Business Planning Course - $129.99

A business plan acts as a tool, which enables the business owner to streamline the various processes involved in the process (from manufacturing to marketing).

A business plan spells out the techniques required to take the business towards making sales and profits and achieving the desired goal/s of the business in the prescribed time limit and approved budget. The business plan shows the ‘whys’ and ‘hows’ of a project. A business plan is a model for potential goals to be accomplished and it allows potential flaws to be identified so that they can be rectified in time. The plan demarcates every employee’s role.

At the same time a business plan also emphasizes how the different parts are linked to each other, and when the goals are accomplished and when to draw the line. The ExpertRating Creating a Business Plan Certification course will include information about the methodology of the business, a statement of the business goals, a cost/ benefit analysis and a feasibility analysis.

ExpertRating Online Business Planning Course Coverage (6 weeks program)

Week One

Wednesday - Lesson 01

In this first lesson, as you take that first step along your entrepreneurial path, you'll meet your instructor and learn about her childhood, growing up in Chocolate Town USA. You'll meet several leading entrepreneurs and determine if you have similar passions and skill sets. And, you'll discover that business plans are not just for funding your dream, but for guiding it along the path to success (as you choose to define it).

Friday - Lesson 02

In this lesson, you'll start to mold your business. You'll develop a vision and a mission for your enterprise. You'll define and refine your product or service, and you'll uncover your niche. This is the fun part of the journey—your only limitation is your imagination!

Week Two

Wednesday - Lesson 03

This lesson will focus on the customer. Nowadays successful companies focus not on the products and services that they offer, but on the customers that they serve—on many levels. Together, you'll learn how to position your company to be customer-centric. And, you'll learn how to move that customer from satisfied to loyal (and perhaps even an advocate for your business).

Friday - Lesson 04

In this lesson, you'll structure your organization so it's in the best position to provide your product or service to your targeted customers. This lesson will help you create a board of experts to guide you along your journey. You'll discover the role that change plays in your entrepreneurial evolution. Change is good—it shows that you're thinking!

Week Three

Wednesday - Lesson 05-

In this lesson you’ll explore the plan within the plan—the marketing section of your business plan. You'll lay the foundation for your marketing efforts and will define sales and marketing (there is a difference!). You'll also explore the features and benefits of your product or service, and will begin the ongoing task of market research. This is where you can differentiate your product or service from that of your competition.

Friday - Lesson 06

This lesson will explore three separate areas of marketing. First, you'll learn about your competitors so that you can better position yourself and discover just how solid your business ideas are. This lesson will discuss one of the most difficult issues of new business—pricing. Finally, you become the SWOT team—analyzing strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.

Week Four

Wednesday - Lesson 07

In this lesson, you'll join a panel of outstanding marketing, public relations, and graphics experts who are also entrepreneurs and believe in the power of networking. This lesson will explore graphic design, logos, image, public relations, and guerrilla marketing. And you'll also discover marketing in action in this lesson.

Friday - Lesson 08

This lesson will start by hearing Alice in Wonderland explain to the Mad Hatter that, in a topsy-turvy world, it seems like (you) have to do something wrong first, in order to learn from what not to do. And then, by not doing what (you're) not supposed to do, perhaps (you'll) be right. But (you'd) rather be right the first time, wouldn't you? Confused? You'll tackle manufacturing and operations concerns in this not-so-topsy-turvy lesson.

Week Five

Wednesday - Lesson 09

In this lesson, you'll learn that both successes and failures can be tremendous teachers—but you'll have to apply those lessons learned to other life or business ventures. For this lesson, it'll take a bird's eye view of the financial section of a business plan. This lesson will also briefly explore the capital equipment list, the balance sheet, and break-even analysis.

Friday - Lesson 10

This lesson will discuss three additional financial components of the plan. It'll explore the projected income statement (always a fun area!), cash flow, and historical financial records. Be sure to take some time to explore the Supplemental Links area (in this lesson and in all the others) for outstanding online resources.

Week Six

Wednesday - Lesson 11

This lesson will continue its focus on money, but from a different perspective than in the previous two lessons. It'll focus on funding and financing opportunities, and by the end of this lesson, you should have a better understanding of financing. You'll also find out where to locate traditional (and not so traditional) sources of funding.

Friday - Lesson 12

In the final lesson, you'll end one journey while beginning another. First, you'll write an outstanding executive summary. This lesson will discuss a few important document formatting tips, and you'll learn what supporting documents you should add to your final business plan. You now hold all the keys to the doors along your entrepreneurial path. Journey well!

Buy the ExpertRating Online Business Planning Course - $129.99

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