How to write a business plan?
I work for a tile/ceramic company, doing retail (showroom based).
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- Basically, I've got to come up with stuff like providing better benefits to employees, types of training to provide, how to draw in more sales/customers etc. Any sort of ideas and help in any way will be very much appreciated.
- Hey Ray , thanks a bundle.
Great ideas, any more comes along please do add it on, thanks again
- I need to come up with a business plan within the next 2 days.
- There are a number of awesome business plan books at your local library that will help you with the form (and samples) that will help you fill in the details. The problem with what benefits to provide to employees is that each has its cost which might not be approved by Management. Since I dont know what you have now, it's hard to suggest what better would be. Ask the employees what they'd like to see? Personally I would love an employer to offer a match on a 401K plan, tuition reimbursement, disability insurance, and discount buying plans. In regards to training, send the retail staff out in the field with installers (and get those installers into the office) so each can see what it's like on the other side. Any kind of trade publications and/or video training seminars would be great but don't make it so employees have to do it on their own time. Take time with the employees so they get a better overview not only of their jobs but of the company. Now how to increase sales? Definately get a referral program going for customers to have reason to spread the word about your company to others. Word of mouth is the cheapest possible form of advertising and most effective. Don't forget to "tip" customers that refer others to you. If you dont have a website, get one and advertise it every where you can. Also, find other businesses that you can cross-refer to your clients and for them to refer to theirs. You dont want to work with competition but if you sell tile but not carpet, pair up with those who sell carpet but not tile. You get the point. There are lots of low cost ways to advertise your business. Check out the book (I found at library) called "Marketing without Money" by Nicholas E Bade. There are 300 tips on how to get your company name out there... surely a few will work for you. Does any of this help?