Introduction
A business plan refers to a formal presentation of business goals, how the business intends to achieve the goals, and the reasons for choosing those goals (Bangs, 2002). A business plan also includes a description of what the business does, the markets served, as well as the features that make it standout from their competitors. A business plan can apply to a start up business or an existing business that intends to expand its operations, introduce a new product into the market, or rebrand (Bangs, 2002). A business plan focuses on either internal or external elements of a business. External business elements include customers and investors who associate with a business. Internally focused business plans target transitional goals that help in reaching external goals (Bangs, 2002). This essay will provide a business plan for a computer business that I am starting up. The business plan will include a statement of the business vision, goals, operational strategies, as well as an internally and externally focused SWOT analysis. The name of the business I am starting up is Starlight Computer Solutions Ltd.
Business Description
Starlight Computer Solutions Ltd will focus on offering cloud computing services and solutions to its various clients. Our client base will include businesses and individuals. The business will operate from the capital city, with a start-up workforce of twenty employees. We will set up an office in the central business district, where we intend to draw most of our clients. The start-up capital will be $1.5 million, which will cater for salaries within the first few months of operation, getting an office, acquiring the necessary resources and assets, obtaining essential documents and licenses, as well as marketing the business (Bangs, 2002). Starlight computer services will offer various types of cloud computing services to various clients in line with their preferences and our corporate values.
The services we will offer to our clients are social networking, e-mail, online offices, backup services, as well as banking and financial services (Miller, 2008). Provision of these services will require strict adherence to our corporate culture and organizational structure. The corporate values for my business include professionalism, teamwork, integrity, honesty, responsibility, and customer prioritization (Miller, 2008). The organizational structure of Starlight Computer Solutions will have three levels comprising of a business director, business managers, and employees. The business intends to achieve good revenue margins by focusing on our strengths, identifying our weaknesses, exploiting available opportunities, and addressing all the threats to our business.
Mission Statement
To provide the business community and entrepreneurs in my country with quality cloud computing services, technical support, and unequaled customer service in a professional manner that meet their immediate and future needs, while observing the business practice code of ethics.
Business Goals
Starlight Computer Solutions developed a set of goals that it hopes to achieve within the next two to three years covered by this plan. The first goal is to build a reputable customer base within the first year of operation (Abrams, 2003). The second goal is to maximize on revenue margins and reduce on operational cost within the first year of operation. The third goal is to nurture a culture of professionalism and ethical behavior in the workforce as part of my business culture within the first six months of operation. The fourth goal is to develop a reliable and professional communication strategy with all clients within the first year of operation (Abrams, 2003). The fifth goal is to earn the trust and support of all employees within the first six months of doing business. The sixth and final goal I want to achieve with this business plan is to retain and attract as many clients as possible within the second and third years of operation.
Operational Strategies
Key to the success of a cloud computing service business is effectively and professionally designed operational strategies (Waters, 2006). The strategies the business will apply in implementing various business activities will determine how well it can meet the needs of its customers and longevity of the business amid numerous competitors. The first strategy is to build and maintain deliberate alliances with various business partners in the field of computer and technology services (Waters, 2006). This is essential when planning to diversify operations and services, as the business will be aware of what their competitors and partners are doing.
This will help in avoiding duplication of efforts by others as well as market analysis for better performance. The second strategy is designing a marketing strategy that focuses on the needs of the target market, as well as the customer needs (Waters, 2006). For the business to succeed, it has to meet all the needs provided by the market, and at the same time focusing on clients who are core to business success. The third operational strategy for the business is developing a management approach that applies a scorecard in assessing commitment towards business objectives. The scorecard applies in assessing the progress of growth by comparing set goals with their recurrent results (Waters, 2006).
Another strategy is emphasis on service and support provision (Waters, 2006). The business intends to achieve this through networking, employee training, and encouraging all employees to develop intimate business relationships with as many clients as possible. Value and quality is another strategy for the business, as clients will always look out for products that excite them and meet their needs at the same time. Our sales strategy will be to sell Starlight Computer Solutions as a market leader and friend in cloud computing. This will require a positive attitude, innovation, as well as an orientation towards our clients, activities, and revenue targets (Waters, 2006). Another strategy is professionalism in the manner in which all activities apply. This will include customer relations, employee relations, and commitment to the corporate culture of the business.
SWOT Analysis
This is a planning approach applied in evaluating the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats involved in a business (Richter, 2009). The main advantage of SWOT analysis is that it provides information that helps in developing strategic plans for the actualization of an objective (Richter, 2009). Information applied in SWOT analysis falls under internal factors and external factors. Internal factors entail strengths and weaknesses within a business, while external factors entail opportunities and threats external to a business. Starlight Computer Solutions will have numerous strengths and weaknesses from its internal environment, as well as opportunities and threats from the outside environment. The strength of the business lies in the organizational structure and operational strategies. The organizational structure of the business provides an inclusive environment that will allow everyone to participate in all activities of the business (Richter, 2009). Key business decisions will involve everyone, thus keeping motivation and morale to work high.
The weaknesses of the business lie in the inexperienced workforce and limited resources. Providing computer services to businesses and entrepreneurs requires an experienced workforce that can easily identify customer needs, and the best applicable solutions to the problems. For a start-up business, limited resources are always a challenge that limits the ability to meet all the set goals in an objective and timely manner (Richter, 2009). However, the external environment provides opportunities for the business to counter any challenges. One of the opportunities for the business is a chance to diversify the services they offer their clients to include information system management and information technology training.
Apart from the challenge of cloud computing, some clients can have other technology related challenges that my business can diversify into and expand its operations. The possible threats for the business are high employee turn over due to attractive job packages offered by businesses with adequate resources and employee training programs. Employee satisfaction is essential to success in a business, and employees will look for an employer who can meet all their needs (Richter, 2009). Another threat is an over flooded market of cloud computing service providers. Many people have embraced technology, thus a high possibility of numerous companies offering the same service.
Conclusion
A business plan is an important part of creating a business. It provides the roadmap for identifying the essential resources, the kind of workforce needed, market needs for the intended business products, as well as the appropriate operational strategies. A business plan also identifies the goals of a business and effective strategies for actualizing the goals. A business without a plan set its self up for failure. Good operational strategies compliment a professionally developed business plan, thus the need to apply effective and economical ones.
References
Abrams, R. (2003). The Successful Business Plan: Secrets & Strategies. New York: Cengage Learning.
Bangs, D. (2002). Business Planning Guide. London: Oxford Publishers.
Miller, M. (2008). Cloud Computing: Web-Based Applications that Change the Way You Work and Collaborate. New York: Cengage Learning.
Richter, A. (2009). SWOT Analysis- Idea, Methodology and a Practical Approach. New York: John Wiley & Sons.
Waters, D. (2006). Operations Strategy. New York: CENGAGE.