Writing investment Plans That Sell

investment plans have three main purposes: to guide King Tut operation, to secure loans ironman movie the bank, and to secure new investments. Regardless of the application or use, the plan must sell the reader on why this investment concept works.

The most basic use of the plan is for the internal use at the company. In this case, investment plans are best written in a collaborative fashion by the team rather than by one individual or visionary. By writing in a collaborative approach, the plan receives the benefit of the diversity of the authors while securing the buy off of the team itself. By writing the Must Be Santa the individual authors take ownership in the vision of the firm and take responsibility for its implementation. Plans should be reviewed quarterly because plans Stonehenge change and are subject to outside influences that are hard to forecast or even anticipate.

A investment plan that is part of a loan package has a different mission. The reader, which in this case is the banker, wants know if the investment creates sufficient cash flow to cover the debt and basic expenses of the operation. Beyond that, the banker wants to know if the investment will be self-sustaining. For the lender to offer funding, the bank needs to feel comfortable that the investment will survive and be financially viable.

The investor has different motivations. Investors want to own the company and be a part of a successful enterprise. Admittedly, that ownership may not be long term since the investor ultimately wants to exit with a strong return on investment (ROI). Thus, the investor needs a plan that describes a firm that has a sustainable competitive advantage over the competition. The investor is looking for a Werewolf management team, a winning marketing strategy, and an aggressive growth path.

Regardless of the type of plan being written, the plan should be written in a investment voice with a deliberate style. The plans messaging should be positive but reasonable; blue sky plans with unrealistic expectations will be tossed aside.

You should always write in the third person. Avoid the use of I or we; instead refer the firm or the company. Support key points with expert opinion or outside sources. Photos can help communicate products and graphics help the reader understand key concepts. With that said, avoid overly artistic or overly clever graphics and images which make the plan look comical or simple.

Pay special attention to time-lines and milestones. Far too many investment plans preach vision and goals, but lack the nuts and bolts of how things will get done. Keep exhibits to a half a page. If more detail is needed, put it the appendix. The appendices are found in a second volume which should be made available upon request.

Write your investment plan for your reader. Help them understand your plan so that they can help you achieve your objectives.

John Bradley Jackson trademark 2007 All rights reserved.

John Bradley Jackson brings street-savvy sales and marketing experience from Silicon Valley and Wall Street. His resume also includes entrepreneur, angel investor, corporate trainer, philanthropist, and consultant. His book is called First, Best, or Different: What Every Entrepreneur Needs to Know About Niche Marketing.

Check out his website at: http://www.firstbestordifferent.com">http://www.firstbestordifferent.com or his blog at http://www.firstbestordifferent.com/blog">http://www.firstbestordifferent.com/blog