Additional Information Unit

Published: Aug 4, 2004

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This unit includes questions that may apply only to specific situations or may not be written into standard units or may be prepared topics for discussion during a presentation.

Miscellaneous Information

Is there a database of elements to insert into various versions of your plan?

Is there a template or layout for inserting these data elements upon short notice?
What are the expected uses for the possible collection of elements?
- Will they be used to evaluate major purchases?
- Will they be useful as bases for discussions with your associates?
- Are periodic reviews automatic, scheduled or as needed?

Have you accounted for your sustenance income during startup?

How many people will require sustenance prior to breakeven?
Is there a schedule for decreasing need as you approach breakeven?
Are there any innovative survival actions?
What expenses will be curtailed or deferred?
Do you have any assets which can generate rental income?

Have you included a statement on how you will control expenditures during startup?

Do you have innovative methods for deferring a purchase?
Are your expenditure controls classified into administrative and sales generation?

Do you have an updated Personal Financial Statement?

Can it be easily updated?
Does it remain consistent with all other financial statements?

Do you have a personal track record relative to this venture?

Is it worded with facts replacing repetitive, "I did this....?"
Is the emphasis on results obtained?
How can your reader easily confirm the statement made?
Have you received awards or other forms of recognition?
Is there a short version for memorizing and reciting when prompted during a conversation?
Is there a printed outline to present as a document separate for the full business plan?

Do you have a list of personal references?

Are the contact details complete with best times to contact?
Are there explanations of the relationship between you and the reference?
Is there a variety of relationships on your list?
Is the referee aware of your referral?

Have you described your personal support system?

Are there active mentors?
- Are there mentors you consult on a casual basis?
- Are these mentors investors in your venture?
Have you included business friends?
- What is the frequency and topic of your contacts with these friends?
- Are these friends active in a business similar to your venture?
- What is the relative success of these friends?
- What are basic principles you have learned from your friends?
What members of your immediate or extended family have experience in business?
- What is your relationship (intensity, duration, activities, etc.) with these people?
- Are any of these investors or potential investors in your venture?
- If not, do you have a credible explanation why not?

Do you have a sales pitch & strategy for presenting your plan to readers?

What methods or tactics will employed in gaining an audience?
Does it include any audio-visual support?
Has it been rehearsed with persons not unlike your possible readers?
Has it been timed with adjustments for whatever time could be allotted to you?

Proposed Name(s) for the Enterprise

If you have selected one name, how does it comply with the criteria questions below?

Will you expose your list of proposed names to the criteria questions below?

Criteria testing

Does the name clearly state the nature or emphasis of the operation?
Can it be easily pronounced in the languages of persons from your target markets?
- Does it include sounds such as R or L or TH that are difficult to pronounce?
What is the meaning of words (avoiding embarrassing connotations) in target markets?
Does it avoid confusion with similar existing names?
Can the name be used in the incorporation?
- Have you considered acronyms that are easier to register or to remember?
Does it avoids symbols or reversed letters that require special graphics to reproduce?
Does it avoid cute expressions such as Sunova Beach Hotel?
Is there an alphabetical opportunity for appearing at or near the top of alpha listings?
Is there an appropriate internet domain name available?

Name selection procedure

Is there a long list of choices for testing against criteria?
Will you sort the list, in order of preference, for elimination and selection?
Will you register or protect one or more of the most preferred names in a corporate registry?

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