when i quit my job earlier this summer, i knew it was for several reasons. i knew i wanted to start my own travel curating company, and i knew it was time to move on (and to new zealand.) the business though, has been taking up my thoughts lately, not the packing lists and new zealand to do that should be taking up my mind.
it’s been forming in my head for quite some time now, and i’ve started putting things on paper, or more accurately, in my computer. but i’m struggling. how *exactly* does one write a business plan? i have NO idea how to go about doing it, and although what i do have written is a good start (several people have told me that) i don’t quite know how to go on.
market research? does that mean i read articles about travel? what sort of information do i put into my plan regarding market research? can i give you the url and you go find it yourself? who’s going to read this, anyway?
what about the financial side of things? i’m going to plan your trip and you’re going to pay me. that’s how i’m going to make my money, right? what’s this licensing thing? where’s the county clerk office? how soon do i need to go there?
and how do i get investors? do i need them? i’m not opening a store or a coffeeshop/bar. i’m “opening” a service. where i’m planning to work remotely. so i need money to cover my phone bill and internet. and business cards. and a website.
someone i talked with said she jumped right in. i can totally do that, right? should i set my goals out? (yes) should i write down a five year plan? (yes)
so… what exactly is the purpose of a business plan? anyone?