlines the startup costs, revenue projections, and break-even analysis. We like this sample plan because it demonstrates how to build a profitable coffee shop business by creating a unique brand and offering high-quality products a nd customer service.

5. Food Hall Business Plan Sample/Business Plan Example PDF

In the food industry, there is fierce competition. To ensure success, you need to hit the ground running with the right pitch. Our food house business plan is the ideal solution with an attractive design highlighting key information and conveying the right message.

This food business plan example features food images intended to tantalize the taste buds. It captures the theme perfectly and will convey the ultimate message to investors, clients and customers.

It is important to remember that the business plan template can be customized to meet your company’s specific needs and requirements. It will help showcase your business as a leader in the modern industry.

This food business plan template provides key slides to showcase everything from finances to marketing and key competitors. If you prefer, you can alter the content displayed to meet your specific needs, but this is a good starting point.

Ultimately, this  food house business plan  will be suitable for any business operating in the food industry and keen to get interested from key individuals. It will ensure that you can build up the rep of your company.

We provide a one-of-a-kind sales pitch deck designed to appeal to your prospective audience, as well as a custom presentation tailored to their information requirements.

6. Printing Shop Business Plan Sample/Business Plan Example Plan

When establishing a think tank, you will need to develop a business plan and document it properly. As a mass think tank, you need a special strategy to legalize the think tank as a non-profit organization and to raise funds for your project successfully.

Copy and print businesses offer a variety of services to both businesses and consumers. A copy and print shop can handle everything from single-page printing to large-volume jobs using several types of media.

Our printing shop business plan sample includes a detailed description of the products and services offered, as well as a market analysis and competitive analysis. It also includes a financial plan that outlines the startup costs, revenue projections, and break-even analysis. We like this sample plan because it demonstrates how to build a profitable printing shop business by offering high-quality, customized printing services with a focus on customer s ervice and efficient operations.

Let’s take a look at Printing and Photocopy Business Plan Sample that you can use to inspire your own and easily create one.

7. Acquisition Business Plan Sample/ Example PDF

The acquisition business plan sample is intended for businesses seeking to acquire another company or merge with a competitor. This plan includes an analysis of the target company, a valuation, and a strategy for integrating the acquired business into the existing operations. We like this sample plan because it provides a clear roadmap for the acquisition process and demonstrates the potential benefits of the deal.

8. L-1 Visa Business Plan Example with Sample PDF

At Wisebusinessplans, we understand that obtaining an L1 visa for an executive or manager requires a thorough and compelling business plan.

Our L1 business plan sample includes all the necessary components to satisfy USCIS requirements and demonstrate your qualifications and your company’s viability in the US market.

The L1 business plan sample is a comprehensive plan for a new business seeking L1 visa approval for an executive or manager. This plan focuses on demonstrating the applicant’s qualifications and the company’s viability in the US market.

We like this sample plan because it is specific to the L1 visa process and includes all the necessary components to satisfy USCIS requirements.

9. E-2 Visa Business Plan Sample/ Example PDF

If you’re an entrepreneur seeking E-2 visa approval, Wise Business Plans can help you create a persuasive business plan.

Our E-2 business plan sample outlines your investment, business operations, and financial projections, providing a clear and compelling case for your ability to successfully run a business and make a significant economic impact.

The E-2 business plan sample is designed for entrepreneurs seeking E-2 visa approval, which allows individuals to invest in and manage a business in the United States. This plan outlines the applicant’s investment, business operations, and financial projections. We like this sample plan because it provides a clear and compelling case for the applicant’s ability to successfully run a business and make a significant economic impact.

10. EB-5 Business Plan Sample/ Example PDF

If you’re looking to obtain an EB-5 visa by investing in a new commercial enterprise in the United States, Wise Business Plans can help you create a compelling business plan.

Our EB-5 business plan sample includes a description of your business, a market analysis, and financial projections, providing a detailed and persuasive case for the potential success of your venture.

The EB-5 business plan sample is designed for individuals seeking to obtain an EB-5 visa by investing in a new commercial enterprise in the United States. This plan includes a description of the business, a market analysis, and financial projections. We like this sample plan because it provides a detailed and persuasive case for the potential success of the business, which is crucial for obtaining EB-5 visa approval.

11. Investor Business Plan Sample/ Example PDF

If you’re seeking investment from angel investors, venture capitalists, or other private equity firms, Wise Business Plans can help you create a compelling pitch.

Our investor business plan sample includes a pitch deck, financial projections, and a detailed analysis of the market the potential return on investment and the scalability of your business.

The investor business plan sample is intended for businesses seeking to attract investment from angel investors, venture capitalists, or other private equity firms. This plan includes a pitch deck, financial projections, and a detailed analysis of the market opportunity. We like this sample plan because it emphasizes the potential return on investment and the scalability of the business.

12. Nonprofit Business Plan Sample/ Example PDF

At Wisebusinessplans, we’re committed to helping non-profit organizations achieve their social impact goals.

Our non-profit business plan sample includes a mission statement, programs and services, marketing and outreach strategies, and a financial analysis, providing a clear roadmap for establishing or expanding your organization.

The non-profit business plan sample is designed for organizations seeking to establish or expand a non-profit entity. This plan includes a mission statement, programs and services, marketing and outreach strategies, and a financial analysis. We like this sample plan because it demonstrates a strong commitment to social impact and outlines a clear strategy for achieving the organization’s goals.

13. Bank Business Plan Sample/ Example PDF

Whether you’re seeking financing from a bank or other financial institution, Wise Business Plans can help you create a detailed and persuasive business plan.

Our bank business plan sample includes a thorough financial analysis, market research, and a strategy for achieving profitability, highlighting the key factors that banks consider when evaluating loan applications.

The bank business plan sample is tailored for businesses seeking financing from a bank or other financial institution. This plan includes a detailed financial analysis, market research, and a strategy for achieving profitability. We like this sample plan because it highlights the key factors that banks consider when evaluating loan applications, and provides a strong case for the borrower’s ability to repay the loan.

14. Cannabis Business Plan Sample/ Example PDF

The cannabis industry is rapidly growing, and Wise Business Plans can help you enter it with confidence.

Our cannabis business plan sample includes a market analysis, operational strategy, and regulatory compliance a comprehensive overview of the unique challenges and opportunities in the industry and offering a clear roadmap for success.

The cannabis business plan sample is tailored for entrepreneurs seeking to enter the rapidly growing cannabis industry. This plan includes a market analysis, operational strategy, and regulatory compliance plan. We like this sample plan because it provides a comprehensive overview of the unique challenges and opportunities in the cannabis industry, and offers a clear roadmap for success.

Detailed Overview of Key Components of a Business Plan

1. executive summary.

The executive summary is a concise overview of your business plan, highlighting the key points of each section. It should capture the essence of your business, its mission, and the purpose of the business plan. This section should be written last, but it’s placed at the beginning of the business plan. Here is an example executive summary from our professional business plan written for Eplace Solution , an innovative e-commerce portal.

Tips for Writing Executive Summary

• Keep it brief and focused on key points.
• Clearly define the problem and your solution.
• Highlight market opportunities and growth potential.
• Showcase your team’s qualifications.
• Include financial projections.
• End with a clear call to action.
• Tailor it to your audience.
• Review and update regularly.

2. Company Overview or Description

In this section, provide a detailed description of your company, including its history, legal structure, location, and vision. Explain your mission statement and core values that guide your business decisions. Use real-life examples of successful companies and how their strong company descriptions have contributed to their growth. In addition, you can reuse your company description on your About page, Instagram page, or other properties that ask for a boilerplate description of your business.

This section also allows you to describe how you register your business . Here you must choose whether your business is a corporation, sole proprietorship, LLC , or another type of business .

Tips for Writing Company Description

• Describe your company’s mission and vision.
• Explain what your business does and the problems it solves.
• Mention your target market and customer base.
• Highlight your unique selling points.
• Provide a brief history and background.

3. Market Analysis

A market analysis analyzes how you are positioned in the market, who your target customers are, what your product or service will offer them, and industry trends. It might be useful to do a SWOT analysis to discover your strengths and weaknesses to identify market gaps that you may be able to exploit to build your business.

As part of your market research, you’ll also need to perform a competitive analysis. It will give you an idea of who your competition is and how to differentiate your brand. Here’s an example of a competitive analysis we did for a food business.

Tips for Writing Market Analysis

• Research and understand your industry thoroughly.
• Identify market trends and growth opportunities.
• Analyze your competitors and their strengths and weaknesses.
• Define your target audience and their needs.
• Include data and statistics to support your analysis.

4. Product and Services

Adding products and services to a business plan involves more than listing your company’s offerings. If you intend to gain funding or partner with another business, your products, and services section needs to demonstrate your company’s quality, value, and benefits.

Here’s an example of a product and service section in the business plan we wrote for an e-commerce business that offers wedding accessories.

Tips for Writing Product and Services

• Clearly describe your offerings and their features.
• Explain how your products/services address customer needs.
• Highlight any unique qualities or advantages.
• Discuss your pricing strategy.
• Mention any future product/service development plans.

Here is example of services section of a bank.

5. Marketing and Sales Plan

It is always a good idea to have a marketing plan before launching your business. A potential investor will want to know how you will advertise your business. Therefore, you should create a marketing plan that explains your planned promotion and customer acquisition strategies.

Discuss how you will make a sale. How will you attract customers and maximize their lifetime value? Ensure your marketing and sales forecasts align with your financial forecasts Marketing plans are usually based on the four Ps : product, price, place, and promotion. Breaking it down by marketing channels makes it easier. Discuss how you intend to market your business via blogs, email, social media, and word-of-mouth. Here is an example of marketing strategies we develop for a restaurant business.

Tips for Writing Marketing and Sales Plan

• Define your marketing goals and objectives.
• Outline your marketing strategies, including channels and tactics.
• Explain your sales strategy and target sales goals.
• Include a budget for marketing and sales activities.
• Discuss your sales team and their roles.
• Detail your customer acquisition and retention strategies.
• Mention any partnerships or collaborations for marketing and sales.

Example of marketing and sales plan section of a bank

6. Operation Planning

The operation plan should include all the steps needed to run the business in the long run. The plan should include details about logistics, duties for each department of the company, and responsibilities for the team.

The main aspect of running a business is its costs. Whether it’s machinery or services, each requires capital.

how to write an operation plan in a business plan

Tips for Writing Operational Planning

• Describe your day-to-day business operations.
• Explain your supply chain and production processes.
• Outline your facility and equipment requirements.
• Discuss your quality control and efficiency measures.
• Mention any legal and regulatory compliance considerations.
• Detail your staffing and management structure.
• Include contingency plans for potential disruptions.

7. Organization and Management

In this section, you can describe your current team and the people you need to hire. You will need to highlight your team’s relevant experience if you intend to seek funding. Basically, this is where you demonstrate that this team can be successful in starting and growing the business.

Tips for Writing Organization and Management Summary

• Introduce your leadership team and their roles.
• Highlight their relevant experience and qualifications.
• Explain your organizational structure and hierarchy.
• Discuss key personnel responsibilities and functions.
• Mention any plans for team growth or development.
• Address any advisory boards or external support.

Management summary of coffee shoppe business.

8. Financial Plan

A financial plan should include sales and revenue forecasts, profit and loss statements , cash flow statements , and balance sheets .

Now, if you plan to pitch investors or submit a loan application, you’ll also need a “use of funds” report. Here you outline how you plan to leverage any funding you might acquire for your business.

With our business templates , you can create your own income statement, cash flow statement, and balance sheet.

Tips for Writing Financial Plan

• Include detailed financial projections (income statement, cash flow, balance sheet).
• Explain your funding requirements and sources.
• Discuss your pricing and revenue model.
• Describe your expense management and cost controls.
• Mention any financial risks and mitigation strategies.
• Highlight key financial milestones and goals.

Financial highlights of foodShack business.

9. Key External Drivers

External drivers refer to the external factors or influences that significantly impact the activity and growth of an industry. These drivers include outsourcing of non-core activities, changes in economic activity, competition from other industries, and the complexity of business legislation.

Additionally, external drivers encompass the effects of changes in new business formation, especially among small businesses, which directly affect the demand for services within the industry.

Tips for writing key external drivers

• Identify and analyze current and emerging market trends in your industry.
• Assess potential positive or negative impacts these trends may have on your business.
• Evaluate broader economic conditions, including inflation rates, interest rates, and GDP growth.
• Elucidate how changes in economic conditions could influence consumer behavior, product demand, and overall cost structure.
• Outline key industry regulations and compliance requirements, discussing potential impacts on operations, costs, and market access.
• Highlight relevant technological advancements and explain their potential effects on your product or service offerings, operations, and competitiveness.
• Analyze current and potential future competitors, emphasizing the evolving competitive landscape’s impact on market share, pricing strategy, and overall business strategy.
• Consider social and cultural factors influencing consumer preferences and behaviors, exploring how societal changes can affect product demand.
• Evaluate environmental trends and regulations, discussing potential impacts on operations, supply chain, and customer perceptions.
• Assess political stability, government policies, and geopolitical factors, exploring potential risks and opportunities from political changes.
• Discuss global market conditions, analyzing how global economic trends, trade policies, and currency fluctuations may affect operations and expansion plans.
• Identify and discuss potential risks in the supply chain, such as disruptions, shortages, or geopolitical issues.
• Consider demographic shifts affecting your target market and discuss how changes may impact your customer base and marketing strategies.
• Highlight key legal and regulatory factors affecting the business, discussing potential legal challenges, compliance costs, and regulatory changes.
• Outline comprehensive risk management strategies, including contingency plans and risk mitigation strategies.
• Explain how you will monitor external drivers and emphasize the importance of staying agile and responsive to changes in the external environment.

10. Startup Summary

The startup summary serves as a comprehensive overview of essential financial aspects, encompassing total startup expenses, the overall value of startup assets, and the total requirements, which is the cumulative sum of all expenses and startup investments.

It provides a clear financial snapshot, outlining the costs involved in launching the business, the value of assets acquired, and the overall financial needs for the startup.

This section is crucial for entrepreneurs and potential investors, offering a transparent understanding of the financial foundation required to initiate and sustain the business successfully.

This roadmap ensures a realistic evaluation of the business idea, identifying potential challenges and offering solutions.To write an effective plan, focus on what sets your venture apart from competitors, maintain conciseness, and embrace flexibility as a living document.

Answer fundamental questions about your business, create actionable checklists, execute the plan, and continually revise and update based on experiences and feedback.This iterative process fosters continuous improvement, helping entrepreneurs stay adaptable and enhance their business strategies over time.

Tips for writing Startup Summary

• Clearly state the startup’s name and provide a concise description of its activities.
• Include a succinct mission statement capturing the startup’s purpose and goals, reflecting its core values.
• Specify the founding date and offer brief bios of key founders, highlighting relevant experience.
• Summarize the startup’s concept, explaining offered products or services and key distinguishing features.
• Clearly articulate the problem or need in the market that the startup addresses, defining the target audience.
• State what makes the startup unique, whether it’s a special feature, market gap, or competitive advantage.
• Provide a brief description of the market opportunity, covering target market size, trends, and growth prospects.
• Outline how the startup plans to generate revenue, detailing streams, pricing strategy, and potential partnerships.
• Offer a snapshot of the startup’s current status, highlighting key achievements such as product development or partnerships.
• If seeking funding, clearly state the amount sought and its allocation, covering areas like product development and marketing.
• Include a high-level financial summary with key projections for revenue, expenses, and profitability.
• Briefly outline future aspirations and plans, encompassing areas like expansion, product development, or strategic partnerships.

11. Projected Industry Growth

The projected industry growth is a pivotal aspect that forecasts the expansion of a specific sector over a defined timeframe.

For instance, it could provide an estimate of where that particular business will be standing in the next 10 years, and what will be the average annual growth rate of that industry.

This information provides prospective investors and stakeholders with a clear understanding of the industry’s potential and positions the startup within a dynamic and flourishing market.

Tips for writing Projected Industry Growth

• Emphasize the importance of industry trends and growth to your business.
• Provide a concise overview, including market size, major players, and recent trends.
• Briefly explain how you gathered data on industry growth projections (e.g., market research reports, expert interviews).
• Identify and discuss prevailing trends, such as technological advancements, changes in consumer behavior, and regulatory shifts.
• Summarize the industry’s historical growth, highlighting growth rates, market expansion, and notable milestones.
• Highlight key factors expected to drive industry growth, such as emerging markets, technological innovations, and demographic shifts.
• Discuss specific opportunities within the industry, including gaps in the market, underserved segments, or areas of competitive advantage.
• Acknowledge potential challenges or risks that could impact industry growth, demonstrating a realistic understanding.
• Present projections for future growth rates based on historical data, expert opinions, and your analysis. Include short-term and long-term projections.
• Discuss how key competitors are positioned to leverage industry growth, emphasizing your business’s differentiation strategies.
• Consider the regulatory landscape impacting growth, discussing anticipated changes and their potential effects on the industry.
• Explore international trends and their implications for industry growth, including factors like global economic conditions and geopolitical influences.

Here is example of market analysis section of a bank.

12. Break-even Analysis

The break-even analysis serves as a vital financial tool, offering a detailed estimation of key metrics such as Sales Revenue, Cost of Sales, Gross Profit, Fixed Expenses, and Income Before Tax.

These critical components are visually presented through a bar graph, providing a clear and concise overview of the financial dynamics.

Additionally, the break-even analysis delves into a 12-month forecast, outlining the projected amount of revenue generated and the corresponding fixed costs.

This section is instrumental in helping stakeholders understand the financial threshold at which the business covers its costs and begins to generate profit.

Tips for writing Break-even Analysis

• Define break-even analysis as a financial calculation where total revenue equals total costs.
• Identify constant costs regardless of production or sales levels.
• Enumerate and explain costs changing with production or sales.
• Present the break-even analysis formula, indicating the units needed to cover costs.
• Perform a practical break-even calculation using business-specific fixed costs, selling price, and variable cost per unit.
• Include a break-even chart or graph for a visual understanding of cost-revenue dynamics.
• Conduct a proactive sensitivity analysis to explore how changes in variables impact the break-even point.
• Specify the anticipated timeframe to reach the break-even point in terms of months or units sold.
• Clearly outline assumptions made in the analysis and provide justifications for transparency and credibility.
• Acknowledge potential risks or challenges that may affect the accuracy of the break-even analysis.
• Briefly mention contingency plans for difficulties in reaching the break-even point within the projected timeframe.

13. Management Summary

The management summary within the business plan provides a concise overview of the organizational structure and key personnel.

This includes a count of individuals, specifying the number of founders and operational team members integral to the organization.

The summary delves into the roles and responsibilities of each key figure, offering insights into the leadership dynamics driving the business.

Furthermore, the management summary sheds light on the financial aspect by presenting details about personal wages and payroll allocations for both founders and operational staff.

This comprehensive section ensures a clear understanding of the human resource framework and the financial commitments associated with the management team, crucial for stakeholders evaluating the business’s operational strength and leadership capability.

Tips for Writing Management Summary

• Highlighting the critical role the management team plays in the business’s success, the introduction emphasizes their significance.
• Listing each key member with names, positions, and brief role summaries introduces the core of the management team.
• Providing brief biographies for each team member underscores their relevant experience, skills, achievements, and industry-specific expertise.
• Clearly outlining roles and responsibilities emphasizes how each team member’s skills contribute to the overall success of the business.
• Sharing the team’s vision and strategy involves discussing key strategic goals and outlining the plans to achieve them.
• Highlighting notable achievements or milestones showcases the team members’ successful ventures, industry recognition, or career accomplishments.
• Discussing team dynamics emphasizes collaboration and the complementary nature of their skills in driving the business forward.
• Introducing advisory board members, if applicable, underscores the additional guidance and expertise they bring to the business.
• Discussing how the team plans to contribute to future growth and development includes strategies for talent acquisition, leadership development, and succession planning.
• Touching on the team’s culture and values emphasizes their role in shaping the overall ethos of the business.
• If seeking investment, briefly mentioning how the management team plans to use funding for business growth and development provides insight into their financial strategy.

Here is example of marketing and sales plan section of a bank.

14. Financial Indicators

The financial indicators section within the business plan helps in evaluating the fiscal health and performance of the organization.

Year-after-year profitability estimates take center stage, encompassing key metrics such as gross margin, net profit margin, and EBITDA to revenue.

These indicators provide a comprehensive understanding of the business’s ability to generate profit relative to its revenue.

Furthermore, the financial indicators extend to leverage ratios, including the critical Debt to Equity ratio, Debt to Assets ratio, and Interest Coverage ratio.

These metrics illuminate the organization’s capital structure, debt management, and its capacity to meet interest obligations.

Liquidity ratios includes the Current Ratio and Current Debt to Total Asset Ratio.

These ratios provide insights into the company’s short-term financial health and its ability to meet immediate obligations.

The financial indicator toolbox is enriched with additional metrics, notably the Revenue to Equity ratio, which sheds light on the efficiency of generating revenue from equity investments.

Tips For Writing Financial Indicators

• Detailed revenue forecasts for the next 3-5 years. Breakdown by product/service and geographical regions.
• Detailed breakdown of anticipated expenses. Include fixed and variable costs, operational expenses, and other relevant expenditures.
• Historical P&L statements if available. Projected future profits and losses based on revenue and expense projections.
• Outline of expected cash inflows and outflows. Emphasis on the ability to meet short-term obligations.
• Snapshot of the company’s financial position. Includes assets, liabilities, and equity.
• Calculation and presentation of key financial ratios (liquidity, solvency, profitability). Discussion on the significance of these ratios.
• Identification and explanation of relevant KPIs. Highlighting alignment with the overall business strategy.
• Discussion of potential financial risks. Mitigation strategies and addressing uncertainties.
• Clear statement of the amount and purpose of funds required.
• Outline of key assumptions underlying financial projections. Rationale for these assumptions.
• Summary of industry financial trends and business positioning. Outlook on future financial prospects considering market dynamics.

Discover Business Plan Formats and Free Templates

Looking For The Right Business Plan Format?

These sample business plans will provide you with a complete structure and format for your business plan, which will give you a head start on developing your document, so you won’t be stuck seeing an empty page and wondering what to write.

Simply going through the process of writing a business plan is one of its key benefits. If you sit down to write, you’ll naturally think about your startup costs, your target market , and any market analysis or research you’ll need to conduct. In addition to defining your position among your competitors, you will establish your goals and milestones.

You can see what should be included in a sample financial plan, but It is wrong to assume that a sample company’s financial projections will fit your own. If you need more resources to get you started, we recommend this guide on how to write a business plan .

In addition, you can download our 40+ free business plan templates covering a range of industries.

Business Plan Examples For Students PDF

Common types of business plan, 1. one page business plan.

One-page business plans are short, compact, and to the point and are designed to make the plan easy to read at a glance. Make sure to include all of the sections, but truncate and summarize them

2. Start-up business plan

Start-up business plans are for businesses that are just getting started. They are usually developed to secure outside funding. In this regard, financials are of increased importance, as well as other sections that determine whether your business idea is viable, such as market research.

3. Strategic business plan

A strategic business plan lays out a company’s goals and how it will achieve them at a high level. It is a foundational document for the company as a whole. A strategic business plan allows all levels of the business to see the big picture, inspiring employees to work together to reach the company’s goals.

4. Feasibility business plan

Developing a feasibility plan answers two primary questions about a business venture: who would purchase the service or product the company wants to sell, and if the venture is profitable.

5. Internal business plan

Internal Business plans are geared to a specific audience within a company to keep your team on the same page and focused on the same goals.

Conclusion​

In conclusion, whether you’re venturing into a traditional business or creating an innovative startup, the significance of a well-crafted business plan cannot be overstated. Different types of business plans cater to specific needs, from internal alignment to strategic expansion. Employing a template in MS Word ensures a polished presentation. The process of writing an executive summary, creating a plan, and defining the components of your business plan is essential.

Recognizing the need for a comprehensive and standard business plan can help guide your endeavors. Whether you choose to write a full business plan or opt for a one-page business overview, leveraging templates in MS Word can simplify the process. In essence, understanding the types of business plans and utilizing an executive summary template provides a structured approach to showcase your business overview.

Take inspiration from example business plans to tailor your strategy, ensuring a roadmap for success in the dynamic world of entrepreneurship. Always remember, a meticulously crafted business plan not only communicates your vision effectively but also serves as a valuable resource that can help secure investments and guide your business’s growth trajectory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Begin with an executive summary, delve into market analysis, outline your strategies, create financial projections, and use available business plan examples as templates to guide your writing.

A comprehensive business plan template should encompass key sections such as an executive summary, business description, market analysis, marketing strategy, organizational structure, and financial projections. Seek templates online that cover these elements.

Tailor your business plan to the scale of your small business. Define your objectives clearly, outline cost-effective strategies, and emphasize agility in adapting to market changes.

Explore well-crafted business plan examples you can visit our website  wisebusinessplan.

The fundamental components include an executive summary, business description, market analysis, marketing and sales strategy, organizational structure, product/service description, and financial projections.

Investors focus on growth potential, detailed financial projections, market analysis, competition analysis, and the qualifications and experience of your management team when reviewing a business plan.

To find a business plan example for a tech startup,you can visit our visit wisebusinessplan .

A business plan provides a comprehensive overview of your entire business, including strategies, operations, and financials. In contrast, a business proposal typically focuses on a specific project or offer, outlining the details and benefits to a potential client.

Craft an engaging executive summary by summarizing your business’s mission, highlighting the market opportunity, showcasing your product or service, and providing a concise overview of your financial projections.

Seek tailored business plan examples for nonprofit organizations you can visit wisebusinessplan .

Download Pack of 14 Business Plan Examples

These business plans are written by MBA writers. Real-world use cases were used in these plans.

Are you looking for Top Business Plan Writer?

Get our business plan writing and consultation service.

Quick Links

• Investor Business Plans
• M&A Business Plan
• Private Placement
• Feasibility Study
• Hire a Business Plan Writer
• Business Valuation Calculator
• Business Plan Examples
• Real Estate Business Plan
• Business Plan Template
• Business Plan Pricing Guide
• Business Plan Makeover
• SBA Loans, Bank Funding & Business Credit
• Finding & Qualifying for Business Grants
• Leadership for the New Manager
• Content Marketing for Beginners
• All About Crowdfunding
• EB-5 Regional Centers, A Step-By-Step Guide
• Logo Designer
• Landing Page
• PPC Advertising

• Business Entity
• Business Licensing
• Virtual Assistant
• Business Phone
• Business Address
• E-1 Visa Business Plan
• EB1-A Visa Business Plan
• EB1-C Visa Business Plan
• EB2-NIW Business Plan
• H1B Visa Business Plan
• O1 Visa Business Plan
• Business Brokers
• Merger & Acquisition Advisors
• Franchisors

Proud Sponsor of

• 1-800-496-1056

• (613) 800-0227

• +44 (1549) 409190

• +61 (2) 72510077

Download 14 Professional Business Plan Samples

Your Full Name

Free PDF Business Plan Templates and Samples

By Joe Weller | September 9, 2020

• Share on Facebook
• Share on LinkedIn

Link copied

We’ve gathered the most useful collection of business plan PDF templates and samples, including options for organizations of any size and type.

On this page, you’ll find free PDF templates for a simple business plan , small business plan , startup business plan , and more.

Simple Business Plan PDF Templates

These simple business plan PDF templates are ready to use and customizable to fit the needs of any organization.

Simple Business Plan Template PDF

This template contains a traditional business plan layout to help you map out each aspect, from a company overview to sales projections and a marketing strategy. This template includes a table of contents, as well as space for financing details that startups looking for funding may need to provide. 

Download Simple Business Plan Template - PDF

Lean Business Plan Template PDF

This scannable business plan template allows you to easily identify the most important elements of your plan. Use this template to outline key details pertaining to your business and industry, product or service offerings, target customer segments (and channels to reach them), and to identify sources of revenue. There is also space to include key performance metrics and a timeline of activities. 

Download Lean Business Plan Template - PDF

Simple 30-60-90 Day Business Plan Template PDF

This template is designed to help you develop and implement a 90-day business plan by breaking it down into manageable chunks of time. Use the space provided to detail your main goals and deliverables for each timeframe, and then add the steps necessary to achieve your objectives. Assign task ownership and enter deadlines to ensure your plan stays on track every step of the way.

Download Simple 30-60-90 Day Business Plan Template

PDF | Smartsheet

One-Page Business Plan PDF Templates

The following single page business plan templates are designed to help you download your key ideas on paper, and can be used to create a pitch document to gain buy-in from partners, investors, and stakeholders.

One-Page Business Plan Template PDF

Use this one-page template to summarize each aspect of your business concept in a clear and concise manner. Define the who, what, why, and how of your idea, and use the space at the bottom to create a SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) for your business. 

Download One-Page Business Plan Template

If you’re looking for a specific type of analysis, check out our collection of SWOT templates .

One-Page Lean Business Plan PDF

This one-page business plan template employs the Lean management concept, and encourages you to focus on the key assumptions of your business idea. A Lean plan is not stagnant, so update it as goals and objectives change — the visual timeline at the bottom is ideal for detailing milestones. 

Download One-Page Lean Business Plan Template - PDF

One-Page 30-60-90 Day Business Plan Template

Use this business plan template to identify main goals and outline the necessary activities to achieve those goals in 30, 60, and 90-day increments. Easily customize this template to fit your needs while you track the status of each task and goal to keep your business plan on target. 

Download One-Page 30-60-90 Day Business Plan Template

For additional single page plans, including an example of a one-page business plan , visit " One-Page Business Plan Templates with a Quick How-To Guide ."

Small Business Plan PDF Templates

These business plan templates are useful for small businesses that want to map out a way to meet organizational objectives, including how to structure, operate, and expand their business.

Simple Small Business Plan Template PDF

A small business can use this template to outline each critical component of a business plan. There is space to provide details about product or service offerings, target audience, customer reach strategy, competitive advantage, and more. Plus, there is space at the bottom of the document to include a SWOT analysis. Once complete, you can use the template as a basis to build out a more elaborate plan. 

Download Simple Small Business Plan Template

Fill-In-the-Blank Small Business Plan Template PDF

This fill-in-the-blank template walks you through each section of a business plan. Build upon the fill-in-the-blank content provided in each section to add information about your company, business idea, market analysis, implementation plan, timeline of milestones, and much more.

Download Fill-In-the-Blank Small Business Plan Template - PDF

One-Page Small Business Plan Template PDF

Use this one-page template to create a scannable business plan that highlights the most essential parts of your organization’s strategy. Provide your business overview and management team details at the top, and then outline the target market, market size, competitive offerings, key objectives and success metrics, financial plan, and more.

Download One-Page Business Plan for Small Business - PDF

Startup Business Plan PDF Templates

Startups can use these business plan templates to check the feasibility of their idea, and articulate their vision to potential investors.

Startup Business Plan Template

Use this business plan template to organize and prepare each essential component of your startup plan. Outline key details relevant to your concept and organization, including your mission and vision statement, product or services offered, pricing structure, marketing strategy, financial plan, and more.

‌Download Startup Business Plan Template

Sample 30-60-90 Day Business Plan for Startup

Startups can use this sample 30-60-90 day plan to establish main goals and deliverables spanning a 90-day period. Customize the sample goals, deliverables, and activities provided on this template according to the needs of your business. Then, assign task owners and set due dates to help ensure your 90-day plan stays on track.

‌Download Sample 30-60-90 Day Business Plan for Startup Template 

For additional resources to create your plan, visit “ Free Startup Business Plan Templates and Examples .”

Nonprofit Business Plan PDF Templates

Use these business plan PDF templates to outline your organization’s mission, your plan to make a positive impact in your community, and the steps you will take to achieve your nonprofit’s goals.

Nonprofit Business Plan Template PDF

Use this customizable PDF template to develop a plan that details your organization’s purpose, objectives, and strategy. This template features a table of contents, with room to include your nonprofit’s mission and vision, key team and board members, program offerings, a market and industry analysis, promotional plan, financial plan, and more. This template also contains a visual timeline to display historic and future milestones.

Download Nonprofit Business Plan Template - PDF

One-Page Business Plan for Nonprofit Organization PDF 

This one-page plan serves as a good starting point for established and startup nonprofit organizations to jot down their fundamental goals and objectives. This template contains all the essential aspects of a business plan in a concise and scannable format, including the organizational overview, purpose, promotional plan, key objectives and success metrics, fundraising goals, and more.

Download One-Page Business Plan for Nonprofit Organization Template - PDF

Fill-In-the-Blank Business Plan PDF Templates

Use these fill-in-the-blank templates as a foundation for creating a comprehensive roadmap that aligns your business strategy with your marketing, sales, and financial goals.

Simple Fill-In-the-Blank Business Plan PDF

The fill-in-the-blank template contains all the vital parts of a business plan, with sample content that you can customize to fit your needs. There is room to include an executive summary, business description, market analysis, marketing plan, operations plan, financial statements, and more. 

Download Simple Fill-In-the-Blank Business Plan Template - PDF

Lean Fill-In-the-Blank Business Plan PDF

This business plan is designed with a Lean approach that encourages you to clarify and communicate your business idea in a clear and concise manner. This single page fill-in-the-blank template includes space to provide details about your management team, the problem you're solving, the solution, target customers, cost structure, and revenue streams. Use the timeline at the bottom to produce a visual illustration of key milestones. 

Download Fill-In-the-Blank Lean Business Plan Template - PDF

For additional resources, take a look at " Free Fill-In-the-Blank Business Plan Templates ."

Sample Business Plan PDF Templates

These sample business plan PDF templates can help you to develop an organized, thorough, and professional business plan.

Business Plan Sample 

This business plan example demonstrates a plan for a fictional food truck company. The sample includes all of the elements in a traditional business plan, which makes it a useful starting point for developing a plan specific to your business needs.

Download Basic Business Plan Sample - PDF

Sample Business Plan Outline Template

Use this sample outline as a starting point for your business plan. Shorten or expand the outline depending on your organization’s needs, and use it to develop a table of contents for your finalized plan.

Download Sample Business Plan Outline Template - PDF

Sample Business Financial Plan Template

Use this sample template to develop the financial portion of your business plan. The template provides space to include a financial overview, key assumptions, financial indicators, and business ratios. Complete the break-even analysis and add your financial statements to help prove the viability of your organization’s business plan.

Download Business Financial Plan Template

PDF  | Smartsheet

For more free, downloadable templates for all aspects of your business, check out “ Free Business Templates for Organizations of All Sizes .”

Improve Business Planning with Real-Time Work Management in Smartsheet

Empower your people to go above and beyond with a flexible platform designed to match the needs of your team — and adapt as those needs change. 

The Smartsheet platform makes it easy to plan, capture, manage, and report on work from anywhere, helping your team be more effective and get more done. Report on key metrics and get real-time visibility into work as it happens with roll-up reports, dashboards, and automated workflows built to keep your team connected and informed. 

When teams have clarity into the work getting done, there’s no telling how much more they can accomplish in the same amount of time.  Try Smartsheet for free, today.

Discover why over 90% of Fortune 100 companies trust Smartsheet to get work done.

Choose from 550+ free, downloadable sample business plans.

Search Sample Business Plans

The quickest way to turn a business idea into a business plan

Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy.

No thanks, I prefer writing 40-page documents.

Discover the world’s #1 plan building software

How it works

Transform your enterprise with the scalable mindsets, skills, & behavior change that drive performance.

Explore how BetterUp connects to your core business systems.

We pair AI with the latest in human-centered coaching to drive powerful, lasting learning and behavior change.

Build leaders that accelerate team performance and engagement.

Unlock performance potential at scale with AI-powered curated growth journeys.

Build resilience, well-being and agility to drive performance across your entire enterprise.

Transform your business, starting with your sales leaders.

Unlock business impact from the top with executive coaching.

Foster a culture of inclusion and belonging.

Accelerate the performance and potential of your agencies and employees.

See how innovative organizations use BetterUp to build a thriving workforce.

Discover how BetterUp measurably impacts key business outcomes for organizations like yours.

Daring Leadership Institute: a groundbreaking partnership that amplifies Brené Brown's empirically based, courage-building curriculum with BetterUp’s human transformation platform.

• What is coaching?

Learn how 1:1 coaching works, who its for, and if it's right for you.

Accelerate your personal and professional growth with the expert guidance of a BetterUp Coach.

Types of Coaching

Navigate career transitions, accelerate your professional growth, and achieve your career goals with expert coaching.

Enhance your communication skills for better personal and professional relationships, with tailored coaching that focuses on your needs.

Find balance, resilience, and well-being in all areas of your life with holistic coaching designed to empower you.

Discover your perfect match : Take our 5-minute assessment and let us pair you with one of our top Coaches tailored just for you.

Find your coach

Research, expert insights, and resources to develop courageous leaders within your organization.

Best practices, research, and tools to fuel individual and business growth.

View on-demand BetterUp events and learn about upcoming live discussions.

The latest insights and ideas for building a high-performing workplace.

• BetterUp Briefing

The online magazine that helps you understand tomorrow's workforce trends, today.

Innovative research featured in peer-reviewed journals, press, and more.

Founded in 2022 to deepen the understanding of the intersection of well-being, purpose, and performance

We're on a mission to help everyone live with clarity, purpose, and passion.

Join us and create impactful change.

Read the buzz about BetterUp.

Meet the leadership that's passionate about empowering your workforce.

For Business

For Individuals

Create a networking plan in 7 easy steps

Jump to section

What’s a networking plan?

The importance of networking in the workplace, creating a networking plan: 7 steps, tips to improve your networking skills, enjoy a more connected future.

Sure, you can climb the corporate ladder independently, especially if you have talent, charisma, and motivation to spare . But you’ll be increasingly successful (and have more fun) if you have a professional network of friends, colleagues, and coaches at your side.

Building this professional network takes more than positive energy and being vocal about your job search . To re-establish business relationships and ensure people think of you when opportunities arise, you need a networking plan that defines your professional goals and compiles social support.

A networking plan outlines your career goals and everything you need to do networking-wise to achieve them. These plans typically include the following information: 

Professional goals: This could be anything from a new job to a promotion or raise . 

Networking goals: Here you’d define networking-specific goals, like gaining five more LinkedIn followers each week or speaking to three strangers at your next event. 

An assessment of your network: Evaluate existing contacts to identify your network’s strengths and any gaps. Your network shouldn’t be exclusively based on current colleagues if you want to find a new employer, for example, meaning that’s a gap you need to fill. 

A network wish list: Identify individuals whose addition to your network will help you reach your career goals. This might be a role model, advocate, or career coach . 

Everything’s easier with support. When you cultivate relationships — professionally and personally — you increase the likelihood these people think of you when opportunities arise. You also build a support system for when things get tough, like if you’re laid off or fired . 

Some great benefits of networking include: 

• Finding new job opportunities: According to a survey by hiring expert Lou Adler, 85% of jobs are filled via networking . Even when not executing a job search, your network can notify you of unexpected opportunities that advance your career. And when you refer a candidate for an open position, you save your employer 40% of the time it takes to hire for the role .
• Boosting creativity: Exchanging ideas with your network, sharing insights, and discussing trends add to your existing knowledge base and shift your perspective. These conversations catalyze innovation and creative problem-solving , benefiting all who participate.
• Demonstrating your skills: By demonstrating your skills and expertise during networking activities, you become familiar with each other’s strengths. Network members know who to recommend when someone needs professional services, and you can do the same for them.

Creating a career roadmap: You might think you have all the qualifications necessary to succeed, but with a well-rounded network, you can review your competencies against others on the same path.

By discussing credentials, you could discover valuable learning opportunities for professional development to take your career path in a new and exciting direction.

• Establishing a support system: When you network, you’re not only building a list of contacts — you’re establishing a community. And that community can become an essential source of mutual support when you face professional challenges.

Increasing brand awareness: Whether you’re an experienced entrepreneur or just starting your first solo business , networking can help you build brand awareness so more people know about your offering.

Even if the contacts you’re approaching don’t convert to customers, they might keep you in mind when someone in their circle complains about an issue your product or service solves. 

• Building confidence: Networking forces you to face any nerves you have about attending social events, talking to new people, or asking for help. With practice, you gain the confidence to do things that might’ve made you nervous in the past, like giving a presentation at work or cold connecting on LinkedIn .

Your networking plan should be a well-informed, step-by-step roadmap that outlines relevant goals and what you need to do to achieve them within a set time frame. Here’s a seven-step guide to creating this roadmap. 

1. Cultivate the proper mindset 

Make sure you’re framing your networking efforts as a positive experience. Otherwise, the time and effort you’re about to spend might not feel worthwhile, and you could quit early or resent the process.

Instead, remember that this is an exciting opportunity to meet new people, cultivate deeper relationships , and discover growth opportunities. And if your more negative thoughts stem from imposter syndrome, meaning you feel you’re not good enough or don’t deserve help, try practicing affirmations for imposter syndrome such as “I am a strong and capable person” or “I am worthy of my achievements.”

2. Evaluate your current network

Considering existing professional connections, ask yourself the following: 

What are my professional goals?

How can the people in my network help me?

What value do I bring to my network? 

Are there any connections I should avoid (like with a difficult coworker , for example)?

What benefits does my network offer?

Is my network well-balanced and representative of my goals and industry?

Is there anyone else I can include who can contribute to my success?

The answer to these questions will help you identify gaps among your contacts and relationships requiring particular care and attention.

3. Create your wish list

Now that you’ve identified gaps, consider how to fill them. If no one comes to mind, think about where you might find these sorts of professionals, like LinkedIn communities or professional events you could attend. 

You should also include a section defining how you’d like to build upon already existing connections. Perhaps you’re acquaintances with an old coworker, for example, and would like to make this person an integral part of your network. 

4. Set networking goals

Based on your professional priorities, create a list of networking goals using the SMART framework (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely). Here’s an example of how you’d use this goal-setting method:

Step 1: Within the next [time period] I’ll [describe action] so that [career benefit]. I’ll know I’m making progress because of [outcome]. Example: By next month, I’ll contact five or more industry experts who can advise me on my professional development. I’ll have at least one informational interview to discuss my career’s next steps.

Step 2: To reach my goal, I’ll [list actionable items]. Example: I’ll meet industry experts to add to my network by attending my professional association’s next social event and one industry conference.

5. Prepare to connect

Once you’ve defined a list of people you’d like to connect with and how these relationships can help you reach your career goals, work on any verbal or nonverbal communication skills that may need improvement.

If you’re particularly nervous about starting conversations with strangers , for example, you could practice in settings where you feel the least intimidated, perhaps at a party or in a café.

Or maybe you’re uncomfortable when asking for help. You could start by requesting small favors from people you trust, like a friend or family member, and building this comfort before asking other professionals. 

6. Find a networking partner 

Everything’s easier with support — even networking itself. Ask friends and close coworkers if any of them are hoping to work on their networking skills and build a more robust professional community.

You can join forces to attend events, research wish list contacts, and discuss progress. Who knows — perhaps this partner will hear about an opportunity through their networking efforts that benefit you and vice versa. 

7. Go for it

It’s time to put yourself out there and reach out to wish list members. If you can’t meet in person, use a social media platform like LinkedIn, email, or phone calls to introduce yourself .

Explain who you are, what you do, and why you’re contacting. Keep your message brief and genuine, and remember to follow up once if you don’t receive a reply. 

Feeling nervous about networking is totally understandable. You’re putting yourself out there — talking to strangers, attending big events, asking for help — and that’s intimidating. But don’t let your fears hold you back .

Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your networking experiences:

Practice gratitude: Whether it’s a one-on-one meeting or a financial investment in your latest venture, always express your gratitude for people’s help and reciprocate when you can. 

Prepare for each interaction: Effective networking requires preparation. Before heading out to an event or meeting, brainstorm a list of topics or questions to jump-start a conversation . If you know some wish list contacts will be there, research where you have common ground to help you two connect.

Stay organized: Create a calendar to keep track of networking events and use it to document the people you’ve met and when to follow up with contacts.

Don’t give up: Not every attempt to forge a new relationship will be successful. That’s OK. People are busy, and some contacts might even feel threatened by you . Don’t take it personally, and keep working toward your networking goals. Be consistent and you’ll see results.

Yes, executing a networking plan is about professional development. But it’s also about building a sense of belonging . You’re connecting with like-minded industry professionals, learning from them, and enjoying any opportunities they send you.

And you can do the same for them as you advance in your career. In the end, you’ve created a community of people focused on cultivating a growth mindset and continuously learning . And nothing’s better for your holistic development than that.

Understand Yourself Better:

Big 5 Personality Test

Elizabeth Perry, ACC

Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

6 networking tips to help you make a lasting impression

What is networking and why is it so important, 20 examples of development opportunities that can level up your career, 10 essential negotiation skills to help you get what you want, build the career you want. these 12 books will show you how, 3 stand-out professional bio examples to inspire your own, ace your first day on the job with 15 confidence-building tips, 10 personal brand statements to put all eyes on you, discover how professional coaching can boost your career growth, 8 linkedin networking message templates to help you connect with anyone, tired of playing it safe learn how to take risks that pay off, going somewhere write the 5-year plan you need to achieve it, 20+ tips for how to get better at networking even if you are shy, find out how to build a network from scratch, weak ties vs strong ties: why they both matter, 7 networking email templates to make virtual connections easier, stay connected with betterup, get our newsletter, event invites, plus product insights and research..

3100 E 5th Street, Suite 350 Austin, TX 78702

• Platform Overview
• Integrations
• Powered by AI
• BetterUp Lead™
• BetterUp Manage™
• BetterUp Care®
• Sales Performance
• Diversity & Inclusion
• Case Studies
• Why BetterUp?
• About Coaching
• Find your Coach
• Career Coaching
• Communication Coaching
• Personal Coaching
• News and Press
• Leadership Team
• Become a BetterUp Coach
• BetterUp Labs
• Center for Purpose & Performance
• Leadership Training
• Business Coaching
• Contact Support
• Contact Sales
• Privacy Policy
• Acceptable Use Policy
• Trust & Security
• Cookie Preferences

Access our library of 130 Business Templates

Wow you’ve unlocked access to our library of 130 business templates.

Get started by checking out some of our top business templates:

Featured business templates

Weekly Schedule Template

Tracking employees’ work time and wages is easy with this free weekly schedule template.

Monthly Report

Provide a professional, concise summary of project activities with this monthly report template.

One Page Business Plan

Need to write a business plan but don’t know where to begin? Download our free 1-page business plan ...

6 Free Business Plans | PDF Templates & Examples

All business plans | pdf business templates..

Showing 1 - 6 of 6

Business Case

Executive Summary Template

Simple Business Plan Template

Startup Business Plan Template

Strategic Planning

Explore template collections.

Customer Service

Spreadsheets

Get all Business Plans | PDF templates and more.

9+ SAMPLE Network Project Proposal in PDF

Network project proposal, 9+ sample network project proposal, what is a network project proposal, elements of a network project proposal, steps in writing a network project proposal, how long should a proposal for a project be, what is the purpose of a network report, what purpose does network design serve.

Network Project Proposal Template

Computer Network Final Project Proposal

Network of Infrastructure Project Proposal

Network Project Proposal in PDF

Content Delivery Network Project Proposal

Food Network Project Proposal

Local Area Network Project Proposal

Basic Network Project Proposal

Wide Area Network Project Proposal

Virtual Network Project Proposal

Step 1: define the issue at hand., step 2: make your case for your solution., step 3: define the deliverables and success criteria that will be used., step 4: make a plan and stick to it., step 5: create a schedule and a budget for yourself., step 6: summary and a conclusion, share this post on your network, you may also like these articles, title project proposal.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the essentials of crafting an effective Title Project Proposal. Whether you're applying for a grant, pitching a new project, or seeking approval…

25+ SAMPLE Construction Company Proposal in MS Word

Navigating the intricate world of construction demands a seasoned company with a proven track record. Our comprehensive guide on the Construction Company Proposal is your blueprint to understanding the…

browse by categories

• Questionnaire
• Description
• Reconciliation
• Certificate
• Spreadsheet

Information

• privacy policy
• Terms & Conditions

Marketing Business Plan

A marketing business plan refers to a document detailing how you will implement your marketing strategies, and often covers a specific duration of time. This document explains not only your current situation but also your future plans. If writing a marketing business plan scares you, the efficiency of using a marketing business plan template is sure to appeal to you.

To help in your planning process, we’ve provided 11+ templates below, and they are specifically designed for marketing. Also, you can check out these sales and marketing business plan samples .

Marketing Business Plan Examples & Templates

1. digital marketing business plan.

• Google Docs

Size: A4 & US

If you want to create a comprehensive marketing plan for your digital campaign, you might be served well by this template. It contains sections for media relations, online marketing plan, trade shows and events, sales campaigns, and other branding efforts. The template helps you to identify objectives, as well as the target market and a summation of costs. It makes creating a business plan for your marketing department very easy.

2. Sample Marketing Business Plan

This sample marketing plan template enables you to plan your marketing activities for the year and track your goals on a month-by-month basis. The template is comprehensive and covers all activities of marketing like advertising, research, online marketing and research. The template is available on instant download and lets you prepare a professional document that will get the nod of your bosses.

3. Marketing Agency Business Plan

This marketing agency business plan is professionally designed and created, and offers the best guide to use when drawing your own plan. It covers all the types of promotional activities for the year, as well as the goals. With this template, it’s much easier to write your own plan than starting from scratch. The template is easily editable and is compatible with Google Docs, Word and Pages. Download it today to experience the stress-free way of writing a marketing business plan. Also, see these market analysis business plan examples .

4. Small Business Marketing Plan Template

Even as small as your business is, it needs a marketing plan. But how do you create yours? Thankfully, this readymade template is designed exactly for people like you. Featuring the standard layout and structure, the plan gives you a formal way to draft your plan fast and hassle-freely. Also, the template gives you lots of room to modify the document so you have a marketing plan that’s tailored to your specific needs.

5. Business Consultant Marketing Plan Template

A well prepared marketing plan can act as your organization’s roadmap. Therefore, taking your time to compile a formal plan, instead of relying on vague or esoteric strategy, can accelerate your marketing effort’s overall success. This template is professionally created and offers the perfect guide for writing your own plan. It comes in a PDF document file that you can download instantly, and is also easily editable without requiring special programs. Download it today to realize the many benefits this template brings.

6. Marketing Plan for Small Business

Of course, writing a marketing plan for your business requires a lot of effort and time. Therefore, if you are pressed for time but want to create a professional-looking document to guide your marketing activities for the year, just use this template. It simplifies the process of preparing a marketing plan, and also ensures that you end up with a high-quality document. It is accessible on instant download and comes in a PDF document file that you can easily edit and customize.

7. Marketing Business Plan

Size: 22 KB

Using this marketing business plan template has many benefits. It saves time, enhances communication within the marketing team and provides organization. But the biggest benefit is how it makes the process of creating a business plan so easy. Since it covers almost everything, your only task will be adding the requested details. You will be done before you know it.

8. Marketing Department Business Plan

Size: 96 KB

This detailed, thoroughly researched and professionally created marketing department business plan template offers great insights into how your document should be like when it is finished. It is properly proofed and comprehensive meaning it doesn’t have any mistakes and also doesn’t leave anything out. When you use this template, you can be sure that you will end up with a document that meets the highest standards.

9. Market Business Plan Assessment

Size: 246 KB

The list of things involved in creating a marketing business plan look quite detailed, but thanks to this template, you won’t have to remember each one of them. This is because they are already covered in the template, and you only have to provide information. The template will walk you through the process, and you won’t think like you need any help. It is comprehensive and therefore there is no chance that you can forget an important element.

 10. Sales Marketing Business Plan

This sales marketing business template helps to ease your work of creating a marketing business plan. It comes prefilled with all the important elements of a marketing plan, and your only work will be to plug in your details. Available on instant download, this template is easily editable and you can customize it so that it matches your exact campaign. Download the template today and enjoy stress-free generation of high-quality marketing business plan.

11. Marketing Business Planning Sample

Size: 165 KB

A marketing plan is central to your marketing strategy. It guides you on how to go about the different promotional activities and within what timeframe. But the problem often is that drawing up this document is tedious and takes a lot of time. With this template however, you can be done generating a professional-grade business marketing plan in only a couple of minutes. It does pretty much everything for you. Download the template today to discover the smarter way of creating quality marketing plans.

12. Financial Marketing Business Plan

Size: 29 KB

When you need to create a marketing business plan, you don’t always have to go the tedious, time-consuming and boring route. Thanks to this template, you can generate formal document to act as a guide on how your marketing strategies will be implemented. The template can be downloaded easily from the internet and is easy to edit using common programs.

Text prompt

• Instructive
• Professional

Create a study plan for final exams in high school

Develop a project timeline for a middle school science fair.