The Art of the Start/Kawasaki 70-74

73 The worst thing to do is to write a deliberate plan and then stick to it simply because it is the plan.

74 Biz Plans…Arial font for headings and Palatino font for text are just fine.

Make plans stand out…First, have credible referral source bring it to the attention of the reader. Second, provide a list of customers the reader can call to discuss how much they need your product or service—or, even better, how much they are already using your product or service. Third, ensure the plan is infused with real-world knowledge about and experience with the market. Fourth, include diagrams and graphics to explain complex points.

The usefulness of a business plan rapidly declines after the first six month or so. At that point, your business plan will be deliberate: focusing on budgeting and forecasting with quick summarizations of goals (what) and strategies (how).