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.
What does it mean when one of my comments says in review?
I wouldn’t worry about hiring anybody initially just create a strategic plan one page covering your revenue, goals, equipment, goals, hiring goals, marketing goals, and your expansion goals. It’s like a 1 to 3 year plan. Don’t overwhelm yourself. You don’t need a 30 page document small Landscape companies never usually create one which is why they stay stuck at the same size. It’s good that you’re thinking about it. We do sections like our overview the situation that we’re in today like your crew size what your revenue estimate is how your reputation is your customer base and then you could do a three or five year goal what’s your annual revenue gonna be? Are you gonna have more crew members ? And definitely a score business template would be really good idea as others had mentioned.
If you're willing to pay $100:
Sign-up for Claude's premium tier.
1) Upload everything you have. Bank statements, job reports from Jobber, bills, credit cards, email history, literally everything you can get your hands on.
2) Use voice notes on your phone. Start brain dumping into the chat. Your goals, challenges, what's working, what's not, what opportunities you see, what questions you have, what your dream business looks like, your favorite customer type, etc.
3) Then ask it to take all of this information and create you a business plan.
it will be the best $100 you spend all month
Judith is correct to suggest ChatGPT. I would suggest taking that overall guidance and add your personal touch to the plan. There are so many ways that AI can help you, but make sure the final product is something that you’re able to say “that’s my baby!”
Building a business plan can feel overwhelming at first, but starting with simple goals, services, pricing, and financial projections helps a lot. There are many free templates online that can guide you step by step. Also, if you're looking at membership-based businesses, understanding why customers cancel services, like with Cancel Planet Fitness Membership guides, can provide useful insights into customer retention and business planning. Good luck with your landscaping business!
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
