Do You Need a Business Plan? The Pros and Cons of Preparing to Launch Your Biz By Kristen Fischer It's a question that most of us have asked at some point in time. Whether you're just getting started in creative self-employment or have been in business for a while, you may wonder if you need a business plan. I am currently reading Ladies Who Launch and the book is packed with valuable information. One of the things that the gals discuss is if business plans are necessary. They say that most women get intimidated by this traditional business model practice, and should "just start" their businesses instead. The authors are careful not to diss business plans, but say that most women do things more organically, which leaves an enterprise open to possibilities that could be missed by following a step-by-step proposal. This is achieved by having an idea of what you want to do, but not planning out every step. I agree with the girls, and think their concept translates well into the creative arena for men and women alike. Most creative souls just have to go with things and let them evolve. We’re artistic—we can’t plan every detail, though we have good foresight. We know where we want to go in most cases. But for some of us, our imaginative ideas spawn off each other, and they only blossom when we take the first step. Some creatives never get that far if they’re overwhelmed by a business plan. In the book, the ladies illustrate a woman greeting her husband when he gets home from work. All day, she’s been manifesting a creative dream in her head. But her hopes are dashed when her husband insists she needs a business plan. For many that go forward with these, they are so caught up in getting the plan right—buying books and researching formats—that they lose their “creative umph.” Creative umph is vital for dreams to flourish. If a business plan kills it, you may want to think twice about creating one. So, business plan...yes or no? It depends on your style. If you do better working under pressure and inventing things as you go, then, no, you may not need one. (Aside from launching a business that needs investors, but most writers, artists and designers don’t go that route.) On the other hand, if you go by the book, and think you won’t lose your fire by writing up a full-on business plan, go for it. You can always take the in-between step and create and outline for what you want. Jot down ideas off the top of your head to give yourself a roadmap of what you want to do. But skip Business Plans for Dummies…if you need to write up a plan, you’ll eventually get there. First, get your feet wet.
Kristen Fischer is a freelance writer living in New Jersey. To visit her copywriting hub, head over to http://www.kristenfischer.com.