How can you create a business plan that investors can't resist?

Focus on early adoptors. Too many entrepreneurs get starry eyed over the potential. All the people it could sell to, all the dollars. Avoid that like the plauge. It sound counter intuitive but it is better to show how tight the focus is on the early adopters without all of the features. Remember you have to get someone to pay for it. That's how you make money and pay investors.

A clearly defined problem is the ABSOLUTE 1st step to grabbing the attention of an investor. Make it REAL, tangible, VIVID. Use stories. THEN, twist the problem some MORE. Appeal to reason AND emotion. Your customer should be WELL DEFINED (= TARGETED). You find them online, using search engines. That is the STANDARD of clarity you are going after. A solution is a solution to the problem. It's a 1-to-1 relationship. Every feature, or component of your solution needs to respond to a problem. Finally, you have to flesh out the TRANSFORMATION. Explain how your solution provides 10X more value; than its closest alternative. That UNIQUE, PROPRIETARY process or tech will scale your business and DEFEND its market share.

Think of this as telling a compelling story. Start with a relatable problem statement that paints a vivid picture of the pain point your customers face. Then, introduce your solution as the hero that swoops in to save the day. Make it so engaging that investors can't help but root for your solution.

Dedicated slides on your pitch deck for: Risks to business success Your unique & defendable value proposition Your exit plan Profit road map (your investors ROI) Know your financials like the back of your hand!

Taking a very broad market view at times gives a view of very large market opportunity, however if this is sliced and segmented more sharply in the specific business context the size of the opportunity may look different and will help build realistic expectations.

Picture your market opportunity as a treasure map. Investors want to see a clear map leading to a pot of gold. Describe your target market in a way that investors can visualize its vastness and potential. Share anecdotes or stories that illustrate why your market is ripe for your solution.

It’s important to spend time thinking through the business model, particularly around 1. How will it scale and a clear road map of when positive operating cash flows will be generated. 2. Equally important is to demonstrate, how flexible is the business model to adjust and respond to changing business scenarios, including any new disruptive models. The business model should show key levers which can be tweaked for adopting/responding to 1 and 2. 3. Most business plans will have revenue streams kicking in after a defined lead time and some level of linear growth, does it reflect realities of how the business is likely to perform and adjusted for such vagaries.

Imagine your business model as a recipe. Investors want to taste the delicious dish you're cooking up. Break down your revenue streams like ingredients, explaining how each contributes to the overall flavor. Use metaphors to make financial projections more digestible - it's like predicting how many slices of pie you'll sell at a bake sale.

Incorporating Blue Ocean Thinking: Creating a Plan That Redefines the Game Shift the focus from competition to innovation; most business plans obsess over analyzing competitors. Flip the script. Instead, dedicate a section to showcasing how you're not competing but creating. Paint a vivid picture of the industry's "red oceans" crowded with competition, and then unveil your "blue ocean" where you reign as the undisputed king or queen.

Consider your marketing and sales strategy as a roadmap to a hidden gem. Investors want to know the twists and turns you'll take to reach your destination. Explain your strategy like you're narrating a thrilling adventure. Use storytelling to convey how you'll win the hearts and wallets of your customers.

Imagine investors as curious explorers embarking on a journey with you. They may spot potential roadblocks or detours. Address these challenges with transparency, like a seasoned guide. Show how you've prepared for any weather and reassure them that you're committed to reaching the summit, no matter the obstacles.

Its easy to internalize your plan...afterall, your mind created that plan. ...but you aren't selling your business plan to yourself. Step outside of your own comfort zone and try to look at it from a totally different perspective. If is doesn't make total sense from that perspective, chances are its not going to make total sense to most of your potential investors. When you make an investor think "why didn't I think of that", you will gain their full attention!

Your why and the story behind your why are crucial in convincing investors. Tug at their heart strings and convince them you are human. Your business is not just a way for investors to make money, but it's something they can believe in and feel good about investing in. Storytelling in your business plan works, not just for investors, but even for grant proposals.