Collaboration, Analysis, and Business Plan Creation

This week, we will put our minds together to ensure a clear vision for every element of Pick it Sweets & Treats.  On Monday, we will discuss what we are, how we look, what we sell, how much we'll make, and why we're different from the rest.  This will springboard us into our Tuesday-Friday tasks, when we will actually draft the business plan.  Here's a breakdown of Monday's discussion topics, followed by departmental assignments Tuesday through Friday:

Monday
Objectives: Discuss all elements of business, determine company goals, align ideas to create consistent vision throughout entire organization.
Clear Target: We can create a consistent vision for a virtual organization

CEO and CFO to lead discussion of the following topics:

• Goals for the year/business plan - see old business plan rubric with explanations for assistance
• Identify competition - both virtual and real (please do this before class Monday)
• Determine brand identity - Please read Wikipedia explanation - our mission statement and goals will align with our identity
• Discuss product line, estimated profit margin, and price structure of business
• Approximate sales revenue from contracts, Trade Fair, and normal operations
• Determine why we'll sell our products - Why will people use their discretionary income on our products? Is there enough discretionary income to be spent on our products?
• Differentiate ourselves from competition - Why are we better than the competition?

**Admin department to keep minutes and take notes on discussion.  Notes to be reported to all employees and Spinella

Tuesday - Friday
Objectives: Analyze previous business plans, draft entire business plan, report finished drafts to CEO and Spinella
Clear Target: We can create a business plan
**Please refer to the Gotham Enterprises Business Plan for a solid model, along with any previously created business plans for additional assistance.  Also, my blog entries from January 2014 through March 2014 provide a detailed explanation of how I would approach writing each element of the business plan.  Finally, check your Google Drive for PowerPoint presentations that contain additional links and videos to resources that will help you write each element. 
**Remember, all elements of the business plan are measured by this scoring rubric.  Please complete each section according to what is asked by this file.   

Here's a breakdown of each business plan element and the assignment for each:


Cover Page & Design/Layout
Web Design/IT is responsible for cover page and design/layout of plan.  The Gotham plan has a great layout and we should find something that pops just like it.

Executive Summary
CEO is responsible for completing the Executive Summary once all other elements have been turned in.  Executive Summary is often the only part of a business plan that potential investors read, so you must ensure all pertinent information is presented in an interesting, yet not overstated, manner.  Make sure our vision jumps off the page.

Company Description and Mission Statement
HR and Admin have been working on this and will amend as needed

Management Function
HR and Admin are responsible for all elements of the Management function

Assessment of the Environment
Executive Team will complete this element of the plan

The Marketing Mix: The FIVE Ps
Sales/Marketing is responsible for completing this section of the plan

Breakeven Analysis and Financial Data
Accounting/Finance will complete this section of the plan

SWOT Analysis & Business Assumptions/Risks
This section is to be completed by Admin & HR. 

As always, I'm available in class or via email if you are working on things on your own outside of class.  Keep your focus.  You're going to make a great business plan!