Paul Tiffany | Steven D. Peterson | John B. Schulze
1 Good Reference for Beginners and Intermediates Alike
I've done a number of business plans in my time and bought this book as a gift for a friend who wants to start her own business. I purchased it because it includes all of the basics needed to develop a business plan that will guide you as you start and build your business and will also give you the credibility you need to secure outside financing. This is a very good step-by-step guide for those completely new to business and an excellent refresher guide for those who already know the basics.
And, by the way, you can skip the companion Dummies book called Business Plans Kit, which covers the same ground as this book but includes a CD-ROM that doesn't add much value. The truth is, this book is cheaper and offers just as much help as the larger and more expensive kit version.
2 The title says it all...
I'm a business planning consultant and a client just gave me a copy of this book. Way too basic, not enough help on the most important part of any business plan: the financials. If you want to get funded, look for a better book.
3 Not bad
This book was not bad, but it needs more sample plans. If you are writing a Business Plan, this book will get you started, but it will not get you finished.
4 For the non-MBA entrepreneurial wannabes!
As someone who fits the above category, this book seems to have all, and more, that I need to constructively think about what it takes to build a business from scratch, and have a document that will help induce others to invest in it! (Although talk to me after I've actually tried to launch the thing!;-))
5 Planning, not just plans
Unlike most business plan guides that focus on producing an impressive document, this book actually helped me plan to run a company. It anticipates and explains virtually every potential pitfall for a company-builder. The book transforms the business planning process into something that you can and should use every day. It touches all aspects of analyzing your business and deciding where to go next. I highly recommend it.
6 I don't recommend it.
I found this book too much focused on "Mission statements" "values" and "vision", which I would expect is your entrepreneural common sense. It includes very little about actually preparing statements or plans. There is only one sample plan at the end for a winery. I didn't find any information on approaching investors. I returned this book and bought Nolo's book instead.
7 The best book available for writing your plan
Bypass the complete book of business plans and go right to this book. Not only did it assist me (tremendously!) in the writing of my plan, but I enjoyed it from both the perspective of useful information and it's concise yet comprehensive content. This book attempts to do what so many "how to" books fail to do... it tells you how to do what you're looking to do in a straightforward and matter-of fact way. There's not a lot of philosophizing in this book (yawn!) like you might find in others but rather an abundance of useful, timely and real world information. Writing a plan? Read this book!
8 The only source you need
When we had the germ of an idea for a new company, I explored many sources for business plans including many computer CD progams. By comparison, others books generated more confusion than lucidity. Using Dummies as a template, we developed a great business plan that reflected exactly our challenges, prospects, and a road map for getting THERE. Save yourself time and money. Stick with this Dummies guide. R. Kingston
9 An excellent and practical book for all businesses
The writers have managed to bring together solid business approaches with some of the tips and tricks that have been gleaned from leading business practice. This is a must read not just for small businesses but for large firms too !
10 Excellent resource for strategy and planning
I provide consulting help on business and strategic planning for clients in the US and Brazil. I came across this book originally in its Portuguese version. Now, I'm recommending it to all my clients in both countries. It makes my job of explaining what is a business plan much easier and introduces business people to the ideas and, more importantly, the attitude you need to undertake planning. I recommend it highly.
11 The best book on business planning I've ever read.
There are lots of books out there about business planning. But this one is special. It is clear and simple to understand. At the same time, it takes its readers and the subject very seriously. It's full of case studies and entertaining examples of businesses that have succeeded--and sometimes failed--because of strategic planning choices. I learned everything I needed to know to start planning a small business out of my house. Highly recommended.
