Understanding the Executive Summary
The Executive Summary is the most important section of a business plan, and while presented first, should be written last. It is an “enthusiastic and realistic snapshot” and should be no more than 10%, in page count, of your business plan. Usually a few pages is sufficient. Its purpose is to explain the fundamentals of the business in a way that both informs and stimulates the reader.
Executive Summary: an overview of a plan or proposal written for an executive that does not have the time to read the entire report. The Executive Summary could include:
• A clear explanation of your business
• A quick description of the market need that your business will address
• Qualifying points that showcase how you intend to meet this need
• Identifying the customer and the competition
• Highlights of your management and your marketing plans
• A summarization of your financial projections
• Introduction to any investment opportunities or request for funding
Remember, this must be written so well that the reader will want to read your entire business plan.
For more information about Executive Summaries and Business Planning strategies and examples, visit: www.ionfreshstart.com