I just don't know where to begin with building a business plan. I have been in business for 5 years without having one. Now I see why they are so important. I need some advice on where I can go cost-effective is important. I need help building out the plan. Anyone willing to connect and see if you can help me in he right direction.
I connected with SCORE in my local community. It is a free service and I was connected with a mentor that helped me create my business plan.
Also, Keith Kalfas has a couple good books: "Your First Year in the Landscaping Business" and "How to Start a Landscaping Business Right Now with No Startup Money".
I listened to this Audiobook when I developed my business plan: Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months by Melinda F. Emerson. I thought that was very helpful.
Check out an EOS VTO (Book Traction). Much better and clearer then a lot of business plans.
What is EOS VTO?
Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) Best place to start might be the Book Traction by Gino Wickman. The VTO (Vision Traction Organizer) has been huge for us. Helps set 10 year vision core values and marketing strategy very simply on one page. Then the traction is 1 year plan with the steps (Rocks) to get there. Its best used within the whole system. Highly recommended. I also got Copilot to act as an EOS coach and it was great and helping walk through the format. That's the short answer I guess.
DeepSeek and ChatGPT will make you one for free just put as many details about your business. Goals, history, income ect then ask them to make you a business plan. Done in seconds!! Good luck
Oh that's easy !!! Contact BRIAN GILMORE at contact@optimusbusinessplans.com He did MY business plan and was VERY cost effective. He made recommendations for me and gave me drafts before the final version. His turn around time was quick. I had NO issues with him either.
What state are you located in? Visit SCORE.org - it is a non-profit and they have an endless amount of resources, just on their website alone. They also have mentors (in every state) who can guide you through the process.
Canva has some great templates that you can use. They offer some free options or you can sign up for like $15 a month ( I personally do so I can design ads and flyers through the program). Luckily with you already running the business for a while the numbers you will need should be available. You can basically go through a template and replace the information on the page with your own. It’s a great way to learn what people are looking for and to brainstorm on the future of your own company. Good luck! Feel free to reach out with any questions
Sign up for the free version of ChatGTP. Just ask to put together a 5-year business plan for a landscaping business and give it some direction. (IE) High-end market, including tree trimming and irrigation opportunities. Or just whatever you want. It will put one together for you in 30 seconds.
Heres a link to a simple, but effective Business Plan template we've been using for several years that we found on Evernote.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/11IlyTl7oLDYcP_3e70r-2NLmXeRiLvzf/view?usp=sharing
