Rating: 
Summary: For the non-MBA entrepreneurial wannabes!
Review: As someone who fits the above category, this book seems to have all, and more, that I need to constructively think about what it takes to build a business from scratch, and have a document that will help induce others to invest in it! (Although talk to me after I've actually tried to launch the thing!;-))
Rating:
Summary: The best book available for writing your plan
Review: Bypass the complete book of business plans and go right to this book. Not only did it assist me (tremendously!) in the writing of my plan, but I enjoyed it from both the perspective of useful information and it's concise yet comprehensive content. This book attempts to do what so many "how to" books fail to do... it tells you how to do what you're looking to do in a straightforward and matter-of fact way. There's not a lot of philosophizing in this book (yawn!) like you might find in others but rather an abundance of useful, timely and real world information. Writing a plan? Read this book!
Rating:
Summary: The best book available for writing your plan
Review: Bypass the complete book of business plans and go right to this book. Not only did it assist me (tremendously!) in the writing of my plan, but I enjoyed it from both the perspective of useful information and it's concise yet comprehensive content. This book attempts to do what so many "how to" books fail to do... it tells you how to do what you're looking to do in a straightforward and matter-of fact way. There's not a lot of philosophizing in this book (yawn!) like you might find in others but rather an abundance of useful, timely and real world information. Writing a plan? Read this book!
Rating: 
Summary: I don't recommend it.
Review: I found this book too much focused on "Mission statements" "values" and "vision", which I would expect is your entrepreneural common sense. It includes very little about actually preparing statements or plans. There is only one sample plan at the end for a winery. I didn't find any information on approaching investors. I returned this book and bought Nolo's book instead.
Rating:
Summary: An excellent and practical book for all businesses
Review: I provide consulting help on business and strategic planning for clients in the US and Brazil. I came across this book originally in its Portuguese version. Now, I'm recommending it to all my clients in both countries. It makes my job of explaining what is a business plan much easier and introduces business people to the ideas and, more importantly, the attitude you need to undertake planning. I recommend it highly.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent resource for strategy and planning
Review: I provide consulting help on business and strategic planning for clients in the US and Brazil. I came across this book originally in its Portuguese version. Now, I'm recommending it to all my clients in both countries. It makes my job of explaining what is a business plan much easier and introduces business people to the ideas and, more importantly, the attitude you need to undertake planning. I recommend it highly.
Rating: 
Summary: The title says it all...
Review: I'm a business planning consultant and a client just gave me a copy of this book. Way too basic, not enough help on the most important part of any business plan: the financials. If you want to get funded, look for a better book.
Rating: 
Summary: Good Reference for Beginners and Intermediates Alike
Review: I've done a number of business plans in my time and bought this book as a gift for a friend who wants to start her own business. I purchased it because it includes all of the basics needed to develop a business plan that will guide you as you start and build your business and will also give you the credibility you need to secure outside financing. This is a very good step-by-step guide for those completely new to business and an excellent refresher guide for those who already know the basics.And, by the way, you can skip the companion Dummies book called Business Plans Kit, which covers the same ground as this book but includes a CD-ROM that doesn't add much value. The truth is, this book is cheaper and offers just as much help as the larger and more expensive kit version.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Reference for Beginners and Intermediates Alike
Review: I've done a number of business plans in my time and bought this book as a gift for a friend who wants to start her own business. I purchased it because it includes all of the basics needed to develop a business plan that will guide you as you start and build your business and will also give you the credibility you need to secure outside financing. This is a very good step-by-step guide for those completely new to business and an excellent refresher guide for those who already know the basics. And, by the way, you can skip the companion Dummies book called Business Plans Kit, which covers the same ground as this book but includes a CD-ROM that doesn't add much value. The truth is, this book is cheaper and offers just as much help as the larger and more expensive kit version.
Rating:
Summary: A Quick and Cheap Effective Business Education
Review: Many people starting a business have no prior business experience and have taken no college or university courses on business. Bill Gates is a guy that comes to mind. Everyone needs a basic plan. Unfortunately when you start you might be in a hurry. You might have a compelling technical product that customers are ordering and suddenly you are thrust into a situation where you must manage a company. It can start so fast that you are playing catch-up. So a good idea is to have a good accountant and maybe an MBA consultant that one can talk to. But in the end you make the decisions. This book is a nice quick summary of making a plan and a place to start. For $15. it is a bargain and do not be fooled by the price. There is lots of good stuff in this book. It is one of the cheapest thing in the office as I am sure you are aware.. For what it is three or four stars. Jack in Toronto
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