Observation, focus group and surveys are three amongst the several ways to get primary data on potential targets while conducting business research. Your business plan should be the result of your business research. Among the many tools, the survey is the most simple and popular option for many businesses. There are several types of surveys used in business research; such as, telephone surveys, one-on-one interviews, mail surveys, or email. Telephone surveys are famous because they are cost effective and convenient. Budget and the need of the business will decide which survey to use.

Once you are done with the selection of the survey method, you are ready to develop the questionnaire. One of the main tools to acquire data is questionnaire. You need to develop a simple questionnaire that is easy to fill out. Here are some basic guidelines on how to create effective questionnaire for business research:

1. Keep the questions to the point
2. Ask short and relevant questions
3. Give clear instructions on how to answer the questions
4. In each question, use only one sentence
5. Ask different types of questions as per need
6. Keep your questions in order, ideally from general to specific
7. Do not ask for identifying information
8. First pretest your questions on your friends, family, or employees.
9. Do not use tricky questions
10. Maintain the objectivity of the questions. Try not to influence the response.
11. Try to use neutral language
12. Disclose your company’s name
13. Clearly mention the purpose of the business research
14. Appreciate the effort of respondent
15. Thank the respondents for their time

While preparing quality questionnaire, if you follow these guidelines for the survey, you can perform good business research that can contribute to the success of your enterprise.

Startup business owners mostly come across a common question i.e. how to write a custom business plan?

Well, in order to write a custom business plan, you are required to be prepared for the following things first:
• Estimation of required funds
• Business opportunity (with least limitations)

Remember, a business plan is the presentation of entrepreneurs’ skills and expertise, so make sure you have the knowledge of following:
• Business that you have selected
• Product or service that business will offer
• Planning for improvement in business operations

After finding answers to above questions, now comes the writing process of custom business plan. There is no set rule and standard in the industry for writing a business plan, but there are several common elements in every business plan such as summary, business introduction, marketing, financial strategies etc. For each heading, you must write concise information in simple and easy to understand language to keep the readers engaged. Below is a sample outline that includes common attributes:

Executive Summary: It is used to take a glance at the entire content of business plan. In addition, it mostly includes:

• Objectives
• Mission & Vision
• Keys to Success

Company Overview: It provides business introduction, concept and past achievements. Usually, following are included:

• Company Ownership
• Start-Up Summary
• Company Locations and Facilities

Product / Service: This section provides details of products or services that business is mainly dealing in. Usually, following are included:

• Description of Products / Services
• Customer Benefits
• Future Product / Services

Market Analysis: This section provides comprehensive details of market in which the business is operating. Following are usually included:

• Industry Analysis
• Target Customer Segment
• Competition with Key Players

Marketing & Sales: Marketing and sales strategies are presented here that entrepreneurs are planning to enter in the market. Following are usually included:

• Marketing Strategy
• Product / Service Positioning
• Pricing Strategy
• Sales Strategy

Management Strength: Expertise and skills of management are presented here. Usually, it is focused on describing qualification, experience and achievements of entrepreneurs. Following are included:

• Management Team
• Organizational Structure
• Personnel Plan

Financial Plan: This section deals with financial and statistical information regarding business operations. Normally, it includes balance sheet, income and cash flow statements for current and coming years.

Startup businesses as well as existing businesses need to seek investment from lenders such as banks and financial institutions. For that purpose, they need a solid business plan to raise capital, but having said that, it is not an easy job to do. Writing a business plan requires you to have sound business knowledge, expert eye on market and awareness of consumer trends. If you lack any of these qualities, your chances of getting loan approval are significantly low. It is better to subscribe to a professional business plan writer, if you are not good at writing on your own. There are many professional writing services available in the market, but all of them are not capable to address your needs. There are some attributes you need to look for in a business plan writer before hiring them. Those attributes are:

1. Check experience and qualification of business plan writers; how long they have been in the industry
2. A professional business plan writer cannot write every thing on their own. Check if they are engaging you in the writing process
3. Ask for sample business plan. Are they attractive and convincing in writing style?

A solid business plan usually comprises financial planning, extensive market research and creative business marketing strategies. This information breaks into many titles such as following:

• Executive Summary
• Company Description
• Mission and Vision
• Product / Service Description
• Market Analysis
• Marketing and Sales Strategies
• Competition with Key Players
• Financial Projections