Description:
The most popular--and formidable--product in Jian's well-tested "Tools for Sales" portfolio, BizPlan Builder is an excellent, step-by-step, instant-business-plan package. Making its first appearance in 1995 as version 5.0, this application should prove to be a valuable investment, whether you're a daydreaming entrepreneur or a decorated veteran. PC users will be especially happy with version 7.0, which includes an interactive interviewing tool that fills out the various parts of your business plan for you. Mac users will have to content themselves with document templates that can be used with Word, Works, and Excel. However, the program does provide over 20 new forms, featuring everything from loan proposal summary letters to well-designed articles of incorporation and a due diligence checklist. Even without the PC-based interview, BizPlan Builder provides reams of guidance and technical know-how as well as straightforward sample docs. Better yet, the thick manual that comes with BizPlan Builder is not just for troubleshooting the application, it's also for troubleshooting your business plan itself. From the initial Top 20 Questions that prepare you to be grilled by investors, to information-packed appendices with tips on finding funding and presenting your business plan, this handbook represents the distillation of shelf-loads of other business publications. Even if BizPlan Builder does nothing but convince you that you're in over your head, consider that money well spent. --Paul Hughes
| 
