Rating: 
Summary: Great for beginners and simple, direct business plans
Review: As a first timer - new to biz plans - I found it an immense help, especially with the financial wizards. I was rushing on a deadline, and since my plan was relatively simple for a small business, this software helped me set it up and prepare the financial statements in a fraction of the time than if I had to do from scratch.I would advise anyone trying it, to first just go through it quickly by typing simple answers in each section, and then review how it prints out. This way you can see how the final report is organized, and you can go back and edit. You will also avoid repetition by doing this first. I spent more time than they estimated, but if I had done the above, I would have completed it even faster. All the charts and graphs are optional. What I liked is that they provided the ideas and information that I needed to begin, and then I could create my own and insert them where I wanted. The table evaluations were fantastic for me because they indicated where I stand finanicially, and gave me feedback on the areas that I had to work on and develop better. I couldn't readily format it the way I wanted to cut down on the number of pages and spaces, and I didn't have the time to try to learn that with the software, so I exported it to Word, where I know how to format. Being able to export it into Word was a huge help. I was delighted to see that the Table of Contents kept its functions when I exported it to Word, so even though I changed pages, the table adjusted itself. Bottom line, it saved me time, helped me understand what needed to be included, helped communicate it in a way that anyone can read (not overly technical), and best of all, set up and calculated all those financial statements for me.
Rating: 
Summary: Solid Business Planning
Review: As a new business developer, I was searching for an easy to use tool to help me plan my business. Business Plan Pro 2003 definitely was what I needed. I wasn't sure where to start, but the program's Wizards stepped me through the process. The sample plans were extremely helpful. AND to be able to pull everything into Quickbooks was fantastic. Thank you, Palo Alto.
Rating:
Summary: Why write a plan without it?
Review: As I approached the task of writing a business plan for a new business venture I was getting involved in, I debated trying to write the plan just using Microsoft Office or using a software product. Boy am I glad I found Business Plan Pro. It's excellent instructions, examples, and wizard-driven process had me breezing through my plan quickly and easily. I could see my progress as I went along, and it took all my questions about what makes a good business plan away. I'm so glad I chose this product instead of trying to do it all on my own. Don't make the mistake I almost made!
Rating: 
Summary: Undercooked and overhyped
Review: Based on some of the reviews I read about Business Plan Pro 2002, I had high expectations for this product. Boy, was I disappointed. First, some of the good points: 1. The books that accompany the software cover most of the basics that new entrepreneurs need to know. If you've never started and run a business, these books are a good starting point. 2. The software will help somebody who has never written a business plan to start moving in the right direction. Now, some of the low points: 1. Even though I immediately ran the online product update to get the latest patches, error messages popped up incessantly during the Wizard processes, causing key steps to be skipped. At other times, the application crashed altogether. I assume that these bugs will be patched in the near future, but I can't believe that Palo Alto shipped software that was so obviously flawed. 2. Although the box cover promises "400+ sample plans", I only found 300. Among the missing were several businesses specifically named on the box. And the sample plans that actually are included are amateur, at best. 3. The "market research resources" is nothing but a bunch of links to third-party websites. The link to "Simmons Research" opens up the website for "Simmons Mattress". 4. Anybody highly proficient in Excel and Word will probably feel more comfortable rolling their own plan. Business Plan Pro's quirky interface makes you feel that you have relatively little control over what you are doing. Conclusions: If you already know what you are doing, or can afford to spend serious money on a consultant, you'll probably be better off without Business Plan Pro (especially if you are looking for venture capital). If you are looking to raise a relatively small amount of money (e.g., an SBA loan), absolutely can't afford a good consultant, and have no idea where to start, this product will get you moving in the right direction, albeit not without a lot of headaches. You might be better off with a book instead.
Rating:
Summary: Couldn't pick a better software
Review: Business Plan Pro 2003 walked me through a system that wrote my business plan for me. It took me 3 weeks to do my business plan and I can use the program over and over again in the future.
Rating:
Summary: Worth Every Penny!
Review: Business Plan Pro allowed me to do several things I had never done before:
1. Write a business plan
2. Make a presentation to a bank
3. Get financing for my business This software proved to be an incredible tool for me. I did some research, looked at other options, and I made the right choice. And at this price, I could not have received a greater value.
Rating:
Summary: I couldn't have done it without it!
Review: Business Plan Pro guided me through every step of a process that was totally foreign to me. I had no idea where to start. Business Plan Pro did. The experience began with some wizards, and I just let them lead me through the process. It was so easy as it took me one step at a time. I was able to review several business plans as I went and the final product was incredible. I GOT MY FINANCING! I couldn't have asked for a better experience or a better value.
Rating:
Summary: Very Helpful, Excellent Software
Review: Business Plan Pro was tremedously helpful to me in preparing my business plan. The software was easy to use and takes you step by step through a quality process. I have nothing but great things to say about the program.
Rating:
Summary: Very Helpful, Excellent Software
Review: Business Plan Pro was tremedously helpful to me in preparing my business plan. The software was easy to use and takes you step by step through a quality process. I have nothing but great things to say about the program.
Rating:
Summary: All the help you need to write a great plan
Review: I bought Business Plan Pro because i needed to write a business plan before i sold my business. I wanted to have a document that showed how successful my business was to make it attractive to potential buyers. I had never written a business plan before, and I was dreading the process. I bought Business Plan Pro and I am thrilled. It walks you through all the steps and helps you write a plan that is YOURS. It's not one of these lame cookie-cutter tools that make all plans look the same. I came out with a business plan that printed with color charts and tables, and clearly showed the value of my business for a potential buyer. I only wish I had known about Business Plan Pro sooner - what a great tool to help you understand the financials of your business, and plan your business accordingly.
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