Chapter One
2
Remember though that nine out of ten new businesses fail despite
plans that communicate great opportunity. In reality, most businesses
fail not because of poorly written business plans, they lose because their
owners don’t prepare themselves for the real world of business. So before
we begin the “how-to” section of this book, it’s critical that you answer
two key questions:
1) How bad do you want to win?
is is the rst question to ask yourself as you begin the journey of
turning your dream into a winning business plan. If your inner-drive
and motivation to start a business aren’t big enough, the “how-to” of a
plan doesn’t matter.
2) Are you mentally prepared to own your own business?
Dreams are romantic gestures that provide great inspiration. With
a business plan, inspiration meets perspiration. Starting your own
business will take everything you have. e common theme in all
novice business plans in an underestimation of the time, energy,
experience and money necessary to build a winning business.
Each business plan has a price. Most people want successful businesses
but are not willing to rst invest the time. ey want get rich quick
schemes and oen start businesses without basic skills. Most people do it
“their way” instead of investing in study and building a team of competent
advisors.
Great business plans come from entrepreneurs willing to delay
immediate gratication. ey take risks and invest the time and energy
necessary to gain relevant experience and education. ey are not afraid of
making mistakes or failing because mistakes and failure equal experience.
ey start small and build, recognizing experience leads to greater ability.
Aer paying the price, true entrepreneurs gain the knowledge to build a
winning plan and winning business.