Before you start you need to create a business plan.  When I was consulting for small start-up businesses I would regularly hear, “I’ve got all the money I need I thought you write a business plan from banks?”.  In fact for traditional business models that’s typically true.  But any small startup can benefit from forming a business plan.  It will allow them to see indepth marketing trends, start up costs, intended operating costs, and provide a framework for growth.

Personally for banking purposes a Business Plan, whether it be a 5 page summary of crap, or a 45 analytical masterpiece, is actually pretty useless.  Most banks only invest in startups that have set business models and have a great start-up history.  Your traditional LAN Center doesn’t have this benefit.  Infact first time you talk to a loan officer (If you ever get that far) you’ll spend most of your time explain what a LAN Center even is.

The business plans intent is for you the business owner to understand what you are going to pursue outline how your going to pursue it and the methods your going to use to make this successful.  You want your business plan to clearly outline where you intend to get start-up funding.  What your start up expenses are and have these very detailed for the first 6 motnhs because that is likely how long its going to take before you start getting a return on investment.

When I started I went to a consultant and they assisted me with my first business (It wasn’t a LAN Center) and they asked the questions and outlined things I hadn’t thought of.  That’s why I personally suggest to find someone that is able to assist you in writing your business plan professionally.

My next article will start discussing LAN center Specifics.  Everything from equipment you’ll need to who your ISP should be.

-deeds