{"id":4859,"date":"2023-06-28T15:52:52","date_gmt":"2023-06-28T20:52:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.incsight.net\/?p=4859"},"modified":"2026-07-08T17:38:37","modified_gmt":"2026-07-08T22:38:37","slug":"how-do-i-write-a-business-plan-and-why-is-one-important","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.incsight.net\/blog\/2023\/06\/28\/how-do-i-write-a-business-plan-and-why-is-one-important\/","title":{"rendered":"How Do I Write a Business Plan and Why Is One Important?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"et_d4_element et_pb_section et_pb_section_0  et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode et_section_regular et_block_section\" >\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"et_d4_element et_pb_row et_pb_row_0  et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode et_block_row\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"et_d4_element et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column et_pb_column_0  et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode et-last-child et_block_column\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"et_pb_module et_d4_element et_pb_text et_pb_text_0  et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><p>This article accompanies a mini-series we did with Brandon White on our Small Business Tax Savings Podcast. Brandon was generous enough to share the information and content for this article.<\/p>\n<p>Brandon just launched a book that discusses everything here in more detail that I highly recommend. You can purchase on Amazon here:<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0C1DBTDZG\/ref=nosim?tag=taxsavings09-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" title=\"Back of the Napkin to... Business Plan in 11 Slides: So easy you can do it on a flight from San Francisco to New York\">Back of the Napkin to... Business Plan in 11 Slides: So easy you can do it on a flight from San Francisco to New York<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span>In this article\u00a0Brandon shows\u00a0you how to go from back of the napkin to business plan in just 11 slides. This will allow you to build the modern business plan you need to do business\u00a0this year and beyond.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\">Learning how to write a business plan is essential because it is:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"has-normal-font-size has-normal-font-size\">\n<li>the foundation of your business<\/li>\n<li>your roadmap to grow your sales<\/li>\n<li>a playbook to grow your team<\/li>\n<li>a tool that shows you aspects of your business you didn\u2019t think about when you came up with your business idea<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\">And if that\u2019s not enough motivation for you learn how to write a business plan\u2026<\/p>\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\">It\u2019s scientifically proven to increase your chances of success. Yes, scientifically proven. See the FAQ section at the end of this article for the Harvard article that was written about it.<\/p>\n<p>And you\u2019re going to love this framework even better because this 11 slide business plan can also\u2026<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>serve as your pitch deck for investors<\/li>\n<li>sales pitch<\/li>\n<li>recruiting team members deck<\/li>\n<li>board member recruitment deck<\/li>\n<li>advisory board recruitment deck<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\">You can build this plan in a relatively short amount of time if you dedicate some focused effort. I spent a decade figuring this template out.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h1 class=\"has-normal-font-size\">Dynamic Business Plan<\/h1>\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><span>This business plan framework is dynamic. Just like Google Maps is when you use it to navigate to a destination and there is a traffic jam. Google Maps routes you around it to save time, gets you to your destination faster and reduces the stress of sitting in traffic.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><span>This means you can easily adapt it to use as you\u2019re growing and scaling your business to hit the goals and milestones you\u2019ve set.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><span>Lets dive in...<\/span><\/p>\n<h1 class=\"has-normal-font-size\">Slide 1: Title &amp; Elevator Pitch<\/h1>\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\">You want to include:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"has-normal-font-size has-normal-font-size\">\n<li>Your company name<\/li>\n<li>Tag line that describes what your business does (if you have a tag line, if not, don\u2019t worry about it)<\/li>\n<li>Your contact information<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\">When you are pitching potential customers, investors, or a new recruit for your team, etc\u2026 you want to give your elevator pitch here.<\/p>\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\">Your elevator pitch should be no longer than 45 seconds.<\/p>\n<h1>Slide 2: Problem<\/h1>\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\">You want to include:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"has-normal-font-size has-normal-font-size\">\n<li>A summary of the problem you are solving with your product and\/or service<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\">Aim to be able to give all your talking points on the problem you are solving in less than two minutes<\/p>\n<h1>Slide 3: Solution<\/h1>\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\">You want to include:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"has-normal-font-size has-normal-font-size\">\n<li>a description of the solution to the problem you set up in slide 2<\/li>\n<li>you need to be very concise<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\">Aim to be able to explain your business solution in less then two minutes<\/p>\n<h1>Slide 4: Market Opportunities<\/h1>\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\">You want to include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>your total market, total addressable market, serviceable available market, your market share. Make sure you understand and present these correctly Entrepreneurs lose a lot of money and waste a lot of time by not getting this slide right.<\/li>\n<li>a plan to attack the market.<\/li>\n<li>if the market is growing and at what rate<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\">Above all, be able to give this slide, if you have to present it, in less than two minutes. It\u2019ll force you to truly know your market.<\/p>\n<h1>Slide 5: Go to Market Plan<\/h1>\n<p>Your Go to Market (GTM) slide is the second punch of the one-two combination that you set up in the last slide. It started with your Market Sizing and now that you know your share of the market and who those customers are, you\u2019re ready to lay out the details of how you\u2019re going to sell your product or service to this part of the market.<\/p>\n<p>Think of your GTM plan as the foundation of your sales and marketing plan that you\u2019ll add to as you grow your sales and expand into bigger parts of the market.<\/p>\n<h1>Slide 6: Traction and Milestones<\/h1>\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\">You want to include:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"has-normal-font-size has-normal-font-size\">\n<li>accomplishments to date, including but not limited to your sales<\/li>\n<li>if you are a pre-sales company, put your pre-sales traction highlights<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\">Aim to be able to give this slide in less than two minutes.<\/p>\n<h1>Slide 7: Competition<\/h1>\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\">You want to include:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"has-normal-font-size has-normal-font-size\">\n<li>who is your competition<\/li>\n<li>how is the competition positioned in the market<\/li>\n<li>where your company fits into the competitive landscape<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\">Again, you want to give this slide in less than two minutes.<\/p>\n<h1>Slide 8: Financials<\/h1>\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\">You want to include:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"has-normal-font-size has-normal-font-size\">\n<li>a summary of your financials. This includes your sales, gross margin, SG&amp;A, EBITDA, and net profit<\/li>\n<li>a graphic to make your numbers easy to consume<\/li>\n<li>have your full financials (in excel) as a back up and separate document that you can send to a potential investor and which you use on a regular basis to monitor and scale your company.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>HPT\u00a01: your full financials should include your Profit and Loss (P&amp;L), Cash Flow, Balance Sheet, a sales and marketing tab, KPI tab that is driven from your sales and marketing tab, HR tab that shows team members salaries, taxes, benefits etc\u2026 And your HR tab should feed your other tabs.<\/p>\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\">HPT\u00a02: This is one of the most often asked questions when figuring out how to write a business plan and ironically one of things entrepreneurs fail to get right that leads many to fail. Don\u2019t make that mistake with your business. Get this right!<\/p>\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\">You\u2019ve got to be able to give this slide in less two minutes because it will show you really know your financials!<\/p>\n<h1>Slide 9: Team<\/h1>\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\">You want to include:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"has-normal-font-size has-normal-font-size\">\n<li>who is on your management team<\/li>\n<li>your board of directors<\/li>\n<li>any other team members that someone should know is part of your company<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\">And you want to give this slide in less than two minutes.<\/p>\n<h1>Slide 10: Funding Needs<\/h1>\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\">You want to include:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"has-normal-font-size has-normal-font-size\">\n<li>how much money you need to start, scale, grow your company<\/li>\n<li>how you are going to use the money<\/li>\n<li>where you are going to get the money<\/li>\n<li>your cash flow statement to back up your financial projection<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\">Moreover, this is a two minute slide. I\u2019m sure you\u2019ve got the hang of this by now, right!?<span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h1>Slide 11: Summary<\/h1>\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\">You want to include:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"has-normal-font-size has-normal-font-size\">\n<li>a easy to consume summary of your business<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>HPT: this page can serve as your executive summary<\/p>\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\">Importantly, give slide in less than one minute. You can use a version of your elevator pitch.<\/p>\n<h1 class=\"has-normal-font-size\">How to Write a Business Plan FAQs<\/h1>\n<div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1594574997675\"><p><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Q: How long will it take me to write my business plan using this format?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">If you are starting from scratch and dedicate full days, it\u2019s possible that you can complete it in a week using this outline to jump start you.<\/p>\n<p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">This estimate assumes you are good using power point or google slides, excel or google sheets, understand some finance and have some thought already done about the elements of your business.<\/p>\n<p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">If you have to learn the programs themselves and elements of business such as market sizing, what is a cash flow statement etc\u2026 it will take you longer.<\/p>\n<p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">This business plan template will get you jump started.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1594575807841\"><p><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Q: Is a business plan really scientifically proven to increase a company\u2019s chance of success.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes. An article in Harvard Business Review July 2017 edition explained that researchers found that Entrepreneurs who write formal plans are 16% more likely to achieve viability than the otherwise identical non-planning entrepreneurs.<\/p>\n<p>Also, they found that \u201cbusiness plans remain vital for external fundraising because it builds legitimacy and confidence among investors that the entrepreneur is serious. Further, it reassures staff, suppliers, customers, and other key stakeholders\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The 11 slide business plan pitch deck outlined here is what has lead me to my success of starting, scaling and selling two companies (so far). If it can work for me there is no good reason it can\u2019t work for you as well.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1594576149559\"><p><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Q: Do I really need financials for my business plan?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes. Successful entrepreneurs suggest that if you are starting a company with out having built your financials you\u2019re on a path that could lead to losing a lot of money.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1594578077623\"><p><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Q: What is the purpose of a business plan?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">The purposes of a business plan is to:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Map out where you are taking your business. It\u2019s your roadmap, just like using Google Maps<\/li>\n<li class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Set goals for your business<\/li>\n<li class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Determine if your ideal is a viable business<\/li>\n<li class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Determine how much money you can make if you hit your goals<\/li>\n<li class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Understand how you are going to sell your product<\/li>\n<li class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Attract talent you need on your team<\/li>\n<li class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Attract funding for your business<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1594578419769\"><p><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Q: What are the top 3 reasons to learn how to write a business plan?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Map out where you are leading your business. It\u2019s your roadmap, just like using Google Maps.<\/li>\n<li class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Attract talent you need on your company\u2019s team<\/li>\n<li class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Attract funding for your company<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1594578826855\"><p><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Q: If I don\u2019t know how to write a business plan can I hire someone?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes. And to get the best business plan for your company plan to spend time sitting down with the person you hire.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1594578896943\"><p><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Q: Do I need to go to business school to learn how to write a business plan?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">No. The 11 slide business plan template outlined here will get you jumpstarted.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1594582008645\"><p><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Q: What does \u201cHPT\u201d stand for?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">HPT is a \u201chigh percentage tip\u201d. They are tips to help your business be successful.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1594582108639\"><p><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Q: Where did HPT\u2019s come from?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">HTP comes from the sport fishing world where anglers call fishing spots that you can goto and almost always catch fish, a, \u201chigh percentage spot\u201d.<\/p>\n<p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Brandon adapted HPS\u2019s to HPT\u2019s to teach how to build a business<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Again, this article accompanies a mini-series we did with Brandon White on our Small Business Tax Savings Podcast. Brandon was generous enough to share the information and content for this article.<\/p>\n<p>Purchase his book\u00a0below and\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/brandoncwhite.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">be sure to check out everything Brandon is doing on his site here!<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Buy the Book On Amazon:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0C1DBTDZG\/ref=nosim?tag=taxsavings09-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" title=\"Back of the Napkin to... Business Plan in 11 Slides: So easy you can do it on a flight from San Francisco to New York\">Back of the Napkin to... Business Plan in 11 Slides: So easy you can do it on a flight from San Francisco to New York<\/a><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div><div class=\"et_pb_module et_d4_element et_pb_code et_pb_code_0\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"et_pb_code_inner\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/iSI7arbhP1A\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div><div class=\"et_pb_module et_d4_element et_pb_code et_pb_code_1\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"et_pb_code_inner\"><iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.buzzsprout.com\/1837660\/13064051-title-problem-and-solution-back-of-the-napkin-to-business-plan-in-11-slides-with-brandon-white?client_source=small_player&iframe=true&referrer=https:\/\/www.buzzsprout.com\/1837660\/13064051-title-problem-and-solution-back-of-the-napkin-to-business-plan-in-11-slides-with-brandon-white.js?container_id=buzzsprout-player-13064051&player=small\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"100%\" height=\"200\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" title=\"Small Business Tax Savings Podcast, Title, Problem, and Solution - Back of the Napkin to Business Plan in 11 Slides with Brandon White\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div><div class=\"et_pb_with_border et_pb_module et_d4_element et_pb_text et_pb_text_1  et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\"><strong>The Time Is NOW To Start Paying Less In Taxes. Join Our Tax Minimization Program (w\/ Stress Free Bookkeeping Training)! <\/strong>\n<p><strong><\/strong><strong><\/strong>What you'll get:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Library of Tax Strategies, Implementation Guides, Videos, Downloads, etc.<\/li>\n<li>Stress Free Bookkeeping Training Program<\/li>\n<li>Ask A Pro - Unlimited email access to our team, it is like having an accountant in your back pocket!<\/li>\n<li>Monthly Group Trainings<\/li>\n<li>Private Facebook Group<\/li>\n<li>Partner Directory<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div><div class=\"et_d4_element et_pb_row et_pb_row_1  et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode et_block_row\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"et_d4_element et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column et_pb_column_1  et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode et-last-child et_block_column\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"et_pb_button_module_wrapper et_pb_button_0_wrapper et_pb_button_alignment_center et_pb_module \">\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"et_pb_button et_d4_element et_pb_button_0 et_animated et_pb_bg_layout_light et_block_module\" href=\"https:\/\/www.taxsavingspodcast.com\/tax\">Join our Tax Minimization Program today!<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":4861,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rs_blank_template":"","rs_page_bg_color":"","slide_template_v7":"","_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[32,78,36,51,33],"tags":[42],"class_list":["post-4859","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-accounting","category-management","category-small-business","category-tax-planning-strategy","category-taxes","tag-blog"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.7 (Yoast SEO v27.7) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How Do I Write a Business Plan and Why Is One Important? - IncSight<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Skip the intimidating business plan template. Learn how to go from a back-of-napkin idea to a working business plan in just 11 slides.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.incsight.net\/blog\/2023\/06\/28\/how-do-i-write-a-business-plan-and-why-is-one-important\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How Do I Write a Business Plan and Why Is One Important?\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Skip the intimidating business plan template. Learn how to go from a back-of-napkin idea to a working business plan in just 11 slides.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.incsight.net\/blog\/2023\/06\/28\/how-do-i-write-a-business-plan-and-why-is-one-important\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"IncSight\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Incsight1\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2023-06-28T20:52:52+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-07-08T22:38:37+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.incsight.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/AdobeStock_115466746-2.jpeg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"5616\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"3744\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Mike Jesowshek, CPA\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@IncSight_\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@IncSight_\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Mike Jesowshek, CPA\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"9 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.incsight.net\\\/blog\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/28\\\/how-do-i-write-a-business-plan-and-why-is-one-important\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.incsight.net\\\/blog\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/28\\\/how-do-i-write-a-business-plan-and-why-is-one-important\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Mike Jesowshek, CPA\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.incsight.net\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/93e395ebc93ef42f9dbca2619787197a\"},\"headline\":\"How Do I Write a Business Plan and Why Is One Important?\",\"datePublished\":\"2023-06-28T20:52:52+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-07-08T22:38:37+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.incsight.net\\\/blog\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/28\\\/how-do-i-write-a-business-plan-and-why-is-one-important\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":2237,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.incsight.net\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.incsight.net\\\/blog\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/28\\\/how-do-i-write-a-business-plan-and-why-is-one-important\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.incsight.net\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/AdobeStock_115466746-2.jpeg\",\"keywords\":[\"Blog\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Accounting\",\"Management\",\"Small Business\",\"Tax-planning strategy\",\"Taxes\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.incsight.net\\\/blog\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/28\\\/how-do-i-write-a-business-plan-and-why-is-one-important\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.incsight.net\\\/blog\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/28\\\/how-do-i-write-a-business-plan-and-why-is-one-important\\\/\",\"name\":\"How Do I Write a Business Plan and Why Is One Important? - IncSight\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.incsight.net\\\/blog\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.incsight.net\\\/blog\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/28\\\/how-do-i-write-a-business-plan-and-why-is-one-important\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.incsight.net\\\/blog\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/28\\\/how-do-i-write-a-business-plan-and-why-is-one-important\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.incsight.net\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/AdobeStock_115466746-2.jpeg\",\"datePublished\":\"2023-06-28T20:52:52+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-07-08T22:38:37+00:00\",\"description\":\"Skip the intimidating business plan template. Learn how to go from a back-of-napkin idea to a working business plan in just 11 slides.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.incsight.net\\\/blog\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/28\\\/how-do-i-write-a-business-plan-and-why-is-one-important\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.incsight.net\\\/blog\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/28\\\/how-do-i-write-a-business-plan-and-why-is-one-important\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.incsight.net\\\/blog\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/28\\\/how-do-i-write-a-business-plan-and-why-is-one-important\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.incsight.net\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/AdobeStock_115466746-2.jpeg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.incsight.net\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/AdobeStock_115466746-2.jpeg\",\"width\":5616,\"height\":3744},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.incsight.net\\\/blog\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/28\\\/how-do-i-write-a-business-plan-and-why-is-one-important\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.incsight.net\\\/blog\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"How Do I Write a Business Plan and Why Is One Important?\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.incsight.net\\\/blog\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.incsight.net\\\/blog\\\/\",\"name\":\"IncSight\",\"description\":\"Financial Systems, Tax Strategy &amp; Growth for Contractors\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.incsight.net\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.incsight.net\\\/blog\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.incsight.net\\\/blog\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"IncSight\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.incsight.net\\\/blog\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.incsight.net\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.incsight.net\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/Mesa-de-trabajo-1-copia-65-copy-1.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.incsight.net\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/Mesa-de-trabajo-1-copia-65-copy-1.png\",\"width\":1001,\"height\":488,\"caption\":\"IncSight\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.incsight.net\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/Incsight1\",\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/IncSight_\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/incsight\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/@incsight\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tiktok.com\\\/@incsightt\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.linkedin.com\\\/company\\\/incsight1\"],\"description\":\"IncSight specializes in tax services and accounting solutions tailored for law firms and contractors. We provide expert tax preparation, strategic tax planning, comprehensive accounting services, professional bookkeeping, and efficient payroll management. Our experienced team helps law firms and contractors minimize tax liability, maximize profits, and achieve lasting financial success. Whether you require tax services, accounting support, or full-service bookkeeping, we deliver customized solutions backed by years of expertise. Start today with professional tax and accounting preparation from IncSight.\",\"email\":\"info@incsight.net\",\"legalName\":\"JET SYNC LLC\",\"foundingDate\":\"2021-03-05\",\"numberOfEmployees\":{\"@type\":\"QuantitativeValue\",\"minValue\":\"11\",\"maxValue\":\"50\"}},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.incsight.net\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/93e395ebc93ef42f9dbca2619787197a\",\"name\":\"Mike Jesowshek, CPA\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/c69d660d13d5488fb14e066fdcfab262c763fc1c2264d0970763c9147136e4be?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/c69d660d13d5488fb14e066fdcfab262c763fc1c2264d0970763c9147136e4be?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/c69d660d13d5488fb14e066fdcfab262c763fc1c2264d0970763c9147136e4be?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Mike Jesowshek, CPA\"},\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.incsight.net\\\/blog\\\/author\\\/mike_jesowshek\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"How Do I Write a Business Plan and Why Is One Important? - IncSight","description":"Skip the intimidating business plan template. Learn how to go from a back-of-napkin idea to a working business plan in just 11 slides.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.incsight.net\/blog\/2023\/06\/28\/how-do-i-write-a-business-plan-and-why-is-one-important\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"How Do I Write a Business Plan and Why Is One Important?","og_description":"Skip the intimidating business plan template. Learn how to go from a back-of-napkin idea to a working business plan in just 11 slides.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.incsight.net\/blog\/2023\/06\/28\/how-do-i-write-a-business-plan-and-why-is-one-important\/","og_site_name":"IncSight","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Incsight1","article_published_time":"2023-06-28T20:52:52+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-07-08T22:38:37+00:00","og_image":[{"width":5616,"height":3744,"url":"https:\/\/www.incsight.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/AdobeStock_115466746-2.jpeg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Mike Jesowshek, CPA","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@IncSight_","twitter_site":"@IncSight_","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Mike Jesowshek, CPA","Est. reading time":"9 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.incsight.net\/blog\/2023\/06\/28\/how-do-i-write-a-business-plan-and-why-is-one-important\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.incsight.net\/blog\/2023\/06\/28\/how-do-i-write-a-business-plan-and-why-is-one-important\/"},"author":{"name":"Mike Jesowshek, CPA","@id":"https:\/\/www.incsight.net\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/93e395ebc93ef42f9dbca2619787197a"},"headline":"How Do I Write a Business Plan and Why Is One Important?","datePublished":"2023-06-28T20:52:52+00:00","dateModified":"2026-07-08T22:38:37+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.incsight.net\/blog\/2023\/06\/28\/how-do-i-write-a-business-plan-and-why-is-one-important\/"},"wordCount":2237,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.incsight.net\/blog\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.incsight.net\/blog\/2023\/06\/28\/how-do-i-write-a-business-plan-and-why-is-one-important\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.incsight.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/AdobeStock_115466746-2.jpeg","keywords":["Blog"],"articleSection":["Accounting","Management","Small Business","Tax-planning strategy","Taxes"],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.incsight.net\/blog\/2023\/06\/28\/how-do-i-write-a-business-plan-and-why-is-one-important\/","url":"https:\/\/www.incsight.net\/blog\/2023\/06\/28\/how-do-i-write-a-business-plan-and-why-is-one-important\/","name":"How Do I Write a Business Plan and Why Is One Important? - IncSight","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.incsight.net\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.incsight.net\/blog\/2023\/06\/28\/how-do-i-write-a-business-plan-and-why-is-one-important\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.incsight.net\/blog\/2023\/06\/28\/how-do-i-write-a-business-plan-and-why-is-one-important\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.incsight.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/AdobeStock_115466746-2.jpeg","datePublished":"2023-06-28T20:52:52+00:00","dateModified":"2026-07-08T22:38:37+00:00","description":"Skip the intimidating business plan template. Learn how to go from a back-of-napkin idea to a working business plan in just 11 slides.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.incsight.net\/blog\/2023\/06\/28\/how-do-i-write-a-business-plan-and-why-is-one-important\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.incsight.net\/blog\/2023\/06\/28\/how-do-i-write-a-business-plan-and-why-is-one-important\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.incsight.net\/blog\/2023\/06\/28\/how-do-i-write-a-business-plan-and-why-is-one-important\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.incsight.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/AdobeStock_115466746-2.jpeg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.incsight.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/AdobeStock_115466746-2.jpeg","width":5616,"height":3744},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.incsight.net\/blog\/2023\/06\/28\/how-do-i-write-a-business-plan-and-why-is-one-important\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.incsight.net\/blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"How Do I Write a Business Plan and Why Is One Important?"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.incsight.net\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.incsight.net\/blog\/","name":"IncSight","description":"Financial Systems, Tax Strategy &amp; Growth for Contractors","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.incsight.net\/blog\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.incsight.net\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.incsight.net\/blog\/#organization","name":"IncSight","url":"https:\/\/www.incsight.net\/blog\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.incsight.net\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.incsight.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Mesa-de-trabajo-1-copia-65-copy-1.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.incsight.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Mesa-de-trabajo-1-copia-65-copy-1.png","width":1001,"height":488,"caption":"IncSight"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.incsight.net\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Incsight1","https:\/\/x.com\/IncSight_","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/incsight\/","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@incsight","https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@incsightt","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/incsight1"],"description":"IncSight specializes in tax services and accounting solutions tailored for law firms and contractors. We provide expert tax preparation, strategic tax planning, comprehensive accounting services, professional bookkeeping, and efficient payroll management. Our experienced team helps law firms and contractors minimize tax liability, maximize profits, and achieve lasting financial success. Whether you require tax services, accounting support, or full-service bookkeeping, we deliver customized solutions backed by years of expertise. Start today with professional tax and accounting preparation from IncSight.","email":"info@incsight.net","legalName":"JET SYNC LLC","foundingDate":"2021-03-05","numberOfEmployees":{"@type":"QuantitativeValue","minValue":"11","maxValue":"50"}},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.incsight.net\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/93e395ebc93ef42f9dbca2619787197a","name":"Mike Jesowshek, CPA","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/c69d660d13d5488fb14e066fdcfab262c763fc1c2264d0970763c9147136e4be?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/c69d660d13d5488fb14e066fdcfab262c763fc1c2264d0970763c9147136e4be?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/c69d660d13d5488fb14e066fdcfab262c763fc1c2264d0970763c9147136e4be?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Mike Jesowshek, CPA"},"url":"https:\/\/www.incsight.net\/blog\/author\/mike_jesowshek\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.incsight.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4859","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.incsight.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.incsight.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.incsight.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.incsight.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4859"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.incsight.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4859\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.incsight.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4861"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.incsight.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4859"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.incsight.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4859"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.incsight.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4859"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}