.tv Business plan for a .tv website start-up.

[johntv]

As I'm starting to write a business plan for a .tv website soon, is there anyone here who has experience with writing one or can show an example I can use or has information (or a link to a site which provides information) on how to write one?

I'm only a little bit familiar with business plans, so all advice, information or examples are welcome and highly appreciated!!

Thanks, John.

 

[localexperts]

John, if you need a pair of eyes to review it; I would be happy. If you need any advice or want to ask a question, I would be happy to help.

Unfortunately its been years since I wrote one and I think the computer where I stored by last one has been thrown out. I did not write one for Local Experts.

Is it a business plan to organize your thoughts and develop a plan or to secure angel investing?

If to secure angel investing, the key things are your background (and key team members), marketplace definition, competitors, how do you plan to market the site, the business model (including SWOT), the revenue projections, and your plans to spend the capital you raise.

There is more to the plan, but I've found those are the sections with the greatest impact.

George

UPDATE - One more things, KMIs - how do you plan to define and measure success with the business including key milestones. For example, in the lead business we measure rev per lead. We have certain growth projections and can project revenue for the next year based on natural growth with this KMI as more advertisers signup with our service.

 

[johntv]

Is it a business plan to organize your thoughts and develop a plan or to secure angel investing?

It's first to just 'organize' any thoughts on a video site like all costs involved from renewal fee, hosting, marketing (traffic) to development (maintenance) and how to get income from the traffic, it will not be something very huge and it's not for any angel investment, at least not for now.

So far I have done some development, but despite investing in for example 18 video sites (like www.hardrock.tv) I had no real plan, so it's basically to get things organized and to get rid of the 'hobby' feeling and take it more serious. I have written two business plans before, but they were only for flowers in Africa and for sure this will be a bit different

John, if you need a pair of eyes to review it; I would be happy. If you need any advice or want to ask a question, I would be happy to help.

Thanks, appreciate it and will get back to you when I have something ready.

If to secure angel investing, the key things are your background (and key team members), marketplace definition, competitors, how do you plan to market the site, the business model (including SWOT), the revenue projections, and your plans to spend the capital you raise. the plan, but I've found those are the sections with the greatest impact.

UPDATE - One more things, KMIs - how do you plan to define and measure success with the business including key milestones. For example, in the lead business we measure rev per lead. We have certain growth projections and can project revenue for the next year based on natural growth with this KMI as more advertisers signup with our service.

Thanks for the advice!

 

[nicholas]

Instead of making a lengthy list of things you should put in, I'd advise you to check out Entrepreneur.com as well as explicitly googling for business plans. That is, unless you can spend the few bucks (and reading time) buying a book.

That way, you'll get a long list of great resources. Many of these will be for free, and what you need most (if you don't need specific advice on how and what to put in) is the contents and structure for your business plan; and these resources would be a great guide (For example, Executive Summary, market potential, revenue model, your team, financing needs and how they are spent/allocated, etc. etc. before delving into the financials like your budget, income, cash flow, etc.)

Note that business plans can be as long and comprehensive, or as short as you want. Following the guides can make for a bloated bizplan, so you'd be well advised to stick to the most important parts and focus on the potential of your idea.

Remember that great ideas are a dime a dozen. What investors look for is a good team and as importantly, how you convince them of the potential of the market of your idea, and how you're going to make it happen.

Note also that although not recommended for larger businesses, it is a known fact that many successful companies did start without a business plan. But all things being equal, you're always better off with a plan.

 

[johntv]

Nicholas, thanks for the advice and information!
Some good information on entrepreneur.com as well.

 

[RPK]

Jon, there is some software I use as a first step when ever I start a business. I use it more to organzie myself and it foces me to answer the tough questions. The software also comes with many sample plans and it is very easy to use.

http://www.businessplanpro.com/

They also have a version specifically for building websites as well.

Good Luck!

 

[johntv]

Thanks Richard, can I ask which version you use?

 

[RPK]

Thanks Richard, can I ask which version you use?

I have it at my office, but I believe it was version 10.0 Standard. I also got the Marketing Pro Program and the Web Site version, but I ended up only using the Business Plan version.