Issue link: https://www.ahpindiestylist.com/i/1544743
60 AHP Indie Stylist Volume 7 Issue 1 If you're feeling overwhelmed, it's OK. is seems like a lot, and it is, but your business plan doesn't need to be written in a day—and it doesn't need to be perfect. Your business plan will change throughout your career and will always need updating, so consider it a work in progress and don't let not knowing all the answers be a reason to put off writing one. GOALS STATEMENT A goals statement is the section where you write out business priorities, both long- and short-term goals, and the steps you intend to take to reach each goal. It's sometimes easier to think of goals by considering your first and second years as short- term, and years three, four, and five as long-term. If you are just starting, one of your first goals might be to find a profitable location for your business. To do this, research the business need in that area, assess the competition, investigate population statistics such as average income, and figure out business visibility and foot traffic. A long-term goal might be continuously growing your expertise and broadening the range of clients you serve. Steps you could take to meet this goal could include different types of continuing education. BUSINESS DESCRIPTION For your business description, describe some of your business's finer details—address, website, social media links, and email. Write about your business location (if you have one), the city's population statistics, and an overview of your immediate surroundings. You can list the major services you offer and detail the products and equipment you will use. ink about any unique features your business will have and what will set it apart. If you are considering selling retail, mention the product lines you want to sell. is is also where you would put a sample menu with prices. MARKETING PLAN e first part of your marketing plan should be figuring out your target market. Are you a stylist who specializes in mermaid coloring or a barber wanting to offer services in a business district? ese two professionals would have very different target markets and would advertise in different ways. is is also where you want to think about the type of monthly budget you intend to have for advertising and how you plan on spending it. You can include free ways to advertise your business, such as posting in Facebook groups, hosting giveaways, and creating referral programs.